Kitchen Sink Cookies

Introduction

If you’re someone who loves variety in their treats, Kitchen Sink Cookies are the way to go. They’re the ultimate “everything-but-the-kitchen-sink” cookie, and honestly, they’re like a cookie buffet all rolled into one. Imagine chewy dough packed with a little bit of everything: chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, candy pieces, dried fruit—the sky’s the limit! This recipe is perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but can’t quite decide what you’re in the mood for.

What I love most about these Kitchen Sink Cookies is how customizable they are. You can use whatever you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out your pantry and get creative. Over the years, I’ve made these with all sorts of fun additions like crushed up toffee, mini marshmallows, or even white chocolate. No matter what, they always turn out amazing and disappear in no time. The combination of salty and sweet in each bite is absolutely addictive—in the best possible way! You’ll want to make these again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you should make these Kitchen Sink Cookies ASAP:

• Customizable: Add whatever mix-ins you like—this is a great recipe for using up leftovers or getting creative with different flavor combos.
• Chewy and Delicious: The cookies turn out thick, chewy, and absolutely packed with flavor from the mix-ins.
• Easy to Make: You only need basic pantry staples, and it comes together in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re baking for a party, a potluck, or just to share with family, these cookies are sure to please everyone.
• Snack Attack: Need something sweet for an afternoon pick-me-up? These cookies have you covered!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
• Servings: 18-24 cookies (depending on size)
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

This recipe is all about versatility, so feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Here’s the base:

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups mix-ins (a combo of your favorites—chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, nuts, toffee bits, raisins, etc.)

Popular Mix-In Ideas:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (or any chocolate you prefer)
• 1/2 cup crushed pretzels (for a salty crunch)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup M&M’s or mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1/4 cup toffee bits or caramel pieces

Ingredient Highlights

• Butter: The butter is essential for making these cookies chewy and rich in flavor. It also helps bring all the mix-ins together.
• Brown Sugar: It gives the cookies a deeper, molasses-like flavor and helps them stay soft and chewy.
• Eggs: They provide structure and moisture to the dough.
• Flour & Baking Soda: These help the cookies rise and maintain a soft texture.
• Salt: A little salt balances out all the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the mix-ins.
• Mix-ins: This is the fun part! You can add anything your heart desires, from sweet chocolate chips to salty pretzels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these cookies is a breeze, and they come together so quickly. Here’s how:

Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this, but it works just as well with a good old-fashioned whisk and some elbow grease.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. This will help incorporate air into the dough and create a nice texture.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. You want to avoid overmixing so the cookies stay soft.

Add the Mix-Ins

5. Stir in the Mix-Ins: This is where you get to get creative! Stir in your mix-ins—chocolate chips, pretzels, nuts, dried fruit—whatever you like! Don’t be afraid to go a little overboard. You want these cookies to be chunky and packed with flavor.
6. Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps the cookies hold their shape better while baking, but you can skip this step if you’re in a rush.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets—these cookies will spread a little as they bake.
8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake them.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s how you can enjoy them:

• With a Cup of Coffee or Milk: Perfect for dipping, especially if you like your cookies a little soft and chewy!
• For a Sweet Treat: Pack them into a container and bring them to a potluck, picnic, or family gathering. They’ll be a huge hit.
• As a Snack: Sometimes, you just need a quick snack to curb a craving, and these cookies are perfect for that.
• Gift Giving: Bundle them up in a cute tin or jar, and they make the best homemade gift for friends and family.

Additional Tips

• Make Them Gluten-Free: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Use Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, dark chocolate chips or chunks work great instead of semisweet chocolate.
• Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Kitchen Sink Cookies: Swap the butter for coconut oil, the eggs for flax eggs, and use a dairy-free chocolate option to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Kitchen Sink Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or chili powder for a unique twist that adds warmth and complexity.
• Candy Bar Version: Chop up your favorite candy bars (Snickers, Reese’s, or Kit-Kat) and fold them into the dough for a fun candy-loaded cookie.

Freezing and Storage

These cookies are perfect for making ahead of time, and they store well:

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’ll stay chewy and fresh for several days.
• Freezing: Freeze the dough in cookie-sized balls, and bake as many as you want later. Just bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
• Frozen Cookies: You can also freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Kitchen Sink Cookies:

• Can I use different nuts?
  Absolutely! You can use any type of nuts you prefer, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them up into smaller pieces.
• Can I omit certain mix-ins?
  Of course! If you’re not a fan of pretzels or dried fruit, feel free to leave them out and substitute with something else, like more chocolate chips or coconut flakes.
• What if I want smaller cookies?
  If you prefer smaller cookies, simply scoop the dough into 1-inch balls and bake for a slightly shorter time—around 8-10 minutes.

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Conclusion

Kitchen Sink Cookies are a fun, flavorful way to get creative in the kitchen. These cookies are the perfect blank canvas for all your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, pretzels, candies, and so much more. The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to suit your taste or even use up leftovers from your pantry. The result? A cookie that’s crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and packed with all sorts of delicious surprises in every bite.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these Kitchen Sink Cookies are bound to be a hit. They’re great for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a glass of milk. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about knowing you created a dessert that’s totally your own, made with the perfect combination of ingredients that you love.

So go ahead and get creative—mix and match your favorite ingredients to make the perfect batch of Kitchen Sink Cookies. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!