Holiday Desserts

Enjoy the magic of the season with these delightful Holiday Desserts! These Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect for Christmas gatherings and celebrations. With a mix of festive M&M’s, creamy white chocolate, salty pretzels, and crunchy potato chips, they bring a unique blend of flavors that are sure to impress your family and friends. These cookies not only taste amazing but also add a colorful touch to your dessert table, making them a standout choice for any holiday occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Flavor Explosion: A delightful combination of sweet and salty ingredients creates an unforgettable taste.
• Versatile Treat: Customize with different mix-ins based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake a batch and share them with friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.
• Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors and textures make these cookies visually appealing for any holiday dessert spread.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started with your Holiday Desserts, gather all the necessary tools for an efficient baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Spatula
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Helps achieve a light and fluffy cookie dough in less time.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking for perfectly shaped cookies.
• Cookie scoop: Provides uniform cookie sizes for even baking and consistent presentation.

Ingredients

Enjoy the sweet and salty flavors of Christmas with these Kitchen Sink Cookies, filled with festive M&M’s, white chocolate, pretzels, potato chips, and sprinkles.

• Salted Butter (softened): 3/4 cup.
• Light Brown Sugar (packed): 3/4 cup.
• Granulated White Sugar: 1/4 cup.
• Egg Yolks (room temperature): 2.
• Vanilla Bean Paste or Extract: 2 tsp.
• All-Purpose Flour (spooned and leveled): 1 1/2 cups.
• Baking Powder: 1/2 tsp.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 tsp.
• Salt: 1/2 tsp.
• Red and Green M&M’s: 1/2 cup.
• White Chocolate Chips: 1/3 cup.
• Pretzel Pieces: 1/3 cup.
• Potato Chip Pieces: 1/3 cup.
• Red and Green Jimmies: 2 tbsp.

How to Make Holiday Desserts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Add the egg yolks one at a time along with the vanilla bean paste or extract. Continue mixing on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated without overmixing.

Step 5: Fold in Mix-ins

Gently fold in the red and green M&M’s, white chocolate chips, pretzel pieces, potato chip pieces, and red and green jimmies using a spatula until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Scoop out dough into approximately 20 balls. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Optional Decoration

For an extra touch, consider adding a few more mix-ins on top of each dough ball before baking.

Step 8: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. For chewier centers bake for around 10 minutes; bake longer if you prefer crisper edges.

Step 9: Shape Cookies (Optional)

If desired, use a large circular cookie cutter immediately after baking to gently shape each cookie into a perfect circle by swirling it around each cookie.

Step 10: Cool Down

Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Storage

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

How to Serve Holiday Desserts

Serving holiday desserts is a delightful experience that can elevate any festive gathering. Here are some creative ways to present your delicious treats, making them even more enjoyable for you and your guests.

On a Decorative Platter

• Arrange an assortment of cookies on a beautiful platter to create an eye-catching centerpiece.
• Use festive decorations like small ornaments or pine branches to enhance the presentation.

With Hot Beverages

• Pair your holiday desserts with hot chocolate, coffee, or tea for a warm and cozy experience.
• Consider serving flavored syrups or whipped cream as delightful accompaniments.

Individually Wrapped

• Wrap each cookie in colorful cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a charming gift option.
• This also makes it easy for guests to grab their favorite treats while mingling.

As Dessert Bars

• Set up a dessert bar where guests can mix and match their favorite holiday desserts.
• Include labels for each item so that guests know what they’re enjoying.

How to Perfect Holiday Desserts

To ensure your holiday desserts turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bring butter and eggs to room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smoother batter and better texture in baked goods.
• Measure accurately: Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients. Accurate measurements can make a big difference in the final product.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and chewy ones.
• Chill the dough: If time allows, chill the cookie dough before baking. This helps enhance flavors and prevents spreading during baking.
• Rotate baking sheets: Halfway through baking, rotate your sheets for even cooking. This ensures all cookies bake evenly, especially if your oven has hot spots.
• Cool completely before storing: Allow cookies to cool fully on a rack before placing them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Holiday Desserts

Pairing side dishes with your holiday desserts can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement sweet treats beautifully.

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that contrast nicely with sweet flavors. Include crackers or breadsticks for variety.
2. Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits provide a refreshing balance to rich desserts. Use seasonal fruits like cranberries, oranges, and apples for a festive touch.
3. Whipped Cream: Perfect as a topping for many holiday desserts, whipped cream adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
4. Nut Assortment: Offering mixed nuts gives guests something crunchy to enjoy alongside softer sweets while also adding healthy fats.
5. Ice Cream: Serve scoops of vanilla or peppermint ice cream as a delightful contrast to warm cookies or pies.
6. Chocolate Fondue: Create an interactive dessert experience by providing fondue with fruits, marshmallows, and pretzels for dipping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making holiday desserts can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Not using room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always let your butter and eggs sit at room temperature for best results.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. After adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to keep them tender.

• Skipping parchment paper: Baking directly on sheets can cause cookies to stick. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different, and temperatures may vary. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfect baking.

• Not measuring correctly: Incorrect measurements can ruin your holiday desserts. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper for protection from crushing.

Freezing Holiday Desserts

• Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for tracking freshness.

Reheating Holiday Desserts

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies in 10-second increments until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covered lightly with foil, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some popular types of Holiday Desserts?

Many enjoy classic options like gingerbread cookies, peppermint bark, and fruitcakes during the holiday season. Each offers unique flavors that enhance festive gatherings.

How can I customize my Holiday Desserts?

You can add different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Experimenting with flavors such as mint or orange zest also creates delightful variations.

Can I make these Holiday Desserts ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it or freeze it until you are ready to bake. This makes it convenient for holiday parties!

How should I store leftover Holiday Desserts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as mentioned earlier.

Final Thoughts

These Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful addition to any holiday dessert table, combining sweet and salty flavors that everyone loves. Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite treats, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends during the festive season. Don’t miss out on trying this fun recipe!