Ah, Christmas kitchen sink cookies! They’re like a warm hug in cookie form, bursting with flavors and textures that just scream holiday cheer. Picture this: a delightful blend of chocolate, crunchy nuts, and chewy dried fruits all packed into one cookie. Every bite is a surprise, and trust me, you’ll never get bored of them! I remember the first time I made these cookies—my kitchen was filled with the sweet scent of baking, and my family couldn’t resist sneaking a taste before they were even cool. It’s those little moments of joy that make holiday baking so special. So, gather your ingredients and let’s get into the festive spirit with these amazing cookies!
Ingredients for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
How to Prepare Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key for achieving those perfectly baked cookies—trust me, you don’t want to skip this step! It ensures that the cookies rise beautifully and develop that irresistible golden edge.
Creaming the Mixture
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s get creaming! Start by adding your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar into the bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better your cookies will be!
Adding Wet Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add in the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack those eggs right into the bowl and pour in the vanilla. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth. You want that beautiful creamy texture to shine through!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This little step helps evenly distribute the baking soda and ensures that your cookies rise perfectly. Once it’s all mixed, we’re ready for the next step!
Mixing It All Together
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in three parts, stirring gently after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to stay tender and delicious!
Adding Mix-Ins
Time for the fun part! Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and shredded coconut if you’re feeling adventurous. Just imagine the festive burst of flavors in every bite! Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Baking the Cookies
Now, take rounded tablespoons of dough and drop them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Give them a little space to spread out—no one likes cookies sticking together! Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Yum!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas kitchen sink cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, use room temperature butter for the creaming step; it mixes more smoothly and leads to a fluffier texture. If you want thicker cookies, chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking—this helps them hold their shape. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with your mix-ins! You can swap out nuts or dried fruits based on your personal preference. Just remember to keep the ratios similar to what the recipe calls for. Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a little different! You want those edges golden and the centers just set for the ultimate chewy cookie experience. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for each delightful Christmas kitchen sink cookie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
These cookies are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed without too much guilt! Perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself) during the festive season!
FAQ about Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can mix and match your chocolates as you like. Dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even milk chocolate chips can add a unique twist to your Christmas kitchen sink cookies. Just make sure to stick to the same total amount for the best results!
What can I substitute for the nuts?
If you have nut allergies or just prefer to skip them, you can easily swap them out for more chocolate chips, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or even add extra dried fruits. The key is to keep the texture in balance!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Yum!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before baking so it’s easier to scoop. This way, you can enjoy fresh cookies any time!
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be that your butter was too warm or you didn’t chill your dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple, straightforward steps, you’ll have these cookies mixed, baked, and ready to enjoy in no time!
- Festive Flavor Explosion: The combination of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits creates a delightful holiday flavor that’s perfect for any celebration.
- Versatile Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize these cookies with your favorite add-ins. Got some leftover candy canes or butterscotch chips? Toss them in!
- Great for Sharing: These cookies are perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or just to spread some cheer among friends and family.
- Chewy and Delicious: The perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavors makes every bite a little piece of heaven.
- Make Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh whenever you’re ready!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas kitchen sink cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, simply freeze them! Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for a bit or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like a freshly warmed cookie to bring the holiday spirit back!
For more tips on baking cookies, you can check out this guide from Food Network for expert advice!
If you’re looking for more festive recipes, visit this page for delicious Christmas cookie ideas!
And remember, the joy of baking is all about sharing, so don’t forget to spread the love with your homemade treats!
Print
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: 7 Joyful Flavor Combos
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive blend of flavors and textures, Christmas kitchen sink cookies combine chocolate, nuts, and dried fruits for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, dried cranberries, and coconut if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 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: 20mg
Keywords: christmas kitchen sink cookies
