Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies: The Ultimate Festive Treat for Holiday Cheer
The holiday season calls for special treats that bring joy, comfort, and a delightful mix of flavors to the table.
Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are exactly that kind of treat a sweet and salty cookie packed with an exciting array of ingredients that create a festive and flavorful bite every time.
These cookies combine the crunch of pretzels and potato chips with the colorful pop of red and green M&M’s, the richness of white chocolate, and the fun, festive look of sprinkles.
Table of Contents
This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies is sure to be a centerpiece at any holiday gathering, from cozy family weeknight dinners to spirited potlucks.

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- spatula
- baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
- 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles (jimmies)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add egg yolks and vanilla; beat for another 2 minutes until pale and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzels, potato chips, and sprinkles with a spatula.
- Form dough into 20 balls and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Optionally press extra toppings on top for decoration.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set. For chewier cookies, bake 10 minutes.
- Optional: Use a round cookie cutter to shape freshly baked cookies into perfect circles.
- Cool cookies on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack for another 10 minutes to cool completely.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Flavor Explosion: The clever mix of salty pretzels and potato chips with sweet M&M’s, white chocolate, and brown sugar butter creates cookies that satisfy every craving.
- Simple and Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of baking, it’s ideal for busy cooks who want a homemade treat without the fuss.
- Versatile for Holidays: These cookies are perfect for Christmas, thanks to their festive colors and joyful mix-ins, but you can easily adapt them for other occasions.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: The colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make these cookies a hit with kids, perfect for baking sessions with little helpers.
- Make-Ahead and Store-Friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to three days, allowing you to prep in advance or keep leftovers fresh.

Ingredientsfor Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies You’ll Need
- 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup red and green M&M’s
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup pretzel pieces
- 1/3 cup potato chip pieces
- 2 tbsp red and green jimmies (sprinkles)
Substitutions and Add-Ins Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Use dairy-free butter alternatives or margarine for a vegan-friendly version.
- Swap M&M’s for chocolate chips or other candies like Reese’s Pieces.
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- For a gourmet twist, replace potato chips with kettle-cooked chips or add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions Breakdown for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla for another 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and aerated.
- Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Incorporate Mix-Ins: Fold in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel bits, potato chip pieces, and jimmies gently using a spatula for an even spread throughout the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Form dough into 20 equally sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Optional Garnish: Add a few extra M&M’s, pretzels, or sprinkles on top of the dough balls for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, with 10 minutes yielding chewy centers and 12 minutes offering crisper edges.
- Shape Perfect Circles: (Optional) Immediately after baking, use a large circular cookie cutter to swirl around and shape each cookie into a neat circle.
- Cooling: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack for an additional 10 minutes.

Useful Prep Tips
- Proper flour measurement is key: avoid scooping directly from the bag. Instead, spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off or weigh for accuracy.
- Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and texture.
- Short on time? Rotisserie chicken isn’t needed here, but having all ingredients pre-measured streamlines the work.
Storage and Reheating for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies wrapped tightly in foil or in resealable bags for up to one month.
- Reheat frozen cookies briefly in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to regain softness and freshness.
- Serving Suggestions and Garnishes this Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies recipe
- Serve with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Plate these cookies as part of a holiday dessert platter alongside fudge, peppermint bark, or other seasonal delights.
- Garnish with extra sprinkles or a light dusting of powdered sugar for holiday flair.
- Optional Variations to Customize
- Add chopped dried cranberries or cherries for tart contrast.
- Mix in a handful of mini marshmallows before baking for gooey pockets.
- Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt atop cookies just before baking to enhance the sweet-salty balance.
Looking for your next go-to dessert? Don’t miss our collection of the most irresistible cookie creations.
Ready to wow your holiday guests with a cookie that has it all? Try this festive Kitchen Sink Cookie recipe today and share your baking success with us in the comments below!
Want to learn more about the nutritional value of your favorite ingredients? Check out the USDA FoodData Central for detailed nutrition facts to make informed choices this holiday season.
Looking for tips to enjoy holiday treats without guilt? Explore Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate and discover how to balance indulgence with nutritious choices.
Cultural Note Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
The “kitchen sink” concept in cookies plays on the idea of throwing in every delightful ingredient on hand hence the mix of sweet and salty elements. This style is perfect for celebrations where variety and fun textures are appreciated, embodying the spirit of Christmas with its bright colors and playful mix-ins.
