Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Warm and Chewy Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the perfect blend of sweet and chewy, making them an irresistible treat during the holiday season. Each cookie is packed with a variety of flavors and textures, from rich chocolate chips to crunchy nuts and chewy dried fruit. The best part? You can customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand, making each batch a unique holiday creation.

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: 180
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg

Why Make This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a celebration of flavors and textures that will please everyone at your holiday gathering. They are incredibly easy to make and provide a fun way to use up leftover baking ingredients. The combination of chocolate, nuts, and fruity bites creates a mouthwatering experience, and the aroma of cookies baking will fill your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. These cookies are not only festive but also a terrific way to bond with family or friends in the kitchen, making holiday memories even sweeter.

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

## Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 cup M&M’s or other candies

## Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or coating them lightly with cooking spray.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.

• Step 4: Fold in Extras

  Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries (or raisins), and M&M’s (or other candies) until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

• Step 5: Baking

  Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

• Step 6: Cooling

  Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Serve these festive cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa for the perfect holiday treat. They make for a delightful dessert at holiday parties or are great to package as gifts for friends and family. You can also add them to a dessert platter alongside other Christmas favorites like gingerbread cookies or fudge.

How to Store Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer the cookies with parchment paper and place them in a sealed freezer bag.

Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• For added flavor, consider toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough.
• If you want a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them, as they will continue to cook while cooling.
• Experiment with other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even shredded coconut for a unique twist.
• If your dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before baking for better handling.

Delicious Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit nuts or replace them with an additional cup of chocolate chips or double the amount of dried fruit.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use margarine instead of butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Festive Twist: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
  Yes, but you may want to reduce the salt in the recipe since salted butter already contains salt.

• What can I substitute for eggs?
  You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) as substitutes.

• How do I make the cookies chewier?
  For chewier cookies, try using a higher ratio of brown sugar to granulated sugar and bake them slightly less.

• Can I use frozen dough?
  Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

• What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?
  Cut the butter into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it for a few seconds, being careful not to melt it.

Conclusion

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a fantastic way to embrace the joy of baking during the holiday season. With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’ll bring smiles and warm memories around your table. So gather your loved ones and give this recipe a try—it’s bound to become a holiday favorite in your home! Happy baking!