Irresistibly Loaded: The Ultimate Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Experience a symphony of flavors and textures with these incredible Kitchen Sink Cookies – a delightful blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy, packed with so much goodness, we truly threw in everything but the kitchen sink! These cookies are not just a treat; they’re an adventure for your taste buds, promising an unforgettable bite every single time.

Unleash Your Inner Cookie Creator: What Are Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Kitchen Sink Cookies are a celebration of indulgence, a testament to the idea that there’s no such thing as too much flavor or texture in one perfect bite. Imagine a soft, chewy, buttery oatmeal cookie base serving as the perfect canvas for an extraordinary array of mix-ins. These aren’t your average chocolate chip cookies; they’re an exciting medley designed to surprise and delight with every morsel.

The name “Kitchen Sink” perfectly captures their essence: they’re loaded with ‘everything but the kitchen sink.’ This typically includes a harmonious blend of salty pretzels, crunchy potato chips, decadent chocolate chunks, colorful M&M’s, and often a scattering of nuts like pecans, or a hint of tropical sweetness from coconut. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, contributing to a complex profile that hits all the right notes – sweet, salty, crispy, and delightfully chewy. The beauty of these cookies lies in their ability to cater to diverse cravings within a single cookie, making them an instant crowd-pleaser and a truly unique baking experience.

The Magic of Customization: Make Them Uniquely Yours

One of the most thrilling aspects of baking Kitchen Sink Cookies is the endless potential for customization. This recipe is incredibly forgiving, inviting you to be creative and truly make these cookies your own. While our recipe provides a fantastic starting point with a classic combination of mix-ins, the possibilities are only limited by your imagination and what you have on hand.

Feeling adventurous? Swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for a different nutty crunch. If you’re not a fan of coconut, simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots for a fruity chew. For the chocolate lovers, consider dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, butterscotch morsels, or even a combination to diversify the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness. The M&M’s can be swapped for Reese’s Pieces, chopped candy bars, or other colorful coated candies to add a pop of color and an extra layer of sweetness.

Don’t stop there! Think outside the box for your salty and crunchy elements. Instead of potato chips, try cornflakes, crispy rice cereal, or even crushed flavored crackers for an unexpected savory note. Leftover Halloween candy? Absolutely! Chop up Snickers, Twix, or Butterfingers for an incredible candy-infused cookie. The adaptability of Kitchen Sink Cookies means you can tailor them to any occasion, dietary preference (within reason), or simply to use up those bits and bobs in your pantry. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or put your own spin on it, these cookies are guaranteed to be so delicious you won’t be able to put them down.

Decoding the Delicious Ingredients: Essential Components for Perfect Cookies

Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to mastering these delectable Kitchen Sink Cookies. Here’s a deeper dive into what makes them so special:

• Unsalted Butter (softened): The foundation of our cookie. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating air pockets for a tender texture. Using unsalted butter gives you full control over the salt content. If you opt for salted butter, reduce the added kosher salt by about half a teaspoon to avoid overly salty cookies, as too much salt can affect the sweetness balance.
• Granulated Sugar: Contributes to the overall sweetness and helps create those coveted crisp edges. Its finer crystals dissolve easily, providing a smooth texture.
• Light Brown Sugar: Essential for chewiness and moisture, thanks to its molasses content. It also imparts a richer, caramel-like flavor. Dark brown sugar can be used for an even deeper molasses flavor and potentially slightly more spread during baking.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binder, holding all the ingredients together, and add essential moisture. They also contribute to the cookie’s structure and richness. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with the butter and sugar.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that balances the sweetness and adds depth to the cookies. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla! For a twist, you can experiment with almond or coconut extract to complement specific mix-ins.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary structure and body. Because these cookies are so generously loaded with other ingredients, they are quite forgiving when it comes to minor variations in flour type. You can even try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients (like brown sugar) to produce carbon dioxide, helping the cookies rise and spread to achieve that perfect chewy texture.
• Kosher Salt: Crucial for balancing the intense sweetness from all the candy and chocolate. It enhances the overall flavor profile. Remember, kosher salt has larger flakes than table salt, so if using table salt, use about half the amount to avoid over-salting.
• Old Fashioned Oats: These provide a hearty, chewy texture that complements the various crunchy elements. They also add a subtle nutty flavor. Quick oats can be used, but be aware they have a softer texture and cook faster, so watch your baking time carefully.
• Crushed Mini Pretzel Twists: A fantastic source of salty crunch, offering a delightful contrast to the sweet components. They prevent the cookies from being overwhelmingly sweet.
• Crushed Potato Chips: Another surprise texture and salty element that makes these cookies uniquely “kitchen sink.” The irregular shapes create interesting pockets of crispiness. Crushed cornflakes or rice cereal are good alternatives.
• Chopped Pecans: Contribute a buttery, nutty flavor and an additional layer of crunch. Feel free to substitute with walnuts, almonds, or any other chopped nut you prefer. For a nut-free version, simply omit them entirely or replace them with more oats or another mix-in.
• Shredded Sweetened Coconut: Adds a lovely chewiness, tropical sweetness, and a unique texture. Unsweetened coconut can be used for less sweetness, or dried chopped fruit for a different flavor profile.
• Crushed Oreo Cookies: A classic addition for a burst of chocolatey flavor and satisfying crunch. Most crunchy store-bought cookies like chocolate chip cookies or shortbread would also be delicious.
• Chocolate Chips: A quintessential cookie ingredient, providing pockets of melted chocolatey goodness in every bite. Dark, milk, white chocolate chips, or even chocolate chunks can be used interchangeably.
• M&M’s Candies: Bring vibrant color, a candy-coated crunch, and another layer of chocolate. Reese’s Pieces or other chopped candies are excellent alternatives for varying the flavor and visual appeal.
• Additional Mix-ins (for garnishing): A generous sprinkle of extra mix-ins on top of the warm cookies fresh out of the oven makes them visually stunning and enhances the first bite experience.
• Rainbow Sprinkles (for garnishing): Add a final festive flourish, a touch of extra color, and a delicate crunch, making them even more irresistible.

Essential Tools for Baking Success:

Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking process and perfect results:

• Baking Sheets: Sturdy sheets for even heat distribution.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Electric Mixer (stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer): For creaming butter and sugars, ensuring a light and airy dough.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling cookies evenly and preventing sogginess.

Crafting Your Kitchen Sink Cookies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create a batch of the most incredible Kitchen Sink Cookies:

• Preparation is Key: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking and easy removal. Set them aside as you prepare the dough.
• Creaming the Foundation: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar. Cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
• Wet Ingredients Integration: Add the large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the pure vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
• Dry Ingredients Harmony: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
• Loading the “Sink”: Now comes the fun part! Add the old fashioned oats, crushed mini pretzel twists, crushed potato chips, chopped pecans, shredded sweetened coconut, and crushed Oreo cookies to the dough.

• Gentle Incorporation: With the mixer still on low speed, or by hand with a sturdy spatula, gently stir in these chunky mix-ins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
• Final Flourish: Remove the bowl from the mixer and fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s by hand until they are well incorporated. This prevents the chocolate and candies from breaking up too much.
• Portioning and Shaping: Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or two spoons, drop portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving a few inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Slightly flatten each scoop of dough with the palm of your hand; this helps them bake more evenly.
• Baking to Perfection: Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look a little soft and gooey. This ensures a chewy interior. Do not overbake!
• Instant Gratification & Garnish: As soon as you remove the cookies from the oven, while they are still warm, immediately top each one with additional mix-ins like pretzel pieces, potato chip crumbs, Oreo pieces, and M&M’s. This makes them visually appealing and enhances the texture. Finish with a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
• Cooling Process: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes to set up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures they hold their shape.
• Repeat or Store: Continue the baking and garnishing process with the remaining cookie dough. Alternatively, you can scoop the leftover dough into balls and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for fresh-baked cookies at a later date.

Pro Tips for Ultimate Cookie Perfection

Achieving the perfect Kitchen Sink Cookie is an art, but these expert tips will help you bake like a pro every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature butter and eggs. This allows them to cream together more effectively, creating a smoother dough and a more consistent cookie texture.
• Measure Accurately: Especially with flour, precise measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, or the ‘spoon and level’ method rather than scooping directly from the bag to avoid compacting the flour.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cookies.
• Quality Mix-Ins: While customization is encouraged, using fresh and good-quality mix-ins will elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your cookies space to spread! Placing them too close together can cause them to merge and bake unevenly.
• Know Your Oven: Ovens can vary. Keep a close eye on your cookies, especially during the first batch, and adjust baking time as needed. Look for golden edges and a slightly soft center for that ideal chewy texture.
• Cooling is Key: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack helps them set and prevents them from falling apart. Complete cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation, preventing soggy bottoms.

Storage & Freezing for Future Cravings

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but their deliciousness can certainly be extended with proper storage:

Storing Baked Cookies:

Once completely cooled, store your Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will maintain their freshness and delightful texture for up to five days. To keep them extra soft, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies; the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.

Freezing Cookie Dough for Baking Later:

Prepping ahead is a fantastic way to ensure you always have fresh-baked cookies at your fingertips. Here’s how to freeze the dough:

1. Portion the Dough: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet. At this stage, the scoops of dough can be placed relatively close together as they won’t spread.
2. Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the dough balls in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the dough balls are firm. This “flash freezing” step prevents them from sticking together when stored.
3. Transfer to Storage: Once firm, take the cookie dough out of the freezer and transfer the individual dough balls to a freezer-safe plastic container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date.
4. Store: Return the dough to the freezer. Cookie dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready for whenever a cookie craving strikes.

Baking from Frozen:

When you’re ready for a warm, fresh-baked cookie:

1. Prepare: Simply remove the desired number of cookie dough balls from the freezer. Place them a few inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. There’s no need to thaw!
2. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies begin to brown and crisp around the edges. Frozen dough may require a minute or two longer than fresh dough.
3. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why Kitchen Sink Cookies Are a Must-Try

These Kitchen Sink Cookies are more than just a dessert; they are an experience. They embody the joy of baking, the thrill of creative experimentation, and the sheer delight of indulging in a treat that truly has it all. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or simply to satisfy a craving, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them an unforgettable addition to any cookie platter and a recipe you’ll revisit again and again. So go ahead, gather your favorite mix-ins, embrace the chaos, and create a batch of these gloriously loaded cookies today!

If you embark on the adventure of making my Kitchen Sink Cookies, please be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama! I absolutely love seeing your wonderful creations. If you’re on Facebook, consider joining my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect with other baking enthusiasts and share all the fun and yummy recipes you’ve tried. I am always so inspired by your creativity. Enjoy every single bite!

xoxo,

Kitchen Sink Cookies

Rated 4 out of 5 stars from 1 review

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 36 cookies

Print Recipe

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup crushed mini pretzel twists
• 1/2 cup crushed potato chips
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup crushed Oreo cookies
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup M&M’s candies
• Additional mix-ins, for garnishing
• Rainbow sprinkles, for garnishing

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined.
3. Add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
4. With the mixer on low speed, stir in the oats, pretzels, potato chips, pecans, coconut and Oreos.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips and M&M’s until well incorporated.
6. Scoop 2 tablespoon-sized portions of cookie dough a few inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each scoop of dough slightly with the palm of your hand.
7. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges but still a little gooey in the middle. Remove and immediately top each cookie with more of the mix-ins (like pretzel pieces, potato chip crumbs, Oreo pieces, and M&M’s) while they’re still warm from the oven. Sprinkle each cookie with some rainbow sprinkles.
8. Let cool on the pan for 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Repeat the baking and garnishing process with the remaining cookie dough or scoop the cookie dough into balls and store in the refrigerator or freezer to bake at a later date.

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