Kitchen Sink Cookies That Make Every Holiday Sweeter

There’s something magical about baking during the holidays. You might notice that even the simplest recipe feels a little more special when the tree is lit, the kitchen smells cozy, and you’re sneaking chocolate chips like a kid again. That’s exactly why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies have become a favorite in so many homes. They’re playful, packed with texture, and loaded with everything you love about festive baking. If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that captures the holiday spirit in every bite, this one will feel like it was made just for you.

You’ll be surprised by how easily these cookies come together, and once you make a batch, you’ll understand why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies belong on every holiday cookie tray.

What Are Kitchen Sink Cookies And Why They’re Perfect For Christmas

You may already know that “kitchen sink” cookies get their name from the idea that you toss in everything but the kitchen sink. That’s the fun of them. You’re not locked into just chocolate chips or sprinkles. Instead, you’re encouraged to throw in pretzels for crunch, holiday M&Ms for color, and even potato chips if you want a salty twist.

A Cookie That Feels Like Christmas In Every Bite

You’ll get a blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy all at once. Holiday candies melt slightly, sprinkles give you that festive look, and pretzels or chips offer a contrast you don’t find in a traditional sugar cookie. Because of that mix, these cookies stand out on a Christmas dessert table, and they travel well for gifting.

Why These Cookies Are So Versatile

Another perk is how forgiving the dough is. Maybe your pantry is down to half a bag of white chocolate chips, leftover candy canes, or the last scoop of toffee bits. You can mix and match without worrying about messing anything up. During the holidays, when your kitchen already feels busy, a flexible cookie recipe is exactly what you need.

Classic Recipe: Ingredients And Step-By-Step Instructions

If you like a cookie that bakes up soft in the center with golden edges, you’ll appreciate how this dough behaves. Because the ingredients are simple and familiar, you can pull everything together in minutes.

Ingredients

Butter, softened: 1 cup
Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed
Granulated sugar: ½ cup
Large eggs: 2
Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups
Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup
White chocolate chips: 1 cup
Holiday M&Ms: 1 cup
Crushed pretzels: 1 cup
Holiday sprinkles: 2 tablespoons
Optional mix-ins: ½ cup potato chips, nuts, or crushed cookies

this recipe

Step-By-Step Instructions

Mixing The Dough

Start by blending the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture looks light and creamy. As you beat in the eggs and vanilla, the mixture thickens slightly, and you’ll notice it starts to resemble a classic cookie base.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. When you fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stop as soon as the flour disappears. Overmixing can make cookies tough, and you want a soft, tender result.

Adding The Mix-Ins

Once the dough comes together, stir in your chocolate chips, pretzels, M&Ms, and optional extras. The dough will feel full, almost like it’s holding more mix-ins than dough, and that’s exactly what you want.

Baking For Perfect Texture

Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet. If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for about twenty minutes first. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool.

Popular Mix-In Ideas And Fun Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is the freedom to customize it. If you’ve ever cleaned out your pantry before baking, you know how satisfying it feels to use up small handfuls of leftover treats.

Festive Add-Ins

Holiday M&Ms stay bright even after baking, so they add great color to your cookies. Seasonal sprinkles melt slightly into the dough but keep pops of red and green.

Sweet And Salty Combos

Pretzels or potato chips give you that salty crackle that balances the sweetness beautifully. If you’ve never tried potato chips in a cookie, you’ll be surprised by how well they work. They melt into the dough just enough to add crunch without tasting greasy.

Creative Ideas

You can add caramel bits for extra chew, chopped nuts for depth, or crushed peppermint for a minty version. If you want a richer cookie, swap white chocolate chips for butterscotch or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top.

Dietary Variations And Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily adapt these cookies for different dietary needs without losing their festive charm.

Vegan

Use plant-based butter and replace eggs with flax eggs. Choose dairy-free chocolate chips and vegan-friendly candies. The dough stays just as workable, and the cookies bake up soft and golden.

Gluten-Free

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Because these blends often contain starches, your cookies may spread a little more, so chilling the dough helps maintain thickness.

Low-Calorie Or Lighter Options

Use fewer mix-ins or replace half the chocolate with chopped nuts or seeds. Reducing the sugar slightly still leaves you with a chewy cookie, especially if you add a touch more vanilla for flavor.

Halal

Most ingredients are already Halal-friendly. Just make sure your chocolate chips and candies are gelatin-free and alcohol-free. You can also use pure vanilla powder if you prefer to avoid liquid extracts.

Storage, Make-Ahead, And Gifting Tips

You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the dough in scoops and bake whenever you need a quick treat. They bake beautifully straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the bake time.

If you like giving homemade gifts, these cookies fit perfectly into tins or small gift boxes. Their colors stay bright and cheerful, and the mix of textures makes them stand out among classic holiday treats.

Troubleshooting And Baking Tips For Perfect Cookies Every Time

If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough or adding a tablespoon of flour to the next batch. When the cookies look too pale, leave them in for an extra minute; they should be lightly golden around the edges. To make them look bakery-style, press a few extra M&Ms or pretzels on top right after they come out of the oven. They’ll settle into the warm cookie and give you that picture-perfect finish.

When you want a dessert that feels fun, customizable, and delightfully chaotic in the best way, these Kitchen Sink Cookies bring all the flavor and holiday personality you’re craving. Whether you’re filling a cookie platter, prepping treats for neighbors, or just craving something sweet and festive, this recipe delivers every time.

FAQ

What makes Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies different from regular cookies?

These cookies stand out because you load them with a mix of sweet and salty add-ins like chocolate chips, pretzels, and holiday candies. The combination creates a chewy, crunchy texture that makes Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies feel extra festive compared to a basic chocolate chip cookie.

Can you freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookie dough?

Yes, the dough freezes extremely well. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months. You can bake them straight from the freezer by adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Why are they called “kitchen sink” cookies?

They get their name from the idea that you can throw in everything but the kitchen sink. You can mix chocolates, nuts, pretzels, sprinkles, and just about any leftover treat, which makes these cookies fun and customizable.

How do you keep Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies soft?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a small piece of bread or a marshmallow. Both help maintain moisture so your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies stay soft and chewy for days.

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