special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

The special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, making them perfect for your holiday gatherings. These cookies combine unexpected ingredients like pretzels, potato chips, and M&M’s, creating a unique texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking to treat your family, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet M&M’s, creamy white chocolate chips, and salty pretzel pieces creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up a batch in no time.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are great for special occasion parties, cookie exchanges, or even just a cozy night in with family.
• Customizable: Feel free to modify the add-ins based on your preferences—swap out M&M’s for chocolate chips or use different sprinkles!
• Fun to Decorate: Get creative with the toppings! Adding extra sprinkles before baking makes them festive and visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Speeds up the process of creaming butter and sugars for a light texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides a flat surface for even cooking; essential for cookie baking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly without becoming soggy from steam.

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Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

• 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

For the Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Mix-Ins

• 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

How to Make special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, add softened salted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together for about two minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Next, incorporate the egg yolks and vanilla into your mixture. Mix on medium speed for another two minutes until pale in color and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add in your dry ingredients. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Add in the M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and sprinkles. Gently fold these into the dough using a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough Balls

Scoop out dough into balls (about 20) and place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 7: Optional Toppings

For an extra festive touch, add some additional mix-ins on top of each dough ball before baking if desired.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes—10 minutes for chewier centers or 12 minutes for crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Cookies (Optional)

If you’d like perfectly shaped cookies, use a large circular cookie cutter immediately after removing them from the oven. Swirl around each cookie gently to reshape them.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely for another ten minutes.

Step 11: Store Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these festive treats! Happy baking!

How to Serve special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

These delightful special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying during the holiday season. Here are some fun serving suggestions to make the most of these festive treats.

Cookie Platter

• Arrange a variety of your special occasion cookies on a large platter. Include other holiday cookies alongside the Kitchen Sink Cookies for a colorful display.

Hot Cocoa Pairing

• Serve your cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa. The chocolate flavors in both will complement each other perfectly, making for a cozy treat.

Milk Dipping Station

• Set up a milk bar with different types of milk, like almond, oat, or classic cow’s milk. Guests can choose their favorite to dip their cookies into.

Gift Packaging

• Package individual cookies in decorative boxes or bags tied with ribbons. This makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family.

How to Perfect special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

To ensure your special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies turn out beautifully every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Chill the dough: For an even chewier texture, chill the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
• Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking; adjust the time based on how chewy or crispy you prefer them.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like nuts or dried fruits to customize your cookies further.

Best Side Dishes for special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

While these cookies shine on their own, pairing them with complementary dishes can elevate your holiday dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light contrast to the rich sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses that pair well with sweet flavors, such as brie or goat cheese.
3. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a tasty side that balances sweetness with tanginess.
4. Nut Mix: A savory nut mix can offer a delightful crunch and saltiness that pairs well with sweet cookies.
5. Coffee or Tea: Serve warm beverages like coffee or tea to enhance the overall flavor experience while enjoying your treats.
6. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini cupcakes in complementary flavors like vanilla or chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness on the dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the Butter Softening: Always use softened butter for creaming with sugar. Cold butter leads to dense cookies.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mix just until combined after adding flour. Overmixing can cause tough cookies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour. Incorrect measurements can alter texture and flavor.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Baking at a wrong temperature can result in uneven baking.
• Baking on Unlined Sheets: Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored for up to three months.

Reheating special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies.

What makes special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies unique?

special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies are packed with an assortment of mix-ins like pretzels, M&Ms, and chocolate chips, giving them a delightful sweet and salty flavor.

Can I customize my special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out M&Ms with your favorite candies or use different types of chips to create your perfect cookie mix.

How do I ensure my cookies are chewy?

To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. Aim for about 10 minutes instead of the full 12 minutes.

How long do these cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature or three months if frozen.

Final Thoughts

These special occasion Kitchen Sink Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With endless customization options, you can make them suit any taste or occasion. Try this recipe this holiday season and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!