Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for Sweet Holiday Joy

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team

There s something exhilarating about the holiday season that brings out the baker in all of us. When the kitchen fills with warmth, laughter, and the irresistible smell of fresh-baked goods, it feels like magic. Enter Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies a delightful treat that captures all the cozy vibes of the season. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that perfectly balances sweet and salty, with each mouthful revealing hidden treasures like pretzel bits, creamy white chocolate, and vibrant M&M s in festive red and green.

Just picture this: you find yourself surrounded by family, the chatter rising above the whir of the mixer. In a mere 30 minutes, you ll have a delightful batch of cookies ready to share, making these a perfect quick bake during the bustling holiday rush. Whether it s for a gathering or simply a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy those cravings for something deliciously different. Join me in whipping up this cookie sensation that is not only easy to make but also a surefire hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why Love Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Ultimate delight: Each bite offers a unique blend of sweet and salty flavors, ensuring satisfaction for every palate.
Quick and easy: With just 30 minutes needed from bowl to oven, these cookies are perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Kid-friendly fun: Involve the little ones in decorating and mixing, making baking a cherished family activity.
Versatile mix-ins: Customize these cookies with your favorite snacks, allowing endless creative possibilities.
Crowd-pleaser: Their colorful appearance and exciting textures make them an instant hit at any festive gathering.
Storage friendly: Bake ahead and enjoy freshness these cookies keep well for 3 days in an airtight container!

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Base
Salted Butter Adds richness; ensure it is softened for easy creaming.
Light Brown Sugar Provides moisture and a subtle molasses flavor; can substitute with dark brown sugar for a deeper taste.
Granulated White Sugar Balances sweetness; no substitutions needed.
Egg Yolks Provides moisture and richness, helping create a chewy texture; can t substitute unless making a vegan version.
Vanilla Bean Paste/Extract Enhances flavor complexity; extract can be used if paste isn t available.
All-Purpose Flour Main structural component; measure properly to avoid dense cookies.
Baking Powder Leavening agent for lift; ensure it s fresh for best results.
Baking Soda Helps to create spread and browning; freshness is key for effectiveness.
Salt Balances sweetness and enhances flavors; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

For the Mix-Ins
Red and Green M&M s Adds color and sweetness; substitute with other chocolate varieties if desired.
White Chocolate Chips Adds creaminess; can replace with semi-sweet if preferred.
Pretzel Pieces Contributes to the salty crunch; other types of salty snacks can be used as substitutes.
Potato Chip Pieces For added texture and saltiness; choose plain or flavored chips for unique twists.
Red and Green Sprinkles For festive decoration; any sprinkles can be used for personalization.

These delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for tapping into the holiday spirit while creating magical moments in the kitchen.

How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

1. Preheat: Start by setting your oven to 350 °F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prepares the perfect canvas for your cookie creations!
2. Creaming: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it s light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for fluffy cookies.
3. Mixing Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolks and vanilla bean paste or extract to the creamed mixture. Mix for another 2 minutes until the blend becomes pale and fluffy, enhancing the cookie s flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so a gentle fold is key!
5. Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in the red and green M&M s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles using a spatula. This step allows each cookie to be packed with festive flavors and textures.
6. Scoop and Shape: Use a portion scoop or your hands to shape the dough into about 20 balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Bake: Slide the baking sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Bake for 10 minutes if you prefer chewy cookies, or 12 minutes for a crisper texture.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for another 10 minutes before serving.

Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra touch of festivity!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Cozy up your holiday gatherings with the perfect accompaniments that enhance the joy of your delightful cookies.

• Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Milk s creamy texture complements the sweet and salty flavors of the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Indulge in the warm richness of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream. This luxurious drink makes every bite of cookie delightful.
• Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing side to balance the sweetness, a fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a vibrant and nutritious touch to your dessert spread.
• Christmas Punch: Bright and festive, a homemade fruity punch elevates the holiday spirit and refreshes guests after indulging in the cookies.
• Gingerbread Cookies: Stick to the holiday theme with another sweet treat. The spicy flavors of gingerbread will wonderfully echo the festive spirit of your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
• Cheese Platter: For a twist, serve with a selection of cheeses. The salty, savory elements beautifully contrast the sweetness of your cookies, creating a fun flavor interplay.
• Ice Cream Sundae: Top it off with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a dreamy combination. The warm cookie with cold ice cream is a delectable treat!
• Mulled Wine: If you re looking for a cozy holiday drink, mulled wine s spices will resonate with the festive flavors, making it an evocative pairing.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your cookies for an added sweet richness that takes them to a whole new level of indulgence.

Embrace the warmth of the season and enjoy every bite surrounded by your loved ones!

Make Ahead Options

These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are fantastic for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holidays! To get a jumpstart on your baking, you can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the instructions through steps 1-5, then wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you re ready to bake, scoop out the chilled dough and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before shaping. If you want to prep even further ahead, the dough can be frozen for up to 2 weeks; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. By taking these steps, your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies will be just as delicious and fresh!

Expert Tips for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda, to ensure your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies rise properly and have a delightful texture.
• Mixing Order: Follow the order of mixing wet and dry ingredients carefully; this prevents overmixing, which can lead to dense cookies instead of the light and chewy texture you want.
• Customize Mindfully: While it s tempting to go wild with mix-ins, stick to a balance of sweet and salty to maintain flavor harmony in your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies.
• Chill Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives you the perfect chewy center.
• Use Parchment Paper: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper; it prevents sticking and ensures even baking, resulting in beautifully shaped cookies.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack to achieve the perfect crispiness outside while keeping the chewy centers intact.

Variations & Substitutions for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Get ready to unleash your creativity in the kitchen with delightful and fun twists on this classic holiday cookie recipe.

• Nutty Addition: Replace the M&M s with your favorite mixed nuts for an extra crunch and a boost of protein.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the dough for a surprising twist that enhances the salty flavors.
• Boozy Flavor: Substitute the vanilla with rum or bourbon extract for a festive flair that elevates these cookies to adult-only treats.
• Vegan-Friendly: Swap out eggs with flaxseed meal and use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a plant-based version full of flavor.
• Fruity Zest: Toss in dried cranberries or cherries for a fruity contrast that beautifully complements the sweetness of white chocolate chips.
• Chocolate Lovers: Use a blend of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips for a rich, decadent taste that will satisfy all chocoholics.
• Savory Crunch: Substitute potato chips with crushed cheese crackers for an unexpected savory bite that perfectly contrasts the sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring a delightful texture without the gluten.

Each variation can take your baking sessions to new heights, making every batch a unique and tasty adventure for your holiday gatherings!

How to Store and Freeze Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Fridge: If you want to prolong their life, keep them in the fridge for up to a week but this may alter the chewy texture slightly.

Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls in a sealed bag for up to 2 weeks. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating: To enjoy soft and warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350 °F for 5 minutes.

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Absolutely! Start with fresh, soft salted butter at room temperature for easy creaming. Look for light brown sugar that s moist; if it feels hard, you might want to check if it s still good! For the egg yolks, ensure they are fresh. Overall, fresh ingredients lead to better flavors and textures in your cookies.

How should I store my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, and how long do they last?
I recommend storing your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh, chewy texture. If you d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week, although this might slightly alter their chewiness. Don t forget to place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain moisture!

Can I freeze my Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Yes, you can! For unbaked cookie dough, scoop the balls and place them in a sealed freezer bag for up to 2 weeks. When you re ready to bake, just pop them directly onto a baking sheet from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time. If you ve already baked the cookies, you can freeze them as well; just make sure to stack them in an airtight container with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

What if my cookies turn out too dense after baking?
Very! If you find your cookies are dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough mix until just combined. Also, measure the flour correctly; spoon it into your measuring cup instead of scooping it to avoid packing too much. Lastly, checking the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda can make a big difference as well.

Are there any dietary considerations for making Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, especially for pets or allergies?
Absolutely! These cookies include common allergens like eggs, gluten, and dairy. If you re making them for someone with allergies, consider substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, using a gluten-free flour blend, or egg replacer if necessary. Keep these tasty cookies away from pets, especially because chocolate and certain nuts can be harmful to them.