Why You’ll Love These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite holiday treat! These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a festive dream come true for busy bakers. Here are four reasons why they’ll become a staple in your holiday repertoire:

Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Who has time for complicated recipes during the holidays? With a prep time of just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these festive delights in less than half an hour. Perfect for last-minute guests or a sudden cookie craving!
Healthier Indulgence: Guilt-free deliciousness? Yes, please! Thanks to whole wheat pastry flour, unsweetened applesauce, coconut sugar, and dark chocolate, these cookies offer a delightful balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients. Enjoy the festive flavors without the sugar crash.
Festive Flavors in Every Bite: Each cookie is a joyous explosion of holiday cheer. The warm cinnamon, tangy cranberries, rich dark chocolate, crunchy nuts, and subtle coconut create a symphony of tastes that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. It’s a party for your taste buds!
Customizable & Fun: The “Kitchen Sink” name isn’t just for show! These cookies are incredibly versatile. Don’t have pecans? Use walnuts! Want to add a sprinkle of orange zest? Go for it! They’re a fantastic way to use up those odds and ends in your pantry and let your creativity shine.

Dive Into Deliciousness: Your Ultimate Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookie Adventure!

Picture this: The twinkling lights are up, carols are playing softly, and the air is filled with the magical scent of… something utterly delicious baking in your oven! Forget the stress of holiday baking; this year, we’re keeping it fun, easy, and incredibly tasty with our show-stopping Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Imagine all your favorite festive flavors—chocolate, cranberry, nuts, and coconut—tossed into one delightful dough, creating a cookie that’s a veritable treasure hunt of textures and tastes. These aren’t just cookies; they’re edible little parcels of Christmas joy, perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply savoring by the fire. So, grab your apron and get ready to transform your kitchen into a holiday bakery because these “everything but the actual kitchen sink” cookies are about to become your most beloved holiday tradition!

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

To embark on this delightful baking adventure, you’ll need the following stellar cast of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of festive flavors and wholesome goodness in your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies. Make sure to have them measured out and ready to go!

🍪 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
🌰 ½ cup rolled oats
🎄 1 teaspoon baking soda
✨ ½ teaspoon salt
🌟 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
🧈 ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
🍎 ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
🥥 ½ cup coconut sugar
🥚 1 large egg
🍦 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍫 ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao or higher)
🥜 ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
🍒 ¼ cup unsweetened dried cranberries
🥥 ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Your Baking Journey: Step-by-Step Directions to Cookie Bliss

Ready to turn those delightful ingredients into scrumptious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies? Follow these simple, detailed steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, festive treats in no time! Remember, baking is an art, but with this recipe, it’s an incredibly easy and rewarding one.

Get Ready to Bake: First things first! Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This little trick ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix the Dry Stuff: In a medium-sized bowl, combine all your dry heroes: the whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Give them a good whisk until they’re perfectly blended. Then, set this flavorful mixture aside for a moment.
Cream the Wet Stuff: Now for the heart of the cookie! In a separate, larger bowl, it’s time to get creamy. Using an electric mixer (or a trusty whisk and some elbow grease), beat together the softened unsalted butter, unsweetened applesauce, and coconut sugar. Keep going until the mixture transforms into a light and fluffy dream.
Add Egg & Vanilla: Into the creamy mixture, crack in your large egg and pour in the fragrant vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are beautifully combined and harmonious.
Combine & Fold: Here’s where the magic starts to happen! Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture from step 2 into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until they are *just* combined. The key here is not to overmix, as that can lead to tougher cookies. A few flour streaks are okay!
Stir in the Goodies: Time for the “Kitchen Sink” stars to shine! Gently fold in your dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans (or walnuts), dried cranberries, and shredded coconut. Make sure to distribute all these festive add-ins evenly throughout the dough, so every bite is a surprise!
Scoop & Bake: Using a rounded tablespoon (or a small cookie scoop), drop dollops of your delightful cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Remember to leave a little space between each cookie to allow them to spread happily.
Golden Perfection: Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven! Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers look just set. They might look slightly soft in the middle, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool Down: Patience, young baker! Let your magnificent cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them set completely. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool the rest of the way. Once cooled, it’s time to enjoy your easy, healthy, and incredibly festive treat!

Presentation Perfection: Serving and Displaying Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Once your glorious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are baked to perfection, half the fun is in how you present and serve them! These cookies are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the palate. Here are some ideas to elevate your cookie game:

Classic Cookie Stack: Arrange them artfully on a festive ceramic plate or a tiered serving tray. A sprinkle of edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar can add an extra magical touch.
Gift of Deliciousness: Package them in clear cellophane bags tied with red and green ribbons, or nestle them into small decorative tins. They make thoughtful, homemade gifts for neighbors, teachers, or colleagues. Don’t forget a personalized tag!
Drizzle & Dazzle: For an extra special touch, melt some white chocolate (or even a little more dark chocolate) and drizzle it artfully over the cooled cookies. A sprinkle of crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles immediately after drizzling will make them extra festive.
Hot Beverage Companion: Serve them alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa, spiced cider, or your favorite holiday coffee. There’s nothing quite like a warm cookie and a comforting drink on a chilly winter evening.
Ice Cream Sandwich Stars: For an indulgent dessert, sandwich a scoop of vanilla bean or peppermint ice cream between two cookies. A truly decadent experience!
Holiday Cookie Exchange: Bring a plate of these unique and delicious cookies to any holiday gathering or cookie exchange. They’re sure to be a standout and garner rave reviews.

Keep Them Fresh: Storing Your Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

You’ve baked a batch of these glorious Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies, and while they might not last long (they’re *that* good!), knowing how to store them properly will ensure every last crumb is as fresh and delicious as possible. Here’s how to keep your festive treats in tip-top shape:

Room Temperature: Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. A good quality cookie jar or plastic container will do the trick. They will stay wonderfully fresh for about 3-5 days. To maintain softness, you can even add half a slice of bread to the container (just for a day or two) – the cookies will absorb moisture from the bread.
Refrigeration: While not strictly necessary for baked cookies, if you prefer them slightly firmer or want to extend their life by a few extra days, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly before enjoying.
Freezing Baked Cookies: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once fully cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (this prevents them from sticking together). Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave or oven.
Freezing Cookie Dough: Want to bake fresh cookies on demand? You can freeze the dough too! Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake for a few extra minutes (usually 2-4 minutes longer) than the recipe specifies.

FAQs About Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

Got questions about these delightful Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies? We’ve got answers! Check out these frequently asked questions to help you bake the perfect batch every time.

What makes them “Kitchen Sink” cookies?
The “Kitchen Sink” name comes from the idea of throwing in a variety of delicious mix-ins – everything but the kitchen sink! This recipe features chocolate chips, pecans/walnuts, cranberries, and shredded coconut for a wonderfully varied texture and flavor profile.
Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat pastry flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour. However, whole wheat pastry flour provides a lighter texture than regular whole wheat flour while still offering whole grain benefits. Using all-purpose flour might result in a slightly different texture and nutritional profile.
Can I substitute the unsweetened applesauce?
Absolutely! You can use mashed ripe banana, pumpkin puree, or even a similar amount of plain Greek yogurt as a substitute for applesauce. Keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have coconut sugar?
No problem! You can use an equal amount of light brown sugar or granulated sugar. Coconut sugar offers a slightly richer, caramel-like flavor and is often considered a healthier alternative due to its lower glycemic index.
Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
As written, no, as they contain butter and egg. However, you can make them vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and an egg replacer (like a flax egg or commercial egg substitute).
Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe uses whole wheat pastry flour and rolled oats, which typically contain gluten. To make them gluten-free, you would need to use a certified gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Can I add other mix-ins to the Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies?
That’s the beauty of “kitchen sink” cookies – customize away! Feel free to add white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mini pretzels (for a sweet and salty crunch), a touch of orange zest, or different types of nuts. Just try to keep the total volume of add-ins similar.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter isn’t too soft (just softened, not melted) and your oven temperature is accurate. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking can also help prevent excessive spreading, especially in warmer kitchens.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before baking. You can also scoop and freeze individual dough balls for later baking, as detailed in the storage section.
Why use whole wheat pastry flour specifically?
Whole wheat pastry flour is milled from soft wheat varieties, giving it a lower protein content than regular whole wheat flour. This results in a lighter, more tender baked good, making it ideal for cookies while still providing the nutritional benefits of whole grains.

Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies

These festive Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies are an easy and healthy holiday treat, packed with dark chocolate chips, pecans, cranberries, and coconut. Perfect for sharing!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 98 kcal

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper
Electric Mixer
Wire Rack

Ingredients

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
0.5 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 cup unsalted butter softened
0.25 cup unsweetened applesauce
0.5 cup coconut sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
0.5 cup dark chocolate chips 70% cacao or higher
0.25 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
0.25 cup unsweetened dried cranberries
0.25 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.
In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the softened butter, unsweetened applesauce, and coconut sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips, chopped pecans (or walnuts), dried cranberries, and shredded coconut. Make sure all those festive add-ins are evenly distributed.
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your easy, healthy, and festive treat!

Notes

Enjoy your easy, healthy, and festive treat!

Nutrition Information (per cookie):
Calories: 98
Total Carbs: 12.4g
Net Carbs: 11.4g
Fats: 5.5g
Protein: 1.7g