Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, combining everything delicious you might find in the pantry into one fantastic cookie recipe. With the inclusion of M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, and potato chips, every bite is a flavor explosion that embodies the spirit of the festive season!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These cookies are not only incredibly tasty but also visually appealing, thanks to the festive colors brought by M&M’s and sprinkles. The balance of sweetness from the chocolate and sugar, combined with the salty crunch from the pretzels and potato chips, makes these cookies addictively good. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply a treat for yourself, these cookies will quickly become a favorite.
Introduction
There’s something about holiday baking that brings joy and warmth to any home. The aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, the excitement of creating new treats, and the delightful chatter shared over comforting sweets create memories that last a lifetime. Today, we’re diving into a unique recipe that combines the best of both sweet and salty treats: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. These cookies use a variety of mix-ins that reflect the joyful chaos of a kitchen filled with festive goodies, making them a perfect accompaniment to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (jimmies)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This step ensures the cookies do not stick and helps them bake evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is crucial for achieving a soft cookie texture.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Add in the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste (or extract). Continue to mix on medium speed for about two additional minutes. The mixture should become pale and fluffy, increasing its volume and enhancing the flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Carefully add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the mixing bowl. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing as this can lead to dense cookies.
Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins
Gently fold the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles into the dough. Ensure all mix-ins are evenly incorporated without squashing them, maintaining their shape and texture for a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them two inches apart. For an additional festive touch, sprinkle a few extra M&M’s, pretzels, and sprinkles on top of each dough ball.
Step 7: Bake
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. For cookies with chewier centers, bake for 10 minutes; for crisper cookies, leave them in for the full 12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as the edges should be golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.
Step 8: Shape Cookies (Optional)
If you desire perfectly round cookies, use a circular cookie cutter immediately after pulling them from the oven to reshape them into a uniform design. This step is entirely optional but adds a polished finish to your holiday treats.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma as they cool!
Cooking Note:
These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week, maintaining their chewy texture. Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Suggestions for Presentation:
To present your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies beautifully, arrange them on a festive platter, sprinkle them lightly with powdered sugar, or stack them in a decorative cookie jar. Add a few sprigs of holly or festive decorations around the platter to enhance the holiday spirit.
Tips:
- Ensure your butter is softened at room temperature for proper creaming.
- Experiment with different types of M&M’s or chocolate varieties for additional flavor.
- To elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, holiday touch.
Time Details:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes, depending on cooling
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: Approx. 160 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
Conclusion
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors that bring a festive cheer to any gathering. With their delightful crunch and sweet appeal, these cookies will surely be a hit during your holiday celebrations. So gather your ingredients, invite family or friends to help, and enjoy the process of creating these fun and festive treats!
FAQs
- Can I use different types of chips in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the white chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips, or even add butterscotch or peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile. - How should I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their freshness and texture. - Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. - What can I use instead of M&M’s?
You can replace M&M’s with chocolate chunks, dried fruit, or nuts for different flavor and texture combinations. - How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a golden brown color on the edges, but ensure the centers appear slightly soft and underbaked, as they will continue to cook while cooling.
