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Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
I remember the first time I baked Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with my family. It was a chilly afternoon, and the scent of warm butter and sugar filled our home. We had gathered in the kitchen, bundled up in our cozy sweaters, excited to create something festive for the holidays. My little ones helped measure ingredients, and their laughter echoed as we mixed in a little bit of everything—chocolate, pretzels, and even crushed potato chips. This recipe is dear to my heart because it brings my family together. We now have delicious cookies that reflect our unique tastes, making each holiday a bit sweeter.
The beauty of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies lies in their delightful blend of flavors and textures. You can use whatever you have on hand, which makes them incredibly versatile. You might discover your new favorite combination by mixing chocolate, candies, and crunchy bits. Everyone in your family can contribute their personal touch, creating a warm, shared memory. The joy of baking together fosters a sense of connection and love that is hard to replicate.
Why Make This Recipe
Imagine walking into your home and being greeted by the sweet aroma of baked cookies straight from the oven. Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies make that dream a reality. You can enjoy the gift of this cozy treat because they are simple to prepare. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also allow for creativity in the kitchen. Each member of your family can add their favorite mix-ins, resulting in something unique every time you bake. This aspect makes them perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges during the holiday season.
You don’t have to worry about the process taking forever. In just about twenty minutes, you can mix everything and pop the cookies in the oven. While they bake, you can relish the anticipation of sharing them with loved ones. People will appreciate the comforting tastes and the bit of adventure in each bite. Plus, these cookies freeze beautifully. You can make a large batch and have them ready for unexpected guests or last-minute treats.
The flavors are not just limited to sweet. You get a delightful crunch from the potato chips and pretzels, which balances well with the creamy richness of white chocolate. Furthermore, adding festive M&Ms and colorful jimmies provides a visual appeal that brightens up any holiday table. This cookie recipe quickly becomes a family favorite, and you can’t go wrong when you share something made with love!
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 Egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, light packed
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup White sugar, granulated
- 1/3 cup Potato chip pieces
- 1/3 cup Pretzel pieces
- 3/4 cup Butter, salted
- 1/2 cup M&Ms, red and green
- 2 tablespoons red and green jimmies
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, potato chip pieces, pretzel pieces, M&Ms, and red and green jimmies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Serving Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is as delightful as making them. You can present them beautifully on a festive plate. Arrange them in a circle and add a few sprigs of rosemary or holly for a pop of color. They look great on your holiday dessert table, especially next to a steaming mug of cocoa or eggnog. Serve them warm right from the oven for the best experience; the gooey chocolate and crunchy bits create a heavenly combination.
You can also box some up as homemade gifts. Consider tying them with colorful ribbons for a simple yet thoughtful present. Include a handwritten recipe card for an extra personal touch. Kids love them straight from the fridge, which adds a different twist to enjoying these cookies. They are perfect for school or holiday parties when you need a quick treat to share. These cookies pair nicely with milk, coffee, or a festive punch.
How to Store Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
To keep your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies fresh, you should store them in an airtight container. They will remain good for about a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. In the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for about two weeks. You can also freeze them if you have leftovers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to three months in the freezer.
When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature for a couple of hours. For an extra touch, you can warm them slightly in the microwave. This will bring back their yummy softness. Always remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep everything looking and tasting as fresh as the day you made them!
Tips to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps to create a smooth, creamy mixture, which results in lighter cookies. Cold ingredients may lead to a denser texture, which isn’t ideal for these delightful cookies.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mixing should be gentle, ensuring that you fold in the add-ins without breaking the delicate air bubbles created earlier.
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Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help it hold its shape better while baking, ensuring your cookies are perfectly rounded and do not spread too much in the oven.
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Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes cleanup easier! You can reuse parchment paper for multiple batches, making your baking process efficient and fun.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies during baking. Ovens can vary, and the cookies are ready when they appear slightly golden around the edges. They will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so don’t wait until they look fully brown.
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Personalize Your Mix-ins: Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins. You can substitute the pretzels with nuts or the chocolate chips with caramel bits. Mixing it up can make a fun surprise each time you bake.
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Serving Warm: For the best texture, serve cookies warm from the oven. You can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds if they have cooled down. The gooey texture of the melted chocolate is truly irresistible when they are warm.
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Keep an Eye on the Texture: After cooling, if you find that your cookies are a bit on the crunchy side, place a slice of bread in the container with them. The bread’s moisture will help soften the cookies while they are stored.
Variation Ideas for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Chocolate Version: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for cocoa powder to create rich chocolate cookies. Add dark chocolate chips instead of white for a deeper, more intense flavor. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers!
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Nutty Version: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Nuts will add a rich, buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients well, making the cookies even more enjoyable.
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Minty Holiday Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract into the dough for a festive twist. This minty flavor pairs beautifully with chocolate chips. Top the cookies with crushed candy canes for a decorative touch.
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Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Ensure that all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free. These cookies can be just as delicious without gluten!
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Fruity Delight: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity spin. The fruit will enhance the sweetness and provide a chewy texture that pairs well with the crunchy bits.
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Low-Sugar Version: To make a lower-sugar option, replace half of the sugar with unsweetened applesauce. This will reduce the sugar content while adding moisture, keeping the cookies soft and delicious.
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Caramel or Butterscotch Treat: Mix in caramel bits or butterscotch chips along with white chocolate for a creamy and decadent flavor. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top of the cooled cookies for an extra special touch.
FAQs Of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
1. Can I freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! After they cool completely, place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature, or microwave them for a few seconds to warm them up.
2. What can I substitute for egg yolks?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a "flax egg" (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) to replace each egg yolk. These alternatives can help maintain the cookie’s moisture while being egg-free.
3. How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much while baking?
To keep your cookies from spreading, chill the dough before baking. Additionally, don’t overmix the dough and use the right amount of flour. You can also increase the flour by a tablespoon if you notice your dough is too soft.
4. Can I add more mix-ins?
Absolutely! The beauty of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is their adaptability. You can add more chocolate chips, nuts, or even different candies. Just make sure not to overload the dough, as it may affect the texture.
5. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
These cookies remain fresh for about a week at room temperature in an airtight container. If you refrigerate them, they can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them and follow the freezing advice above.
6. What should I serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm beverage like coffee or hot cocoa. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday dessert table alongside other treats such as fudge or brownies.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of flavors and textures, these versatile cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, allowing each family member to contribute their favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 3/4 cup Brown sugar, light packed
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/3 cup White chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup White sugar, granulated
- 1/3 cup Potato chip pieces
- 1/3 cup Pretzel pieces
- 3/4 cup Butter, salted
- 1/2 cup M&Ms, red and green
- 2 tablespoons red and green jimmies
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips, potato chip pieces, pretzel pieces, M&Ms, and red and green jimmies.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a fun twist, try personalizing your mix-ins or using room temperature ingredients for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas cookies, holiday baking, festive treats
