If you love cookies packed with every delightful flavor and texture imaginable, then you’re going to be head over heels for this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. Imagine biting into a chewy, buttery cookie loaded with semi-sweet and white chocolate chips, crunchy pretzels and potato chips, and festive red and green M&Ms, all topped off with a sprinkle of holiday cheer. This cookie truly lives up to its name, combining a little bit of everything in one irresistibly fun treat that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo with a cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe, the ingredient list might look a bit eclectic, but that’s the charm—each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of chewy, sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite. From the creamy butter that keeps the texture soft to the mix of chips and snacks that add bursts of flavor and color, you’re about to gather a deliciously harmonious squad.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps these cookies perfectly soft and tender.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds moistness and a deep caramel flavor to the dough.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the sweetness and helps with that slight crisp on the edges.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together and give a wonderful lift and texture.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Gives a warm, aromatic depth that enhances all the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): The structural backbone that keeps the cookies sturdy yet tender.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies spread just right and contributes to a light texture.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the baking soda for better rise and fluffiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Classic melty pockets of chocolate that everyone loves.
- White chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy sweetness and delightful contrast.
- Crushed pretzels (1/2 cup): Introduces a satisfying crunch and a bit of salty flair.
- Crushed potato chips (1/2 cup): Offers an unexpected texture and savory surprise.
- Red and green M&Ms (1/2 cup): Brings festive color and a hint of chocolatey crunch.
- Festive holiday sprinkles (1/4 cup): Adds cheerful pops of color and a touch of sweetness.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures it’s hot and ready to get those cookies baking as soon as your dough is mixed. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies become fluffy and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine and create a smooth, cohesive batter. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to bring out a wonderful depth of flavor that makes these cookies so addictive.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Being gentle here helps to avoid overworking the dough, which could lead to tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-ins
Now for the fun part! Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, crushed potato chips, M&Ms, and festive holiday sprinkles. The delightful medley of textures and colors truly makes this the ultimate Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe.
Step 6: Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing the mounds about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread and bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are gorgeously golden and the centers are just set. Don’t worry if the cookies feel soft when you take them out; they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool. Let them sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Serve Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate can take their festive charm up a notch. If you want to make them extra holiday-ready, try topping them with a few additional M&Ms or sprinkles just before serving.
Side Dishes
These cookies are a star snack but pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of flavored coffee or tea. For holiday gatherings, serving them alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or a slice of rich cheesecake can create a delightful dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe into a showstopper by stacking them into a rustic cookie tower or arranging them on a festive platter lined with holiday-themed napkins. You can even package them in mason jars tied with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any cookies left after the first enthusiastic round, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This helps keep them soft and chewy while preserving all those wonderful mix-in textures.
Freezing
You can freeze the cookie dough balls before baking by arranging them on a tray and freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy fresh-baked Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe anytime without much prep. Once baked, the cookies themselves can also be frozen for up to three months in a sealed container.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy those saved cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that just-baked warmth and softness. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the perfect balance of chewy and crisp textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute any of the ingredients in the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the types of chips or snacks based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Just keep the overall texture contrast in mind to maintain that signature “kitchen sink” effect.
Why do these cookies use both baking soda and baking powder?
Using both helps to achieve the perfect rise and tenderness—the soda aids spread and browning, while the baking powder adds a gentle lift for a soft, pillowy center.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is properly softened but not melted, and chill the dough for a short bit if needed before baking. Proper spacing on the baking sheet also helps keep their shape intact.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of regular flour. Just note the mix-ins should also be gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for sensitive eaters.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gift-giving?
They’re perfect for gifting! Their festive colors and joyful mix of ingredients make them a thoughtful, homemade treat that’s sure to bring smiles during the holiday season or any special occasion.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe—it combines so many beloved flavors and textures into one fun and delicious cookie that feels both nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, gifting, or simply treating yourself, these cookies promise smiles and satisfied cravings. So grab your mixing bowl and let the kitchen sink cookie adventure begin!
Print
Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful and festive treat packed with a variety of sweet and salty ingredients including chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, potato chips, M&Ms, and colorful holiday sprinkles. Soft and chewy with crunchy bursts, these cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a fun and flavorful cookie.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (85 g) white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
- 1/2 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1/4 cup festive holiday sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with even baking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and creamy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air for softer cookies.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten which can make the cookies tough.
- Fold in mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, crushed potato chips, red and green M&Ms, and festive holiday sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookie texture tender.
- Scoop dough onto sheets: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set, indicating the cookies are properly baked.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Do not overmix the dough after adding flour and mix-ins to keep cookies tender.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing.
- Spacing dough portions about 2 inches apart allows cookies to spread evenly.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheets initially to avoid breakage.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
