Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: The Ultimate Festive Treat for Holiday Baking Recipes

If there is one dessert that captures the joy, warmth, and playful spirit of the holidays, it is Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Bursting with chocolate, crunchy bits, salty-sweet surprises, and festive colors, these cookies bring everything you love about the season into a single bite. Easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing, they belong at the top of your list of holiday baking recipes.

Whether you’re preparing cookie boxes, hosting a family gathering, or stocking up for cozy nights at home, these cookies deliver rich flavor and festive charm in every bite.

What Are Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies get their name from the idea that “everything goes into them except the kitchen sink.” They are thick, chewy, and generously loaded with mix-ins such as chocolate chips, pretzels, butterscotch morsels, festive M&M candies, toffee bits, caramel chunks, nuts, or anything else you have on hand.

This recipe is extremely versatile, making it one of the most reliable holiday baking recipes for busy families, home bakers, and anyone who enjoys creative, decadent treats. Not only are they packed with flavor, but their holiday-themed colors and textures make them visually irresistible on dessert tables.

Why These Cookies Are a Holiday Favorite

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are delicious, customizable, and perfect for gifting. Their balanced sweet-salty profile makes them appealing even to those who prefer less sugary desserts. Their colorful ingredients, thick texture, and comforting aroma also align perfectly with the season’s festive atmosphere. For anyone collecting holiday baking recipes, this one deserves a permanent spot in your holiday rotation.

Here’s what makes these cookies stand out:

Thick, chewy, bakery-style texture
A mix of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chocolaty ingredients
No chilling required (unless you prefer thicker cookies)
Perfect for kids and adults
Ideal for cookie boxes, parties, and holiday gatherings
Easily adapted to fit any theme or dietary preference

Ingredients for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Below is the full, detailed ingredient list to help you prepare the perfect holiday cookie batch. Feel free to adjust the mix-ins depending on what you already have on hand.

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Festive Mix-Ins (Customizable)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
1 cup red and green M&M candies
½ cup crushed pretzels
½ cup butterscotch chips
½ cup toffee bits
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Caramel bits or chopped soft caramels (optional)
Festive sprinkles for topping

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, making it one of the most enjoyable holiday baking recipes to personalize.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need specialized equipment to prepare Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, which is another reason they’re a favorite during the holiday rush. Below are the recommended tools to make baking even easier:

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or baking mats
Cookie scoop (optional, for uniform cookies)
Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Follow these clear and simple steps to bake thick, chewy, and perfectly festive cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheets

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

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

Flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add:

Softened butter
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until light, creamy, and fluffy. Proper creaming ensures soft, chewy cookies and enhances the flavor.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Mixture

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Step 6: Add All Festive Mix-Ins

Now the fun begins. Fold in all the mix-ins, such as:

Chocolate chips
M&M candies
Pretzels
Butterscotch chips
Toffee bits
Nuts
Sprinkles

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold them into the dough. The dough should look thick and generously loaded.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookie Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into large mounds. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches of space between each cookie.

If you want extra thick bakery-style cookies, refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Step 8: Add Toppings

Before baking, press a few extra chocolate chips or M&M candies onto each cookie for a more festive look.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until:

The edges are lightly golden
The centers still look soft and slightly underbaked

This is crucial for achieving that perfect chewy texture.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. They will continue to set as they cool.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

To ensure you get the best results every time, here are some helpful tips that elevate this recipe into one of the best holiday baking recipes you can rely on:

1. Measure Your Flour Correctly

Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping it directly from the bag. Too much flour can result in dry, cakey cookies.

2. Do Not Overmix

Overmixing the dough once the flour is added can toughen the cookies. Mix only until combined.

3. Customize Freely

This recipe is designed to be flexible. Swap in:

Dried cranberries
Crushed candy canes
Mini marshmallows
Peanut butter chips
Popcorn
Oreos or holiday candy

4. Add a Chilling Step for Thicker Cookies

If you prefer cookies with a higher rise and thicker texture, chill the dough for 30–60 minutes.

5. Bake One Sheet at a Time

For even baking, avoid overcrowding your oven. Baking one sheet at a time ensures consistent texture.

6. Press Extra Toppings on Top

Adding toppings before baking gives the cookies a festive, bakery-quality look.

7. Underbake Slightly

The cookies should be just golden around the edges but soft in the center. They firm up beautifully as they cool.

8. Salt Enhances the Flavor

The mix of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate creates a balanced, addictive taste. Do not skip the salt unless medically necessary.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to keep them soft.

Freezing the Dough

Scoop and freeze raw cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Fully baked cookies freeze very well. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Cookie)

(Values may vary depending on mix-ins.)

Calories: 240
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Sugar: 20 g
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Fiber: 1 g

These cookies are indulgent, festive, and meant for special seasonal celebrations—making them perfect for holiday baking recipes collections.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Baking Recipes Collection

If you’re searching for versatile and reliable holiday baking recipes, Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies deserve a place at the top of your list. Their festive appearance, chewy texture, and rich combination of flavors make them a standout treat for the season.

They also:

Impress guests effortlessly
Make excellent edible gifts
Freeze beautifully for advance preparation
Are ideal for cookie exchanges
Offer endless customization possibilities

Their balance of sweet and salty flavors appeals to nearly everyone, making them a safe and delicious choice for any gathering.

Conclusion:

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies offer everything you love about holiday desserts—colorful mix-ins, warm flavors, soft textures, and festive charm. Whether you’re new to holiday baking recipes or a seasoned home baker looking for a fun and customizable treat, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy, warmth, and memorable moments to your kitchen.