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Get ready to indulge in the best holiday treat: Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies! These delicious cookies let you mix and match your favorite flavors and ingredients for a fun and festive experience. I’ll guide you through every step, from gathering the right ingredients to decorating these goodies. You’ll wow your friends and family with tasty treats that scream holiday cheer. Let’s dive in and bake something special together!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Versatile Ingredients: This recipe allows you to use a variety of mix-ins, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chewy Texture: The combination of oats and a slight underbaking ensures that these cookies have a delightful chewy texture that is hard to resist.
- Festive Appeal: The addition of holiday-themed M&M’s and dried fruits gives these cookies a festive look and taste, perfect for any holiday gathering.
- Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these cookies quickly, making them an ideal treat for spontaneous holiday baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
To make these festive cookies, gather these main ingredients:
– 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– ¾ cup packed brown sugar
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 large egg
– 1 cup rolled oats
These ingredients create a soft and chewy base for the cookies. The butter adds richness, while sugars provide sweetness and texture.
Optional Mix-Ins for Customization
You can make these cookies your own with fun mix-ins. Here are some tasty options:
– ½ cup shredded coconut
– ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
– ½ cup white chocolate chips
– ½ cup holiday-themed M&M’s
– ½ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
– ½ cup chopped dried cranberries or cherries
Feel free to mix and match based on your favorites. This flexibility makes each batch unique!
Tools and Equipment Needed
To bake these cookies, you will need:
– Two baking sheets
– Parchment paper
– Medium mixing bowl
– Large mixing bowl
– Electric mixer
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon
– Wire racks for cooling
Having these tools ready will make your baking experience smooth and fun. Enjoy the process of creating these delightful treats!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Preheating
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking, making clean-up easy.
Mixing the Dough
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this mix aside. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter with ¾ cup of packed brown sugar and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 to 3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. Next, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and 1 large egg. Beat until everything is smooth. Gradually add the flour mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps the cookies soft.
Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Now, gently fold in the fun stuff! Add 1 cup of rolled oats, ½ cup of shredded coconut, ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips, ½ cup of white chocolate chips, ½ cup of holiday-themed M&M’s, ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, and ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries or cherries. Make sure everything is spread evenly. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded dough onto the prepared sheets. Leave 2 inches between each scoop. Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden and the centers soft.
Cooling and Storing the Cookies
After baking, take the sheets out of the oven. Let the cookies cool on the sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them set properly. Then, move the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty for days!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Perfectly Chewy Cookies
To make your cookies chewy, follow these steps:
– Use softened butter. It helps blend the sugars well.
– Don’t overmix the dough. Mix just until the flour disappears.
– Keep the baking time short. Aim for 10-12 minutes, so the centers stay soft.
This way, you get that nice chewy texture in every bite.
Decorating Ideas for Holiday Festiveness
Make your cookies look as good as they taste! Here are some fun ideas:
– Arrange cookies on a colorful platter.
– Dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy look.
– Add a small sprig of mint or holly next to each cookie.
These simple touches make your treats festive and inviting.
Serving Suggestions for Gifting
Want to share these cookies? Here are some great ways:
– Pack them in a clear gift bag tied with a ribbon.
– Use a decorative tin to give a special touch.
– Write a sweet note to add a personal feel.
These ideas will delight anyone lucky enough to receive your cookies!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a better texture in your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances the flavor.
- Mix-Ins Variability: Feel free to swap out mix-ins based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Dried fruits, nuts, or different types of chocolate work great!
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking. Remove them when the edges are golden, but the centers are still slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.

Variations
Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Preferences
You can make these cookies fit many diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour. Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free treat. If you need a nut-free recipe, skip the nuts or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead. You can also swap out the egg for flaxseed meal mixed with water to make it vegan. This flexibility helps everyone enjoy these cookies.
Seasonal Themes for Different Holidays
These cookies are great for any holiday. Add red and green sprinkles for Christmas. For Halloween, use candy corn instead of M&M’s. In spring, try pastel-colored chocolate or dried fruit for a fresh look. You can even shape the dough into festive forms, like stars or hearts, to match the season. This way, you can make your treats more festive.
Fun Flavor Combinations to Try
Mixing flavors makes these cookies more fun. Try adding peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips for a new twist. You can also use toffee bits for a crunchy surprise. For a fruity taste, mix in dried apricots or raisins. The key is to play around with what you like. Your taste buds will thank you for trying these unique combinations!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Cookies
To keep your Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and prevents them from drying out. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from heat and light. If stored properly, these cookies can last up to one week.
Freezing Instructions for Long-Term Storage
If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. Start by allowing the cookies to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date so you know when to use them. These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
How to Revive Cookies After Freezing
To enjoy your frozen cookies, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. This usually takes about 30 minutes. If you want them warm, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This will help restore their chewy texture. Enjoy them fresh, just like when you first baked them!
FAQs
What are Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Kitchen sink cookies are a fun treat filled with many flavors. You can add any mix-ins you like. They usually have oats, chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. The name comes from the idea that you can throw in everything but the kitchen sink!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
How long do the cookies last?
These cookies can last about one week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you like. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even flavored chocolate can work well. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!
What’s the best way to ship cookies as gifts?
To ship cookies, pack them in a sturdy box with plenty of padding. Use parchment paper or bubble wrap to keep them safe. You can layer them with parchment between each cookie to avoid sticking. Make sure to send them early, so they arrive fresh and tasty!
Now you know how to make delicious Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies. We covered the main ingredients, optional mix-ins, and tools you need. I shared my step-by-step guide and some handy tips to get those perfect chewy cookies. You also learned ways to customize and store your treats. Don’t forget the FAQs for any last-minute questions. Baking these cookies can bring joy to your holidays and be a fun gift too. Enjoy your baking and make great memories with friends and famil
Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
A delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for the holiday season.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24
Calories 150 kcal
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 0.75 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup shredded coconut
- 0.5 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup white chocolate chips
- 0.5 cup holiday-themed M&M's
- 0.5 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 0.5 cup chopped dried cranberries or cherries
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the pure vanilla extract and the egg to the butter-sugar mixture, beating until fully incorporated and smooth.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until the flour is fully absorbed. Do not overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Gently fold in the rolled oats, shredded coconut, semisweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, holiday-themed M&M's, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries or cherries. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a regular tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving approximately 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading as they bake.
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This will help them set before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
For a festive touch, arrange the cooled cookies on a decorative platter and dust with powdered sugar.
Keyword Christmas, cookies, holiday baking
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