Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet and salty, chewy and crunchy, making them a must-have treat during the holiday season. These cookies are aptly named because they throw in everything but the kitchen sink, including sprinkles, oats, potato chips, pretzels, and festive holiday M&M’s.

The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will satisfy all your holiday cravings. In this article, we’ll explore the key ingredients that make these cookies so irresistible, take you through the simple baking process, and provide storage tips to ensure you can enjoy these festive treats all season long.

Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies come to life by artfully combining a variety of ingredients, each contributing its unique flavor and texture:

For the Cookie Base:

• Unsalted Butter (2 sticks, softened): Provides a rich and creamy foundation for the dough.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup) and Light Brown Sugar (1 cup): Sweeten the cookies, adding depth and moisture.
• Eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cookies’ soft texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm and comforting aroma.
• Flour (2-1/3 cups): Forms the structural base of the cookie dough.
• Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon), Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon), and Salt (1 teaspoon): Leaven the dough, ensuring a satisfying rise and texture.
• Sprinkles (1/2 cup): Add festive color and a touch of sweetness.

For the Mix-Ins:

• Oats (3/4 cup): Introduce a hearty and chewy element to the cookies.
• Potato Chips (1 cup, crushed): Contribute a salty and crunchy surprise.
• Pretzels (1 cup, crushed): Bring a delightful pretzel crunch to the party.
• Holiday M&M’s (1 cup): Infuse vibrant holiday colors and a burst of chocolate goodness.

The Baking Process (200 words): Creating these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies is a joyous and straightforward endeavor. Follow these steps to craft these festive delights:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. Add the eggs and pure vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.

3. Mix in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together. Gently fold in the festive sprinkles to infuse the dough with holiday cheer.

4. Add the Mix-Ins: Fold in the rolled oats, crushed potato chips, crushed pretzels, and holiday M&M’s. These mix-ins will provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to each bite.

5. Scoop and Bake: Use a cookie scoop to portion out tablespoon-sized balls of cookie dough. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space for spreading. For an extra festive touch, add a few extra M&M’s, crushed chips, crushed pretzels, or sprinkles on top of each cookie.

6. Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

To keep these cookies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. The airtight seal will help preserve their chewy texture and prevent them from becoming stale. If you want to savor the holiday cheer for even longer, consider freezing the cookies. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven experience. Whether served at holiday gatherings or enjoyed as a cozy treat by the fireplace, Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies are a delightful celebration of the season’s flavors and festive spirit.