These Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies bring together all your favorite holiday flavors and textures, creating a festive treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting. Packed with mix-ins like chocolate chips, pretzels, cranberries, and coconut, every bite is a delightful surprise. They’re ideal for using up pantry staples and spreading some holiday cheer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile: The mix-ins can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Gifting: These cookies are colorful, fun, and look fantastic in holiday packaging.
Crowd-Pleasing: With their combination of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Simple to Make: Straightforward steps make this a no-stress recipe, even during the busy holiday season.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional)
Directions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Add the Mix-Ins:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, cranberries, coconut, and sprinkles. The dough will be thick and loaded with mix-ins.
Shape and Bake:
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked but will set as they cool.
Cool and Serve:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes approximately 36 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Variations
Candy Cane Crunch: Add crushed candy canes for a peppermint twist.
Nut-Free: Skip the nuts and add more dried fruit or chocolate chips.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Spiced Holiday Cookies: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Extra Crunch: Add toffee bits or caramel pieces.
Storage/Reheating
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, shape the dough into balls and place on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Reheat baked cookies in the microwave for 10 seconds to enjoy them warm.
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FAQs
How can I make these cookies chewier?
Adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar or slightly underbaking the cookies will enhance their chewiness.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What other mix-ins work well in this recipe?
Toffee bits, M&Ms, chopped candy bars, or dried cherries are great options to experiment with.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling is not required, but if your dough feels too soft, chilling for 15-30 minutes can help prevent spreading.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Conclusion
These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season with a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With their customizable ingredients and irresistible flavor, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition. Whip up a batch and spread some festive cheer.
📖 Recipe:
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Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies! Packed with chocolate, pretzels, cranberries, and festive sprinkles, these customizable cookies are perfect for spreading Christmas cheer and making the most of your pantry staples.
Ingredients
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (220g) brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup white chocolate chips
1 cup crushed pretzels
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup festive sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Step 2: Make the Dough
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, cranberries, coconut, and sprinkles.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Customizable: Swap in your favorite mix-ins like toffee bits, M&Ms, or crushed candy canes.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze the dough for later use.
Gift Idea: Package these cookies in festive tins for a perfect holiday gift!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36 cookies
