Name: Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup oats; 1/2 cup mini M&Ms (preferably red and green for a festive feel); 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup white chocolate chips; 1/4 cup pretzels, broken into pieces; 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix); 1/4 cup toffee bits; 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Welcome to the ultimate festive baking experience with the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies! These delightful treats combine a variety of flavors and textures, ensuring each bite is a delicious surprise. Imagine the satisfying crunch of pretzels, the sweetness of chocolate chips, and the irresistible flavor of toffee bits all packed into one cookie. These cookies showcase a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them a hit at any holiday gathering. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie swap, a family gathering, or a festive evening at home, this recipe will quickly become a holiday tradition.

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their scrumptious taste but also in their versatility. You can mix and match your favorite ingredients, meaning each batch can be unique! From mini M&Ms to coconut, each inclusion adds a delightful twist to the traditional cookie experience. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas, then you’re in the right place. Let’s gather our ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these amazing kitchen sink cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies

Here are just a few reasons why this cookie recipe stands out:

Flavor explosion: The combination of various mix-ins creates a delightful taste experience with every bite.
Easy to make: Quick prep and simple steps make this recipe friendly for all baking levels.
Personalizable: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Perfect for sharing: Bake a batch to share with friends, family, or coworkers during the holiday season!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into this delicious cookie adventure, it’s essential to set up your kitchen space for success. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula for the mixing process. Don’t forget to prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cookie transport and clean-up later.

It’s also a good idea to pre-measure your ingredients to streamline the process. Having everything ready to go allows you to focus on the mixing and baking, making the experience more enjoyable. If you want to add a personal touch, consider using cookie cutters or decorative designs on top of your finished cookies!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup oats
1/2 cup mini M&Ms (preferably red and green for a festive feel)
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup white chocolate chips
1/4 cup pretzels, broken into pieces
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix)
1/4 cup toffee bits
1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. While the oven warms up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make for an easy clean-up.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. Properly creamed butter and sugar introduce air into the mixture, creating a soft texture for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. This step helps incorporate the eggs fully, adding moisture and richness to the cookie dough. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, aromatic flavor that ties everything together.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture is essential for achieving the right texture in your cookies. Gradually add this dry mixture to your butter and sugar mixture, blending until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Add Mix-Ins

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in the oats, mini M&Ms, chocolate chips, broken pretzels, nuts, toffee bits, and shredded coconut (if you choose to use it). Mixing it all together ensures that every cookie will have a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. Plus, this step is perfect for letting your creativity shine!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the cookie dough and place them on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring to leave about 2 inches of space between each scoop. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without sticking together. Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for; your kitchen will start to smell amazing!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

After baking, let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step is vital for them to set properly. Afterward, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, feel free to enjoy your festive creations and share them with loved ones!

Variations

Tailoring recipes to fit your taste is part of the baking fun! Here are some variations to consider:

Protein: Swap in crunchy sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds in place of nuts for a nut-free version.
Vegetables: Add grated zucchini for added moisture and a nutritional boost.
Spices: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive kick!

Cooking Notes

For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
Be careful not to overmix the dough as it can result in cookies that are chewy instead of soft and tender.
To really stack up those flavors, swap in your favorite mix-ins like dried cranberries or crushed candy canes!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of hot cocoa for the ultimate treat.
Present them beautifully on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift for neighbors and friends.

Tips

Consider keeping a stash of these cookies in your freezer for impromptu celebrations or cookie cravings.
Experiment with different kinds of chocolate chips or festive candies based on what’s available or what you love most.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180 per cookie
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop it onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag.

What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan version?

For a vegan alternative, consider using flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce to replace the eggs in the recipe.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the recipe gluten-free.

What can I do with leftover ingredients?

Feel free to incorporate leftover chocolate chips, M&Ms, or nuts into trail mixes or other baking projects!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Best Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are the ideal festive treat that brings joy to any occasion. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but the versatility they offer allows you to be creative with every batch. This holiday season, don’t hesitate to whip up a batch to share with friends and family, or keep some all to yourself! Each cookie is a celebration in itself, so get baking, enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. Happy baking and don’t forget to leave a comment with your experiences or variations – we love to hear from you!