If you love cookies that surprise you with every bite, then this Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These cookies throw in a little bit of everything—chocolate chips, toffee bits, crunchy potato chips, and chopped pretzels—all blended into a buttery, chewy dough that hits every textural note perfectly. You get sweet, salty, crunchy, and soft all wrapped up in one delightful treat that feels homemade and heartwarming every time you bake them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe calls for simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each one plays an essential role, from the buttery richness of the softened butter to the crunch of salty potato chips and pretzels.
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives the cookies their soft yet sturdy structure.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and develop a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt: Balances the sweet and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 sticks Unsalted Butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for that perfect chew.
- 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed: Brings deep caramel notes and moisture.
- 1/2 cup White Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with crisp edges.
- 1 Large Egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract: Infuses warmth and enhances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into pockets of chocolatey goodness.
- 1 cup Toffee Bits: Adds buttery crunch and caramel-like flavor, a total game changer.
- 1 cup Crushed Potato Chips: Imparts that irresistible salty crunch and texture contrast.
- 1/2 cup Chopped Pretzels: Introduces an extra layer of crunch and saltiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt (optional): Perfect for sprinkling on top to elevate the sweet-salty balance.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C), so it’s perfectly hot when your dough is ready. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This preparation ensures your cookies will come off easily without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Setting these aside separately helps you incorporate them evenly later, preventing clumps and ensuring your cookies bake uniformly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step aerates the dough, creating a tender texture and a subtle caramelized flavor when baked.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, mix in the egg and pure vanilla extract on low speed. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to make sure everything blends together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently on low until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so it’s important to stop once everything is blended.
Step 6: Fold in the Fun Mix-Ins
This is where the magic happens. Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee bits, crushed potato chips, and chopped pretzels. Each addition brings a delightful surprise to every bite, making these truly “kitchen sink” cookies.
Step 7: Shape Your Cookies
Roll the dough into golf ball-sized balls, and if you want, roll them in extra toffee or chocolate chips for a visually stunning and more flavorful exterior. Space them about 6 inches apart on your baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
Step 8: Bake and Finish
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are crisp but the centers still look soft. When you take them out, tap the baking sheet firmly on your counter to deflate the cookies and keep the centers tender. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top if you’re using it, for a perfect finishing touch. Let them cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring to a rack.
How to Serve Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can turn these cookies into irresistible treats that please both the eye and the palate. Adding extra chocolate chips on top before baking also makes them look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect alongside a glass of cold milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of hot coffee or tea. The rich, crunchy flavors pair wonderfully with creamy or smooth drinks and desserts.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack your kitchen sink cookies in a decorative jar or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine. You can also sandwich them with your favorite ice cream to create addictive ice cream cookie sandwiches that steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, maintaining their perfect balance of chewy centers and crisp edges.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies for longer, you can freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container or bag. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper. Frozen cookies will keep well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop your frozen or stored cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the centers while keeping the edges deliciously crisp.
FAQs
Can I substitute ingredients in the Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap the potato chips for your favorite salty snack or use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. Just keep an eye on how different textures and flavors balance to keep the cookie magic alive.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for crisp edges with centers that still look a bit soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, giving you tender, chewy centers with just the right crunch.
Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?
With some substitutions like plant-based butter and egg replacers, you can enjoy a version of these cookies. However, some of the mix-ins like toffee and certain chocolate chips may contain dairy, so check labels carefully.
Is it necessary to add flaky sea salt on top?
The flaky sea salt is optional but highly recommended because it enhances the sweet-salty contrast and adds a gourmet touch that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.
How large should I make each cookie?
Golf ball size works perfectly because it allows the cookie to bake evenly with crisp edges and soft centers. Smaller or larger sizes will change baking times, so adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is a joyful celebration of mixing textures and flavors right from your pantry. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or want to impress with a homemade treat, these cookies deliver happiness in every bite. Don’t wait to try making them and watch your kitchen fill with irresistible aromas and smiles.
Print
Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
Description
Kitchen Sink Cookies are a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy elements all baked into one irresistible cookie. Loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee bits, crushed potato chips, and chopped pretzels, these cookies offer a unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie by incorporating a variety of textures and flavors. Perfect for cookie lovers who enjoy a little bit of everything in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (250 grams)
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 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 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
Add-ins
- 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
Topping
- 1/2 teaspoon Flaky Sea Salt for topping (optional; like Maldon flaked sea salt)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking when your cookies are ready.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a baking mat like Silpat. This prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, light brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg and pure vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars. Mix on low speed, making sure to scrape down the bowl as needed for even blending.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined—avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Add Mix-ins: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, toffee bits, crushed potato chips, and chopped pretzels, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the cookie dough into golf ball-sized balls. Optionally, roll the balls in extra toppings to add more texture. Place the dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 6 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are crisp but the centers remain soft.
- Deflate and Add Topping: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, firmly tap the baking sheets on the kitchen counter to deflate the cookies and achieve a soft center. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt if using.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Store: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using a combination of light brown and white sugar gives the cookies a perfect balance of sweetness and moisture.
- Crushed potato chips and pretzels add a salty crunch that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and toffee bits.
- Firmly tapping the baking sheet right after baking helps keep the centers soft and chewy rather than puffy.
- If you prefer a less salty cookie, omit the flaky sea salt topping and reduce the amount of pretzels used.
- Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming with sugars, which yields a better cookie texture.
- These cookies can be frozen before or after baking for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American