Kitchen sink cookies are the ultimate treat for those who love variety and texture in every bite. As the name suggests, these cookies have everything but the kitchen sink thrown into them. From chocolate chips and nuts to pretzels and toffee bits, each cookie is a delightful mix of flavors and crunch. Perfect for using up leftover pantry items, these cookies are not only incredibly tasty but also fun to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these kitchen sink cookies are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients for Ultimate Kitchen Sink Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
How to Make Ultimate Kitchen Sink Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a soft and chewy texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
Step 5: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the chocolate chips, nuts, crushed pretzels, toffee bits, shredded coconut, and dried cranberries or raisins. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
About the Main Ingredients
Butter
Butter is the base of any good cookie dough, providing richness and moisture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content in the recipe.
Sugars
A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives these cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor and contributes to the chewy texture.
Chocolate Chips
Using both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips ensures a variety of chocolate flavors in every bite. You can also experiment with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips if you prefer.
Nuts
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies. They also provide healthy fats and protein, making the cookies more nutritious.
Pretzels
Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet dough. They also add an unexpected twist that makes these cookies unique.
Toffee Bits
Toffee bits melt slightly during baking, creating little pockets of caramelized sweetness throughout the cookies. They add a deliciously buttery flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Optional Mix-Ins
Shredded coconut and dried cranberries or raisins are optional but highly recommended. Coconut adds a chewy texture and tropical flavor, while dried fruit adds a bit of tartness and chewiness.
These ultimate kitchen sink cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors and a variety of textures, they are sure to please any crowd. Plus, they are a great way to use up any leftover pantry items. Bake a batch today and enjoy the deliciousness of these versatile and fun cookies!
