If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that captures the true spirit of Christmas—fun, festive, and a little over-the-top—then Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are your next baking adventure. Bursting with a mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy ingredients, these cookies truly live up to their name. They include everything but the kitchen sink, making every bite an exciting surprise.
Table of Contents
Why They’re Called “Kitchen Sink” Cookies
The Origin of the Name
The term “Kitchen Sink Cookies” comes from the playful phrase “everything but the kitchen sink.” It perfectly describes these indulgent holiday treats loaded with nearly every sweet and salty mix-in imaginable—chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, candies, and more. At Christmas, bakers take this creativity up a notch by adding red and green M&M’s, crushed peppermint, or toffee bits for a festive twist. The idea is simple: use whatever tasty bits you already have in your pantry to make one magical cookie dough.
These cookies first became popular because they embraced imperfection and abundance—two things that define holiday baking. Instead of rigid precision, you get to mix in your favorites and create something personal and joyful.
Ingredients for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
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Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: The Ultimate Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 27 min
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Loaded with chocolate chips, pretzels, and candies, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the ultimate holiday treat.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup pretzel pieces
½ cup red & green M&M’s
¼ cup toffee bits
¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well.
5. Combine dry and wet ingredients to form dough.
6. Fold in all mix-ins and scoop onto trays.
7. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Fold in the “Kitchen Sink” Mix-Ins
Stir in all your chosen add-ins—chocolate chips, M&M’s, pretzels, and nuts. Mix just until evenly distributed. Don’t over-mix, or the cookies will be tough.
Step 7: Scoop and Shape
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow cookies to rest on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Check out Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake Recipe – The Ultimate Homemade Comfort Dessert for another cozy holiday bake to pair with these cookies.
What’s in a Kitchen Sink Cookie?
The Magic Mix of Sweet and Salty Goodness
At its core, a Kitchen Sink Cookie is all about balance. It’s that irresistible mix of sweet, salty, chewy, and crunchy that keeps you coming back for another bite. What makes Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies so special is how they take this balance and wrap it in holiday cheer. Every batch becomes a canvas for creativity—no strict rules, just your favorite flavors coming together in one joyful cookie.
These cookies get their name because bakers toss in almost everything they have in the pantry—“everything but the kitchen sink.” From bits of candy to salty snacks, each ingredient plays its part. Chocolate chips add richness, pretzels give crunch, caramel bits bring chewiness, and holiday candies like M&M’s or peppermint pieces make every cookie festive and colorful.
| Type | Examples | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate & Sweets | Semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, toffee bits, caramel chunks | Adds sweetness and creamy texture |
| Crunchy Additions | Crushed pretzels, potato chips, chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) | Adds crunch and balances sweetness |
| Festive Flavors | Red and green M&M’s, crushed peppermint, holiday sprinkles | Adds color and seasonal flair |
| Texture Enhancers | Oats, coconut flakes | Adds chewiness and body |
Festive Variations for the Holiday Season
1. Peppermint Crunch Edition
Add crushed candy canes or peppermint bark pieces for a cool, minty finish that pairs beautifully with white chocolate chips.
2. Gingerbread Twist
Mix in a teaspoon of molasses and a sprinkle of ground ginger and cinnamon for a warm, spiced take that smells like Christmas morning.
3. Salted Caramel Surprise
Fold in soft caramel bits and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before baking. The result? Gooey centers with the perfect salty edge.
4. Red Velvet Version
Add 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder and a few drops of red food coloring to the dough, then mix in white chocolate chips for that iconic red-and-white contrast.
5. Nut-Free Holiday Mix
For families avoiding nuts, substitute pretzel pieces or mini marshmallows for crunch and variety.
Pro Tip: To make these cookies extra festive, drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled cookies and top with holiday sprinkles. It not only enhances the presentation but adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Don’t miss our Healthy Matcha Recipe for Weight Loss — a refreshing drink to balance all that holiday indulgence!
Festival Appeal – Why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Are So Popular
The Irresistible Holiday Cookie Everyone Loves
When the holidays roll around, few treats capture the spirit of the season quite like Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. These loaded cookies aren’t just desserts—they’re edible celebrations. Every chewy bite brings together the perfect combination of sweet and salty, crunchy and soft, familiar and fun. That’s why Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies have become a must-bake tradition in homes across America.
Unlike classic sugar cookies or gingerbread, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies thrive on creativity. The idea is to toss in everything festive—chocolate chips, pretzels, caramel bits, red and green candies, and even toffee pieces. Each cookie tells its own story, reflecting the baker’s personal touch and the joy of the season. The mix-and-match approach makes them perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or cozy nights by the fire.
Holiday baking is about sharing, laughter, and connection. When you bake Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, you’re not just filling your kitchen with incredible smells—you’re creating memories that last far beyond the season.
Perfect for Cookie Exchanges and Gifting
There’s a reason Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies have become the star of cookie swaps and holiday bake sales—they stand out. Their colorful appearance, with red and green M&M’s shining through golden dough, instantly draws attention on any dessert table. Plus, the combination of pretzels and chocolate gives them that irresistible “sweet-meets-salty” flavor that keeps people reaching for more.
Here’s why they’re the perfect choice for gifting:
- Durability: These cookies hold their shape and texture beautifully, even when packaged.
- Visual Appeal: The mix of colors and textures looks like holiday magic in cookie form.
- Flavor Variety: Every bite feels different—crunchy one second, gooey the next.
- Universal Love: There’s something in them for everyone, from chocolate lovers to nut fans.
Want another comforting dish to complete your holiday basket? Discover great ideas like Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe: A Delicious & Homemade Twist — a cozy, flavorful recipe that pairs beautifully with your batch of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies for the ultimate festive spread.
How Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Bring Families Together
The beauty of Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies lies not only in their taste but also in the process. Making them becomes a joyful family event—kids love picking mix-ins, and adults enjoy the nostalgia of old-fashioned holiday baking. The recipe encourages collaboration and creativity, reminding everyone that the holidays are about connection, not perfection.
Whether you’re hosting a cookie-decorating party or baking solo with holiday music in the background, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies deliver warmth and happiness straight from the oven. Their versatility, charm, and crowd-pleasing flavor make them the cookie everyone looks forward to year after year.
Pro Tip: Wrap a dozen Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies in festive cellophane or gift boxes tied with ribbon. Add a hand-written tag, and you’ve got the perfect homemade holiday present.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Why do they call it a kitchen sink cookie?
They’re called Kitchen Sink Cookies because they include “everything but the kitchen sink.” The phrase means throwing in a mix of all your favorite sweet and salty ingredients—think chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, candies, and more. It’s a playful nod to the idea that you can add nearly anything to the dough, making each batch unique.
What’s in a kitchen sink cookie?
A Kitchen Sink Cookie is a loaded cookie dough filled with an assortment of mix-ins. Common ingredients include chocolate chips, toffee bits, pretzel pieces, caramel chunks, and colorful M&M’s. For Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, bakers often add red and green candies, crushed peppermint, or festive sprinkles to give them that holiday sparkle.
What is the most famous Christmas cookie?
The most famous Christmas cookie in America is the Sugar Cookie—often decorated with colorful icing and festive shapes. However, cookies like Gingerbread Men, Snickerdoodles, and now Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies have earned their place as modern favorites for their flavor, nostalgia, and versatility.
What is Michelle Obama’s favorite cookie?
Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s favorite cookie is reportedly a chocolate chip cookie—classic, comforting, and timeless. In fact, her recipe became popular during her time in the White House. It’s easy to see why chocolate chips remain a must-have ingredient in many Kitchen Sink Cookie variations.
Conclusion
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are the embodiment of holiday baking—creative, comforting, and joyfully overstuffed. They bring together the flavors and textures everyone loves: melty chocolate, crunchy pretzels, chewy caramel, and festive candy pieces. Whether you’re baking them for a cookie exchange, gifting them in a holiday tin, or enjoying them fresh out of the oven with a mug of cocoa, these cookies are guaranteed to spread cheer.
The best part? You can make them your own. Mix and match ingredients, try seasonal twists, and embrace the fun of “everything but the kitchen sink.” Because sometimes, the most unforgettable treats come from the least expected combinations.
Don’t miss our Christmas Bread – The Sweet Holiday Loaf That Brings Joy to Every Table for another festive baking idea to pair with these cookies.
Follow me for more creative recipes and holiday ideas on Pinterest and Medium — where I share exclusive seasonal tips
