If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that’s bursting with every flavor and texture you love, then let me introduce you to the ultimate treat: the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. This is not just any cookie, it’s a delightful medley of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, and even crunchy pretzels, all tucked into one irresistible bite. Perfectly soft and chewy with golden edges, these cookies bring together a joyful mishmash of ingredients that somehow create pure magic in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to savor a little happiness baked into every morsel, these kitchen sink cookies are an absolute must-try that never disappoint.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that makes the base luscious, to the variety of mix-ins that give these cookies their signature texture, flavor, and fun.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: The rich and creamy foundation that keeps cookies tender and moist.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the cookies chewy.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create crisp edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to structure and moisture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the overall flavor with warm, sweet aroma.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The cookie’s framework, giving body without heaviness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Provides a subtle lift and lightness to the dough.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Classic melty pockets of chocolate you want in every bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): Adds crunch and a lovely nutty depth.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins: Brings chewy bursts of fruity sweetness.
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional): Introduces a tropical flair and extra chew.
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels or potato chips (optional): For a surprising salty crunch that contrasts the sweet perfectly.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This setup ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it creates air pockets that help your cookies rise and develop that perfect tender texture.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Next, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure complete incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which will infuse your dough with a warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients uniformly prevents any uneven rising and ensures consistent flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter and sugar mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or you might end up with dense cookies instead of soft, chewy gems.
Step 6: Fold in the mix-ins
Here’s where the fun really begins! Gently fold in your chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and crushed pretzels or potato chips if you’re feeling adventurous. Each ingredient adds a unique touch that makes the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe truly special.
Step 7: Shape and bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread without merging. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still look slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they set up just right, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps lock in that chewy texture and full flavor you’ll fall in love with.
How to Serve Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Try sprinkling a little flaky sea salt over your cookies just before baking or right after they come out of the oven to add a sophisticated salty note that balances the sweetness brilliantly. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a charming finish for any occasion.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a warm cup of coffee or tea. They make a fantastic dessert or snack that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe stacked with layers of frosting or sandwich a little peanut butter or Nutella between two cookies. You can also crumble them over yogurt or ice cream bowls for texture and flavor bursts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay soft and chewy for up to 5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, just be sure to thaw at room temperature before eating.
Reheating
To refresh cookies and bring back their soft, just-baked warmth, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in the oven. This little trick brings out those melty chocolate chips and softens the centers beautifully.
FAQs
Can I customize the mix-ins in this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out the nuts, dried fruit, or chips for your favorites or whatever you have on hand. Just keep the total volume roughly the same for the best results.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of cakey?
The combination of brown sugar and creaming the butter and sugars until fluffy contributes to a chewy texture. Also, careful mixing ensures the dough isn’t overworked, which helps keep the cookies tender rather than cakey or crumbly.
Is it okay to leave out the coconut or pretzels?
Yes, those ingredients are optional for a reason. They add extra flavor and texture, but the cookies are delicious without them too. Customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for about 15 to 30 minutes if your kitchen is warm before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better during baking.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely. Just be sure to mix the ingredients evenly and give yourself enough baking sheets and oven time. You might want to bake in batches to ensure even cooking and the perfect Cookie Sink Cookies Recipe experience every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s honestly something so joyfully satisfying about the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe. It’s like a party of flavors and textures all coming together in a perfect chewy, golden-browned bite. Whether you share them with friends, gift them to neighbors, or keep a stash just for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile. I can’t wait for you to make them and experience a cookie adventure that truly lives up to its playful name.
Print
Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful batch of Kitchen Sink Cookies packed with a mix of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and crunchy pretzels for a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. These cookies are soft in the center with golden edges, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pretzels or potato chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth blend. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt evenly.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in the mix-ins: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and crushed pretzels or potato chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden while the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Optional ingredients like shredded coconut and crushed pretzels add texture and depth but can be omitted for a simpler cookie.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the nuts lightly before chopping and adding them.
- Spacing cookies about 2 inches apart prevents them from spreading into each other during baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies continue to firm up as they cool for the perfect chewy texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
