If you ever crave a cookie that offers a little bit of everything delightful in each bite, this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Bursting with a playful mix of chocolate chips, pretzels, toffee bits, nuts, and even crushed potato chips, these cookies perfectly combine sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy textures that will keep you reaching for more. They’re the ideal treat to whip up when you want something fun, satisfying, and oh-so-flavorful, showcasing that sometimes, throwing in a bit of everything really does create cookie magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect kitchen sink cookie experience. From the creamy butter that adds richness, to the variety of mix-ins that bring exciting textures and flavors, every ingredient contributes to the unique charm of these cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides the creamy base that keeps cookies moist and tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep, caramel sweetness and helps with chewiness.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and encourages a slight crisp on cookie edges.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to structure.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives body and shape to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift for a perfect texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts to create gooey chocolate pockets throughout.
- 1 cup chopped pretzels: Adds satisfying crunch and salty contrast.
- ¾ cup toffee bits: Delivers buttery, caramelized sweetness.
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional): Offers chewiness and a hint of tropical flavor.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Brings nuttiness and texture.
- ½ cup crushed potato chips: Introduces an unexpected salty crunch that wakes up your taste buds.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Tools
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, setting the stage for perfect results.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key for tender cookies with just the right balance of sweetness and texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which brings warmth and depth to your cookie dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures these leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every cookie rises beautifully.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the dough—this keeps your cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in the Mix-Ins
Here is where the magic of the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe truly comes alive: fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, toffee bits, shredded coconut (if using), chopped nuts, and crushed potato chips. This variety delivers that iconic combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.
Step 7: Scoop Dough and Bake
Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are just set, so they remain soft and chewy inside.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack. This step prevents them from breaking apart and keeps their delightful texture intact.
How to Serve Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are showstoppers on their own, a quick drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt can make each one feel even more special. Adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar also adds a festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your kitchen sink cookies with a cold glass of milk or a robust cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For a fun twist, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack these cookies in a rustic wooden box or wrap them individually in colorful cellophane for irresistible gifts. You can also serve them on a platter with small bowls of some of the mix-ins, encouraging guests to customize their own snack packs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Kitchen sink cookies keep their charm when stored properly. Place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh and chewy for up to five days—perfect for making ahead for a gathering or keeping the family fueled during the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze well, too. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you want a quick treat, just thaw at room temperature or pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm.
Reheating
Reheating kitchen sink cookies is simple and rewarding; a few seconds in the microwave or a quick 5-minute warm-up in a preheated 300°F oven will restore their soft, melty goodness and bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I substitute any of the mix-ins in the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have or your personal preference. Just keep a balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy for the best results.
What is the texture like for these cookies?
These cookies have a delightful mix of textures—from soft, chewy centers to crunchy edges and crunchy mix-ins like pretzels and potato chips—that make every bite interesting and satisfying.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just scoop and bake straight from the fridge, though you might need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Is it okay to omit the shredded coconut?
Definitely. Coconut is optional and can be left out if you’re not a fan or allergic. The cookies will still have plenty of delicious flavor and texture without it.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe yields about 24 cookies, depending on how large you scoop the dough. It’s a great amount for sharing or for enjoying over several days.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that feels like a warm hug with surprises in every bite, this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s playful, indulgent, and endlessly customizable—a perfect treat to brighten up your day or impress friends and family. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll quickly become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire!
Print
Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Kitchen Sink Cookies are a deliciously indulgent treat packed with a variety of mix-ins like chocolate chips, pretzels, toffee bits, shredded coconut, nuts, and crushed potato chips. These cookies offer a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors with a chewy and slightly crunchy texture, making them an ideal choice for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a fun baking project using leftover ingredients.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pretzels
- ¾ cup toffee bits
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate fully, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can result in tough cookies.
- Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, toffee bits, shredded coconut if using, chopped nuts, and crushed potato chips to infuse the dough with diverse flavors and textures.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are just set, ensuring a chewy center with crisp edges.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- These cookies are perfect for using up leftover baking mix-ins—feel free to swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- For a sweeter twist, drizzle with melted chocolate after baking to add extra richness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
