Desserts

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Name: Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans); 1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or raisins); 1/2 cup pretzels, crushed; 1/2 cup candy (M&Ms or similar)

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The holiday season calls for celebration and what better way to celebrate than with some delightful cookies? These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a treasure trove of flavors and textures, combining sweet and salty ingredients that create a delightful treat for family and friends. Each bite of these cheerful cookies bursts with chocolate, nuts, fruits, and even a little crunch from pretzels, making them perfect for gatherings, gift-giving, or cozy evenings by the fire.

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: 210
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a fantastic way to use up leftover baking ingredients or holiday treats. They offer a wonderful balance of sweetness from chocolate and candy, warmth from nuts, and chewiness from dried fruits. Plus, their colorful presentation makes them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table. They are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste or make use of what you have on hand, ensuring you won’t have leftover ingredients sitting around.

How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Baking these cookies is a straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries or raisins)
1/2 cup pretzels, crushed
1/2 cup candy (M&Ms or similar)

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving the perfect balance of a soft, chewy center and a slightly crispy edge in your cookies.

Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which helps the cookies rise properly.

Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and light in color. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies lighter.

Step 4: Adding Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the mixture emulsify, leading to a smoother batter.

Step 5: Blending Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend in the flour mixture, ensuring there are no lumps. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Folding in the Fun Ingredients

Fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, crushed pretzels, and candy. This is where the fun happens! Don’t be shy; mix in your favorite toppings and adjust as per your preference.

Step 7: Shaping Cookies

Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spaced well apart to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Baking

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are just set. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary.

Step 9: Cooling

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

How to Serve Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Serve these cookies warm, fresh from the oven with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa. They also make a delightful addition to holiday dessert platters or as festive gifts wrapped in a cute cookie tin.

How to Store Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, separating the layers with parchment paper. They can last in the freezer for up to three months, perfect for making ahead of time!

Expert Tips for Perfect Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
For a richer flavor, consider browning your butter before mixing it with the sugars.
Experiment with different nuts, dried fruits, and candies based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand.
Don’t overcrowd your baking sheets; this can prevent even baking.

Delicious Variations

Nut-Free: Substitute nuts with additional chocolate chips or seeds for those with allergies.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Holiday-Themed: Add festive sprinkles or swap out the dried fruits for holiday-spiced ones like candied orange peel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies in advance? Yes! These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored properly to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have all the ingredients? Feel free to substitute based on what you have. Different types of chocolate or various nuts can work just as well.
How can I make the cookies chewier? For chewier cookies, try adding an extra egg yolk or slightly reducing the flour.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? Your butter may be too soft, or you might have too little flour. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help manage spreading.
Can I freeze the dough? Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Conclusion

These Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are not only delightful to eat but also simple and fun to make. Their variety of flavors and textures assures each bite is a treat. Whether for holiday gatherings, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying at home, these cookies are sure to spread cheer. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and enjoy the season!