Kitchen Sink Cookies

When it comes to baking, Kitchen Sink Cookies are the ultimate treat. These cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, making them perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a school bake sale, or simply a cozy night in. With endless possibilities for mix-ins, each batch can be unique. The combination of chocolate chips, toffee bits, pretzels, and potato chips creates a cookie that is truly irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Ingredients: You can mix and match your favorite add-ins to create your own signature cookie.
• Easy to Make: The simple steps make these cookies great for bakers of all skill levels.
• Sweet and Salty Balance: The mixture of chocolate and savory ingredients offers a delightful flavor contrast.
• Perfect for Sharing: With about 20 cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is fun to make with kids; let them choose their favorite add-ins!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of Kitchen Sink Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or baking mat
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy texture by thoroughly mixing butter and sugars.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment ensures easy removal of cookies from the baking sheet without sticking.

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (250 grams)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 2 sticks Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature (1 cup)
• 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed (150 grams)
• 1/2 cup White Sugar (100 grams)
• 1 large Egg
• 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1 cup Toffee Bits (like Heath Bits o’ Brickle English Toffee Bits)
• 1 cup Crushed Potato Chips (like Ruffles)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Pretzels
• 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt, for topping (optional; like Maldon flaked sea salt)

How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F / 177°C. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Sheets

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat like Silpat. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Kosher salt

Set this dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or using a hand mixer:
1. Beat together the softened unsalted butter and both sugars until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add one large egg and two teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix on low speed while scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!

Step 7: Fold in Fillings

Stir in:
* Semi-sweet chocolate chips
* Toffee bits
* Crushed potato chips
* Chopped pretzels

Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Dough

Roll cookie dough into golf ball-sized balls. If desired, roll in extra toppings before placing them on prepared baking sheets. Leave about 6 inches between each ball.

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies in your preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes until edges are crisp but centers remain soft.

Step 10: Tap Baking Sheets

Once out of the oven, firmly tap the baking sheets against the kitchen counter to slightly deflate them—this will keep the centers soft! Optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Step 11: Cool Down

Let cookies cool on the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Storage

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week—they may not last that long though!

Enjoy these delicious Kitchen Sink Cookies fresh from the oven or as part of your next gathering!

How to Serve Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen Sink Cookies are deliciously versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them at home, these cookies are sure to please everyone.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness while balancing its richness.

As a Dessert Bar Treat

• Cut the cookies into smaller squares and serve them on a dessert bar alongside other sweet treats for an engaging presentation.

Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pairing cookies with fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.

How to Perfect Kitchen Sink Cookies

To achieve the perfect Kitchen Sink Cookies, keep these tips in mind. They will help you create cookies that are soft and packed with flavor.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes can enhance flavors and improve cookie texture.

• Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.

• Tap the Baking Sheet: Tapping the sheet after baking creates softer centers, making your cookies chewy.

• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to adjust the mix-ins based on personal preference—try different nuts, seeds, or candies!

Best Side Dishes for Kitchen Sink Cookies

While Kitchen Sink Cookies stand out on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy classic that contrasts beautifully with the cookie’s texture.
2. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle over warm cookies for an extra layer of indulgence.
3. Fresh Berries: Serve mixed berries on the side for a bright, tart counterpoint.
4. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious touch when served alongside cookies.
5. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel enhances sweetness and adds richness to each bite.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Kitchen Sink Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your cookie perfection. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Bold Ingredients: Using incorrect measurements or not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to dough inconsistencies. Always use a kitchen scale for precise weights.
• Bold Overmixing: Mixing the dough too much can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Bold Not Chilling Dough: Skipping the chilling step can cause cookies to spread too much during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better texture.
• Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can burn or undercook your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Bold Skipping Toppings: Forgetting to sprinkle flaky sea salt on top can miss adding that perfect salty touch. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for flavor balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Kitchen Sink Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about 5-6 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding Kitchen Sink Cookies that may help clarify your baking journey.

What are Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Kitchen Sink Cookies are versatile treats packed with various sweet and salty ingredients like chocolate chips, pretzels, and toffee bits, making them a delightful mix of flavors.

Can I customize my Kitchen Sink Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate according to your preferences. The beauty of these cookies is their adaptability.

How do I make my Kitchen Sink Cookies softer?

To achieve softer cookies, avoid overbaking and consider chilling the dough before baking. This helps maintain moisture in the final product.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 20 delicious Kitchen Sink Cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Kitchen Sink Cookies are not just simple treats; they’re an adventure in baking. With endless customization options, you can experiment with your favorite ingredients. Whether you prefer extra chocolate or a salty crunch from pretzels, these cookies offer something for everyone. Try making them today!