Easy Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels
The Ultimate Sweet-Salty Holiday Cookie Everyone Loves
When the holidays roll around, cookie trays become the centerpiece of every celebration. From classroom parties to cookie swaps and cozy nights by the tree, nothing says Christmas quite like a batch of homemade cookies fresh from the oven. These Easy Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, chewy, colorful, and packed with everything but the kitchen sink.
Kitchen sink cookies are famous for their “use what you have” charm, but this Christmas version is thoughtfully balanced with sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and festive red and green M&Ms. Every bite delivers chewy centers, crisp edges, and a perfect contrast of salty and sweet that keeps people reaching for another cookie.
What makes this recipe especially magical is how easy it is. No chilling required, no complicated techniques, and no specialty ingredients. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a holiday cookie exchange, or filling a festive tin for gifting, these cookies fit seamlessly into busy December schedules.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
These cookies aren’t just another holiday dessert—they’re a crowd-pleasing classic with personality.
- They’re soft and chewy, not dry or crumbly
- The sweet-salty combo keeps the flavor exciting
- Festive M&Ms make them instantly Christmas-ready
- Pretzels add crunch without overpowering sweetness
- One dough = endless customization options
Because kitchen sink cookies are flexible by nature, this recipe is forgiving and adaptable. You can swap ingredients based on what you already have in your pantry, which makes it perfect during the hectic holiday season.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 1 cup red and green M&Ms
- 1 cup pretzels, roughly crushed
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup holiday sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in M&Ms, crushed pretzels, chocolate chips, and any optional mix-ins.
- Scoop dough using a cookie scoop or tablespoon and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Press a few extra M&Ms and pretzel pieces on top of each dough ball for a festive look.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
Don’t overbake.
These cookies continue baking on the pan after removal. Slightly underbaked centers ensure chewy results.
Use room-temperature butter.
Soft butter blends smoothly and creates a tender crumb.
Press toppings on top.
This step makes the cookies visually stunning and bakery-style.
Measure flour correctly.
Too much flour leads to dry cookies. Spoon and level for accuracy.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about kitchen sink cookies is how customizable they are.
Chocolate Lover’s Version:
Add mini chocolate candies, dark chocolate chunks, and cocoa nibs.
Nutty Crunch:
Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for extra texture.
Peppermint Holiday Twist:
Swap white chocolate chips for peppermint baking chips.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies shine in every holiday setting:
- Arrange them on a festive cookie platter
- Pack into decorative tins for gifting
- Serve warm with hot cocoa or coffee
- Include them in Christmas dessert boards
- Wrap individually for classroom treats
They’re sturdy enough for travel yet soft enough to feel indulgent.
Storing & Freezing
Storage:
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing Dough:
Freeze scooped dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes.
Freezing Baked Cookies:
Freeze fully cooled cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
A Little Holiday Cookie History
Kitchen sink cookies became popular because they reflected real home baking—resourceful, comforting, and creative. During the holidays, they evolved into festive versions filled with seasonal candies and textures. Christmas kitchen sink cookies represent everything people love about holiday baking: abundance, warmth, and sharing.
Final Thoughts
These Easy Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels are more than just a recipe—they’re a holiday tradition waiting to happen. With bold colors, irresistible textures, and foolproof steps, they belong in every Christmas baking rotation. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or Santa himself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite.
Easy Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies with M&Ms and Pretzels
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in M&Ms, pretzels, and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto baking sheets and bake 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool on baking sheet briefly, then transfer to wire rack.
