Name: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup red and green M&M’s; 3/4 cup white chocolate chunks; 3/4 cup crushed pretzel pieces; 1/4 cup holiday sprinkles

Chunky, chewy, and exploding with holiday cheer, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the ultimate festive treat. These golden-baked beauties are loaded with all your favorite holiday mix-ins: red and green M&M’s, crunchy pretzel pieces, creamy white chocolate chunks, and festive sprinkles. Each bite brings a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and colorful crunch—ideal for cookie exchanges, holiday dessert platters, or cozy nights by the fire.

What makes these cookies even more irresistible is their soft-baked center with lightly crisped edges. They hold together beautifully while being delightfully gooey inside. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday party or a Christmas Eve snack for Santa, they’re sure to become a new seasonal staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These cookies are not only festive, they’re totally customizable! You can toss in leftover candy canes, mini marshmallows, chopped nuts, or even dried cranberries depending on what you have in your pantry.

Flavor-packed: The sweet and salty combination keeps every bite exciting.
Texture heaven: Soft and chewy centers with bits of crunch from the mix-ins.
Holiday-themed: The vibrant red and green make them a show-stopper on cookie trays.
Perfect for gifting: Wrapped in a tin or jar, they make an adorable edible gift.
One-bowl magic: Easy clean-up makes them a no-fuss baking choice.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get the best results with your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, gather the right tools and prepare your baking station efficiently.

Essential Tools and Why They Matter:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl for combining the dough.
Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugars to the perfect fluffy texture.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy in baking is crucial, so level off your ingredients properly.
Silicone Spatula: Ideal for scraping down the bowl and folding in mix-ins evenly.
Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Cookie Scoop: For uniform-sized cookies that bake evenly.
Cooling Rack: To help cookies cool properly without over-baking on the sheet.

Before starting, make sure your butter is softened and your oven is preheated. A little preparation goes a long way in baking success!

Ingredients for the Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness and structure.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep molasses flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the chewiness with a crisp edge.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and aroma.
Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness.
All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the mix-in flavors.
M&M’s (red and green): Adds festive color and chocolatey bites.
White Chocolate Chunks: Creamy contrast to the crispy textures.
Pretzel Pieces: Delivers a salty crunch.
Holiday Sprinkles: Adds color and crunch with a festive flair.

How To Make the Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create that perfect chewy texture.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Mix-Ins

Using a silicone spatula, gently fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chunks, crushed pretzels, and sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix—you want those colorful bits visible and whole.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Scoop the dough into balls using a cookie scoop and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later—either way, they’re festive perfection.

How to Serve and Store Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These cookies shine on any holiday dessert spread. Arrange them with a mix of classic sugar cookies and chocolate treats for a stunning cookie tray. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a chilled glass of milk by the fire.

Storing Tips:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to 10 days.
You can freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Freeze cookie dough balls and bake from frozen—just add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

These cookies are perfect for holiday gifting. Stack and wrap them in festive cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or layer them in a cookie tin between parchment paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Swap white chocolate chunks for semi-sweet, milk, or even dark chocolate chips depending on your taste.

What if I don’t have pretzels?

You can omit them or substitute with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different crunch.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature slightly before scooping and baking.

Do these cookies spread a lot?

Not too much. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.

How do I prevent the mix-ins from sinking?

Lightly press a few mix-ins on top of each dough ball before baking to keep them visible and festive.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, check out some other festive and flavorful bakes:

Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a deeper caramel crunch.
Lemon Churro Cookies if you’re craving tangy meets warm spice.
Chocolate Crinkle Sandwich Cookies with a soft ganache center.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups for classic flavors in a fun shape.
Winter Brittle if you love crunchy, sweet-salty holiday treats.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in candy canes or try mini marshmallows? Did you sneak one before they cooled? I would!

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other bake smarter.