There’s just something magical about baking during the holidays! The warm scents of spices, sugar, and butter wafting through the kitchen create an atmosphere that feels like a cozy hug. And let me tell you, my Christmas kitchen sink cookies are the epitome of festive baking! These delightful treats are like a party in your mouth, loaded with all sorts of delicious mix-ins that make every bite a new adventure. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just indulging in a sweet moment at home, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to unleash your creativity—feel free to toss in your favorite candies, nuts, or dried fruits. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked on the joy of making these cookie masterpieces every Christmas season!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or your favorite type)
- 1 cup oats (old-fashioned or quick, just make sure they’re rolled!)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or whatever you prefer)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, if that’s your jam)
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (for that extra sweetness!)
How to Prepare Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven ready! Preheating your oven to 350°F (or 175°C) is super important. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden color. So, turn it on before you even start mixing your ingredients—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Cream the Butter and Sugars
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s cream together that softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer, and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies nice and chewy. It should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing, and you’ll know it’s ready when it looks pale and has a whipped texture.
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, let’s add the eggs—two large ones—and the one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s smooth. This is where the magic begins! The eggs help bind everything together, and the vanilla adds that irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone asking what you’re baking!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout your flour. It’s a little step that goes a long way in making sure your cookies rise just right!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until you see no more flour streaks. We want a cohesive dough that’s ready for all those tasty mix-ins!
Fold in Mix-Ins
Speaking of mix-ins, here’s where you can really let your creativity shine! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, oats, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and mini marshmallows. I like to use a spatula for this part to ensure everything is evenly distributed without breaking those delicate marshmallows!
Shape and Bake
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving plenty of space between each cookie because they’ll spread a little while baking. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the cookies are done when they’re golden around the edges but still a bit soft in the center. This is the perfect time to take a deep breath and enjoy that incredible aroma filling your kitchen!
Cool and Enjoy
Once your cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time helps them set perfectly. And then, it’s all about enjoying those warm, gooey cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, so every batch can be unique!
- Loaded with flavors and textures, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Chewy and delicious, with a delightful combination of chocolate, fruit, and crunch.
- Great for sharing—these cookies are perfect for gift giving or holiday parties.
- Fun to make with kids or friends—everyone can add their favorite ingredients!
- They smell amazing while baking, filling your home with that warm holiday spirit.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Christmas kitchen sink cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some pro tips I always keep in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps them combine more evenly, resulting in a smoother dough and better texture!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. We want them to be chewy, not dense!
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so check your cookies around the 10-minute mark. They should be golden on the edges but still a bit soft in the center. They’ll continue to set while cooling!
- Spacing is Key: When dropping the dough onto the baking sheet, leave enough space between each cookie. They spread while baking, and you don’t want them to merge into one giant cookie!
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to switch up your mix-ins based on what you have on hand. Each combination can give these cookies a fun twist, making them even more special!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to whip up a batch of delicious holiday cookies that will impress everyone!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas kitchen sink cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for about a week—if they last that long! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture from making them soggy.
If you want to enjoy them warm later, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating will bring back that fresh-baked goodness, making them taste like they just came out of the oven! You can also reheat them in a toaster oven for a few minutes if you prefer a bit of crispiness on the edges. Either way, you’ll be indulging in cookie bliss in no time!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the numbers, keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, these values are just estimates to give you a general idea of what you’re munching on with each cookie!
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy these cookies guilt-free, knowing they’re packed with love and deliciousness! Just remember, moderation is key—even if it’s hard to stop at just one!
FAQ Section
Can I use different mix-ins?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas kitchen sink cookies is how versatile they are. Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins—think white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even crushed candy canes for a festive twist. You can also try different nuts like almonds or pecans, or even add in some coconut flakes. The possibilities are endless!
How long can I store these cookies?
Your cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I freeze the dough?
You sure can! Freezing the dough is a great way to have fresh cookies on hand whenever the craving strikes. Just scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no thawing necessary! Just add a minute or two to the baking time.
Print
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: 2 Ways to Indulge This Season
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas kitchen sink cookies loaded with various mix-ins.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chocolate chips, oats, nuts, cranberries, and marshmallows.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Mix and match your favorite add-ins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas kitchen sink cookies
