If you are searching for a festive treat that bursts with flavor and surprises in every bite, the Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies pack a wonderful mix of sweet, salty, and chewy textures that come from an eclectic blend of ingredients, making each cookie a delightful adventure. Perfect for holiday parties, gifting, or just cozying up with a cup of cocoa, this recipe brings the joyful spirit of Christmas right into your kitchen with every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating the magic behind this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from buttery richness to crunchy, colorful bursts that collectively bring these cookies to life.
- Butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): Provides creamy richness and the perfect texture to the dough.
- Light brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Adds a deep caramel flavor and moisture.
- White sugar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- Eggs (2 large plus 1 egg yolk): Bind the dough and contribute to a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor with warm aromatic notes.
- Vanilla instant pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 ounces): Keeps the cookies soft and adds subtle vanilla flavor.
- Flour (2 1/2 cups): Creates structure and base for all the mix-ins.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread properly.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- Chocolate chunks (1/4 cup, semisweet): Melt into gooey pockets of rich chocolate.
- Mini marshmallows (1/4 cup): Add a soft, chewy sweetness that’s iconic for Christmas treats.
- Red and green M&Ms (1/4 cup): Bring colorful crunch and festive flair.
- Crushed pretzels (1/4 cup): Introduce a salty, crunchy contrast that makes these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This simple trick prevents sticking, keeps cleanup easy, and helps bake your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe to perfection.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is essential for incorporating air and creating that melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
Step 3: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Pudding Mix
Next, stir in the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and vanilla instant pudding mix. The pudding mix will keep your cookies incredibly soft while adding a subtle, comforting vanilla flavor that makes these cookies truly special.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate mix, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir these into the wet ingredients until the dough comes together with a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Fold in the Festive Mix-Ins
This is where the Christmas magic happens. Gently fold in the chocolate chunks, mini marshmallows, red and green M&Ms, and crushed pretzels. These additions provide a fun variety of textures and a burst of holiday colors in every bite.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Chilling makes shaping easier and helps control how much the cookies spread while baking.
Step 7: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to warm up while you prepare to scoop out the dough.
Step 8: Shape the Cookies
Using about 2 ½ to 3 tablespoons of dough per cookie, roll the dough into balls. Place each ball on your prepared cookie sheet about 2 inches apart to give them enough room to spread.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. You want the edges to be set and the tops lightly browned. Avoid overbaking to keep them delightfully soft and chewy inside.
Step 10: Cool Completely
Transfer your freshly baked cookies to a cooling rack so they can cool thoroughly. This step helps firm up the edges and prevents breakage.
Step 11: Enjoy!
Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is ready to serve. Grab one (or two!) and enjoy the incredible mix of flavors and textures you created.
How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate for an extra festive look. Garnishes like crushed peppermint or festive sprinkles add even more Christmas cheer and crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. A side of fresh cranberries or spiced cider can complement their rich, sweet, and salty flavor palette beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a decorative holiday platter surrounded by fresh pine branches or cranberries for a showstopping table centerpiece. Wrap them in cellophane with a red ribbon for a lovely homemade gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to five days, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy holiday gatherings.
Freezing
You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies. Wrap dough balls individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake them frozen but add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies between parchment layers to prevent sticking.
Reheating
To revive cookies that have cooled or been frozen, warm them in a 300-degree oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This restores their soft, gooey texture, like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pudding mix with something else?
The instant pudding mix adds moisture and softness, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can try using cornstarch or omit it altogether, though the texture may be less chewy.
What if I don’t have all the mix-ins? Can I swap them?
Absolutely! The beauty of the Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is in its flexibility. Feel free to substitute or add nuts, dried fruit, different candies, or even coconut for your personalized holiday twist.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
Keeps well for about five days at room temperature when stored properly, but they are usually devoured much faster because they are so irresistible.
Is it okay to use salted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt in the recipe, but if salted butter is what you have, just reduce additional salt slightly to keep the perfect balance.
Why do the cookies need to be chilled before baking?
Chilling helps firm the dough so your cookies keep their shape better and the flavors have time to meld, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the delight of biting into a Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe laden with all your favorite festive goodies. This cookie recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth, joy, and a little bit of holiday magic into your kitchen. I encourage you to try it out and watch your loved ones’ faces light up with every delicious bite. Happy baking and happy holidays!
