Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for adding holiday cheer to your baking repertoire. These cookies are loaded with a variety of ingredients that create a fun, festive treat that can please everyone. Imagine biting into a chewy cookie where chocolate chips, cranberries, and crunchy pretzels collide, delivering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite!
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: 150
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
Why Make This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are all about versatility and creativity. They provide an excellent opportunity to use up leftover ingredients you may have in your pantry, like nuts and dried fruits. This cookie recipe stands out for its unique combination of flavors and textures. Every bite offers a satisfying mix of sweet chocolate, tart cranberries, hearty oats, and a hint of crunch from the pretzels. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply craving a delicious treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup oats
- Sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
### Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
### Step 2: Mixing
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together and set them aside. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
### Step 3: Cooking
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, crushed pretzels, and oats until everything is evenly distributed. Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If you’d like, sprinkle colorful sprinkles on top for added holiday flair. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
### Step 4: Finishing
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. The smell of these cookies cooling will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, inviting everyone to taste!
How to Serve Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
These cookies are fantastic served warm, perhaps alongside a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa. They make great gifts when packaged in festive boxes or tins. Bring them to holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoy them at home during movie night with family.
How to Store Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dough before baking. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen dough balls to a resealable bag or container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Expert Tips for Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Experiment with different mix-ins according to your taste; pretzels can be swapped out for potato chips for a unique twist!
- Do not overbake the cookies; they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the oven.
- If you like a chewier cookie, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Delicious Variations
- Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different flavor.
- Use butterscotch or white chocolate chips in place of regular chocolate chips.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm autumn twist.
- Swap chopped nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine can be used, but it may change the flavor and texture slightly.
- How do I know when my cookies are done? Look for a golden edge and a slightly soft center; they will firm up as they cool.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! The dough can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe? You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or commercial egg replacers.
- Why are my cookies flat instead of fluffy? This can happen if your butter is too melted or if you’ve overmixed your dough.
Conclusion
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful and festive treat that combines a wonderful array of flavors and textures. The flexibility of these cookies allows you to customize them with your favorite ingredients, making them the perfect addition to your holiday baking. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or gift them to loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth to your holiday season. So gather your ingredients and bake a batch today—you won’t regret it!
Print
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, perfect for adding holiday cheer to your baking repertoire with chocolate chips, cranberries, and crunchy pretzels.
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 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
- 1 cup oats
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. In another large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, crushed pretzels, and oats.
- Scoop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Optionally, sprinkle on colorful sprinkles. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
Experiment with different mix-ins and store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
