Name: Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour; ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar; ¾ cup (150 g) packed brown sugar; 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup (175 g) red and green M&Ms; 1 cup (175 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup (40 g) crushed pretzels; ½ cup (50 g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional); ½ cup (45 g) shredded coconut (optional)

Whipping up these delightful christmas kitchen sink cookies brings together an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Sweet memories of holiday baking merge with unexpected ingredients in one delectable treat.

Crispy edges and chewy centers create a magical texture that surprises you.

Pantry staples transform into something extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum enjoyment.

Chocolate chips, nuts, and crushed candies blend seamlessly in this playful recipe.

Adventurous bakers will love how quickly these cookies come together.

Grab a glass of milk and get ready to experience pure holiday happiness.

Customize Your Mix-Ins: Swap out ingredients based on personal preference or dietary needs, keeping the total volume consistent for best texture.
Prevent Spreading: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
Balance Sweet and Salty: Use a mix of sweet and salty add-ins like pretzels and chocolate chips to create a complex, delicious flavor profile.
Portion Consistently: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which helps achieve even baking and attractive presentation.
Maximize Freshness: Store cookies with a slice of bread in the container to keep them soft and prevent them from becoming dry or stale.

Save Kitchen Sink Cookies Like a Pro

Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature.
Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and enhance flavor.
Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying, ensuring they regain their original delicious texture.

Pairings to Try with Kitchen Sink Cookies

Cold, fresh whole milk perfectly balances the sweet and salty crunch of these kitchen sink cookies. The smooth, cool liquid cuts through the richness of chocolate and butter, creating a delightful taste experience.
Warm, rich hot chocolate amplifies the cookie's chocolate flavors, especially from the M&Ms and chocolate chips. The marshmallow-topped drink adds extra comfort and warmth to each bite.
A smooth, sweet caramel latte provides a sophisticated coffee undertone that enhances the cookie's complex flavor profile. The espresso notes beautifully complement the sweet and salty elements of the cookie.
Spicy, creamy vanilla chai tea offers a sophisticated counterpoint to the cookie's sweet and crunchy texture. The warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom create an exciting flavor contrast.

Fun Variations on Kitchen Sink Cookies

Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all mix-ins are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
Vegan Christmas Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and select vegan chocolate chips and M&Ms to create a plant-based version.
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce granulated and brown sugar quantities, substitute with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate chips for less sugar content.
Nut-Lover's Version: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to enhance protein content and provide extra crunch, perfect for those wanting more nutty flavor profiles.

Common Questions About Kitchen Sink Cookies

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cookies from becoming too salty.

How do I prevent my mix-ins from sinking to the bottom of the cookie?

Lightly coat the mix-ins like M&Ms and pretzels in a thin layer of flour before adding them to the dough. This helps them distribute more evenly.

What if my dough is too sticky to roll into balls?

Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping. This will firm up the butter and make the dough easier to handle.

Can kids help make these cookies?

Absolutely! Kids can help mix ingredients, add mix-ins, and roll dough balls. Always supervise them around the oven and hot baking sheets.

What Sets Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies Apart

Packed with multiple mix-ins like M&Ms, chocolate chips, and pretzels, these cookies offer an explosion of textures and tastes in every bite.
Simple recipe steps make these cookies accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home chefs.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, school parties, or casual family dessert time, these cookies bring instant joy and delightful surprise to any occasion.
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, these cookies provide a fast and satisfying sweet solution for spontaneous baking cravings.

Everything That Goes into Kitchen Sink Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cookie dough.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and creates a soft, chewy texture.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

Wet Ingredients:

Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender cookie texture.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and deep caramel-like flavor.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cookie structure.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

Mix-Ins and Extras:

M&Ms, Chocolate Chips, Crushed Pretzels, Nuts, Coconut: Create fun texture and burst of different flavors. Choose mix-ins based on personal preference or what's available in your pantry. Mix-ins can be swapped or combined for unique cookie variations.

Baking Your Own Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together in a medium bowl:

Flour
Baking soda
Salt

Set mixture aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large bowl, cream together:

Butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar

Mix until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Elements

Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Load with Delicious Extras

Fold in exciting mix-ins:

M&Ms
Chocolate chips
Crushed pretzels
Optional additions like nuts or coconut

Step 7: Shape Cookie Dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers set.

Step 9: Cool and Rest

Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 10: Store for Later

Keep cookies in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Fusion Cuisine Development
Recipe Development and Food Styling
Culinary Writing and Content Creation
Nutrition and Healthy Cooking

Education

Culinary Institute of America

Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation.

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression.

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.