Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful mix of flavors and textures that encapsulate the spirit of the holiday season. Bursting with a combination of chocolate, nuts, and sweet dried fruits, these cookies are a perfect treat for family gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa. Their varied ingredients make each bite a little surprise, ensuring that no two cookies are exactly alike!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 220
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why Make This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are truly the essence of festive baking. They are customizable and can utilize whatever leftover sweets you might have at home. Not only are they a delicious way to use up pantry staples, but they also bring joy to those you share them with. The combination of chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels, and chewy dried fruits creates a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Plus, they make lovely gifts wrapped in holiday-themed packaging!
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- 1 cup M&M’s or chocolate candies
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and raise to the perfect amount.
### Step 2: Mixing
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt, then set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and light.
### Step 3: Cooking
Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pretzel pieces, and M&M’s until evenly distributed.
Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, ensuring enough space between each mound. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
### Step 4: Finishing
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This helps them maintain their shape and texture.
How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
These cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served with seasonal drinks like eggnog, hot chocolate, or spiced cider. They make festive treats to share at parties or to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve. For an extra touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a warm cookie sundae.
How to Store Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their deliciousness for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, these cookies can be frozen. Simply layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they will stay good for up to three months.
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- You can mix and match ingredients; try adding coconut flakes, different nuts, or fudge pieces based on your preferences!
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; a few lumps are okay!
- For even baking, rotate your baking sheets halfway through the cooking time.
- If you like a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them.
Delicious Variations
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Substitute peanut butter chips for some of the chocolate chips for a nutty twist.
- Use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a tart flavor.
- Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spicy touch.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to three days before baking. -
What kind of nuts can I use?
Walnuts and pecans work great, but you can also use almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer. -
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but cookies may have a slightly different texture and taste. -
What if I don’t have M&M’s?
You can substitute M&M’s with any chocolate candies, toffee bits, or even mini marshmallows. -
How can I make these cookies without eggs?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit for a few minutes).
Conclusion
These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a must-try for the holiday season. They’re simple to prepare, packed with delicious ingredients, and bring a festive spirit to any gathering. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful recipe, and create delicious memories that will last a lifetime. Happy baking!
Print
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful mix of flavors and textures, these festive cookies are perfect for gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 cup pretzel pieces
- 1 cup M&M’s or chocolate candies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and light.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Stir in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, pretzel pieces, and M&M’s until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each mound.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
For best texture, ensure butter is softened but not melted. You can customize the ingredients based on your preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
