The warm glow of the kitchen light enveloped us, casting a golden hue over the familiar chaos. The rich, sugary scent of melting butter intertwined with the sweet notes of chocolate and vanilla, ushering in the spirit of the holidays. As the Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies baked, memories unfolded like wrapped gifts. Laughter danced in the air, my daughter and I swapping stories while my grandmother’s cherished recipe filled our home with a nostalgic embrace. Each batch brought more than just treats; they delivered moments of connection and warmth that anchored our family traditions.
Why Make This Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Every Southern kitchen has its heart, and for many, that heart beats strongest around the holidays. The Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies embody this, threaded through the fabric of family stories and cherished gatherings. It is a versatile recipe that welcomes everything but the kitchen sink, allowing personal touch at every turn.
In our home, these cookies symbolize connection. They remind us of long, joy-filled evenings spent baking together, measuring out ingredients while listening to the sounds of classic holiday carols. These Christmas cookies are not just sweet indulgences; they represent the love and generosity characteristic of Southern hospitality.
As I sift through the flour and stir in the treasures, memories wrap around me. These cookies have always marked the festive season, a way to gather around the table, ignite conversation, and serve warmth from the oven to the hearts of those we love. Each ingredient stirs up love and joy, transforming the kitchen into a haven of comfort.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
“Every time this pot simmers, it feels like my mama’s kitchen all over again.”
The journey of making Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies begins long before the baking sheet meets the oven. With every scoop and stir, you not only create a treat but bask in the rhythm of slow, meaningful cooking. The smell of warm butter swirling in the air is simply irresistible, enveloping you in its embrace. The gentle action of mixing becomes a dance, one that welcomes ingredients of all kinds.
Gathering together your ingredients offers the first glimpse of what’s to come. Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies embrace both tradition and creativity, allowing you to pour in personal favorites alongside the classic staples.
Gathering the Ingredients
To create these delightful cookies, here’s what you will need:
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 8 oz Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 1/4 cup Dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&Ms (red and green; plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup Pretzels (broken into small pieces; plus more for topping)
- 1/3 cup Potato chips, salted (crushed, plus more for topping)
- 2 tbsp Holiday sprinkles (jimmies works best)
Using real butter brings out that Sunday flavor, pairing perfectly with the warm sun that spills into the kitchen. These ingredients may seem simple, but together they transform into a medley of textures and flavors with a hint of joy stirred in.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Melt the butter and let it sit for about 20 minutes. Ensure that it cools down to room temperature, not warm. The right temperature is essential to keep those lovely cookies chewy.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, forming a dry mix that will eventually bind everything together.
- Next, whisk the melted butter with the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth. The sweet aroma begins to fill the kitchen, signaling the magic that is about to happen.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing them into the butter-sugar combo to create a luscious batter. The vanilla notes should dance through the air, making your heart swell with comfort.
- Add the flour mixture and mix gently with a rubber spatula until everything is combined. No need to overdo it, just fold it gently.
- Now it’s time for the fun. Stir in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzels, crushed potato chips, and holiday sprinkles. This is where the kitchen sink truly comes alive with colors and flavors.
- Use a 1 1/2 oz ice cream scoop to place the cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave space for them to spread out as they bake.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for an hour. If you are rushed, you can pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes. This chilling step ensures they hold their shape while baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Once ready, place six cookie dough balls onto the parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Bake the cookies for 13-15 minutes, turning the sheet pan halfway through baking. This little trick helps them brown evenly and rise to lovely golden heights.
- As soon as they emerge from the oven, use a large cookie cutter to “scoot” the cookies, giving them a perfectly round shape. While still warm, sprinkle additional M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and other toppings on top to highlight their festive flair.
Serving Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies With Family Warmth
Gathering around the table to share these Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies is where the magic truly happens. Imagine the laughter rising above the gentle crackle of the fireplace, the sound of children’s joy echoing through the home, and the warmth wrapping all of us together.
These cookies sit proudly alongside a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa, perfect for the chilly winter night. You may even find side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables nearby, but they are merely accompaniments to the heartwarming experience of sharing sweet cookies with laughter and stories. The comforting moments shared during this time remind us of what matters most family.
Keeping the Comfort for Tomorrow
As with any good Southern comfort food, flavors improve with time. These cookies can be easily stored in an airtight container for up to a week, keeping the smiles alive in the following days.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, pop them on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes, and enjoy that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma once more. The butter and chocolate will melt, restoring their original comfort and making every bite feel like home.
If by some chance you have leftovers (though I doubt you will), the cookies store well in the freezer too. Place them in an airtight container, and they’ll be a cheerful reminder of the festivities awaiting you in the months to come.
Lila’s Little Lessons
Over the years, I have gathered some precious bits of wisdom when baking Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies:
- Use room temperature eggs for a more homogenous mix. This makes for a smoother texture.
- Experiment with mix-ins. You might add your favorite nuts or dried fruits based on what your family loves, making it your own.
- Chilling the dough is crucial. It helps your cookies to hold their form and keeps them from spreading too much, delivering a perfectly chewy texture.
- Do not overmix after you add the flour. Overmixing can lead to a denser cookie, and we want these delights to dance on the taste buds.
- Consider using different colored sprinkles for festive occasions or to match the season’s cheer.
Family Twists on Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
This recipe has grown in many ways as families adapt it to their traditions. In true Southern fashion, my family sometimes adds a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, infusing the flavors with seasonal spice.
Some enjoy adding crushed peppermint candy for a holiday twist, while others might swap pretzels for pecans for that true Southern touch. Every family can sprinkle their love on these cookies, allowing them to become a canvas for regional tastes and cherished memories.
FAQs About Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making them a day or two in advance only enhances the flavors, allowing the ingredients to meld together for that comforting taste.
What if I don’t have M&Ms?
Feel free to swap them with your favorite chocolate chips or even seasonal candies. The beauty of these cookies is their flexibility.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to three months. Just scoop onto baking sheets and freeze individually before transferring them to an airtight container.
How do I make these gluten-free?
Substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend often works wonderfully. Just ensure your mix-ins are gluten-free too.
Do I need to use unsalted butter?
While unsalted is preferred to control the salt levels, you can use salted butter if needed. Just reduce any additional salt in the recipe carefully.
A Final Thought
As I look back on countless kitchen memories filled with laughter, love, and of course, Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies, I find comfort in knowing these recipes bind us to family through nostalgia and tradition. Each cookie takes me back to the first batch baked with my mother, delighting in the sprinkles of joy we added together.
Through the act of baking, we discover a profound connection to those who came before us and to those we share the table with today. May each Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookie inspire you to share warmth, comfort, and love with all who gather, upholding the cherished Southern tradition of family cooking.
Print
Kitchen Sink Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A versatile and nostalgic cookie recipe perfect for holiday gatherings, filled with sweet treats and family memories.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 8 oz Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 1/4 cup Dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup M&Ms (red and green; plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup White chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup Pretzels (broken into small pieces; plus more for topping)
- 1/3 cup Potato chips, salted (crushed, plus more for topping)
- 2 tbsp Holiday sprinkles (jimmies works best)
Instructions
- Melt the butter and let it sit for about 20 minutes to cool to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk the melted butter with dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.
- Add the flour mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula.
- Stir in the M&Ms, white chocolate chips, pretzels, crushed potato chips, and holiday sprinkles.
- Use a 1 1/2 oz ice cream scoop to place cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for 1 hour.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place six cookie dough balls onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes, turning the sheet halfway through baking.
- Remove from the oven and use a large cookie cutter to shape the cookies, adding extra toppings while still warm.
Notes
Experiment with mix-ins and consider chilling the dough to maintain cookie shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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