There’s something magical about the moment peppermint meets chocolate in a cozy winter kitchen. Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies capture that holiday spirit perfectly—with every bite bringing a balance of sweet, salty, and minty joy. These cookies combine festive favorites like crushed candy canes, chocolate chips, and crunchy pretzels into one irresistible treat that defines Christmas Baking Recipes at their best. In this article, we’ll explore the heartwarming story behind the recipe, the full ingredient list, step-by-step baking guide, decorating ideas, creative variations, and answers to your most common holiday cookie questions—everything you need to create your new Holiday Dessert tradition.
How Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies Became a Holiday Favorite
A Personal Holiday Memory and the Birth of These Cookies
The idea for Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies came from one of those simple moments that turn into lifelong memories. Picture this: a cool December evening in Munnar, the mist floating over tea gardens, Christmas carols playing softly, and the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies swirling through the kitchen. With leftover candy canes, a handful of chocolate chips, and crushed pretzels sitting on the counter, inspiration struck—to mix them all together and see what magic might happen.
That experiment became a family favorite, earning a permanent place among our Christmas Baking Recipes. It wasn’t planned; it was one of those happy kitchen accidents that just worked. The combination of peppermint’s refreshing bite, the buttery richness of cookie dough, and the satisfying crunch of pretzels created a balance of flavors both nostalgic and new. Every Christmas since, baking these Holiday Desserts has become a ritual—a sweet reminder that creativity in the kitchen often leads to the most delightful surprises.
The name “Kitchen Sink Cookies” might sound playful, but it captures the essence of these treats perfectly. The term comes from the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink,” meaning you toss in almost everything you have on hand. Traditionally, that could mean leftover candies, nuts, toffee bits, or even potato chips—anything that adds texture and flavor. What makes Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies truly unique is how the cool, candy-cane freshness elevates this classic concept into a must-try Christmas Dessert Idea.
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Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These cookies combine chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, pretzels, and holiday sprinkles in a buttery dough for a sweet and salty festive treat. Perfect for Christmas baking, they deliver chewy centers, crisp edges, and peppermint flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking trays with parchment paper.
2. Beat softened butter with brown and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together, then gradually add to wet ingredients.
5. Fold in candy canes, chocolate chips, pretzels, oats, and sprinkles.
6. Chill dough for 30 minutes to prevent spreading.
7. Scoop dough onto trays spaced 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Let cookies rest on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
9. Press extra candy cane pieces or chocolate chips on warm cookies for decoration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 30
Keywords: peppermint kitchen sink cookies, christmas cookies, holiday desserts, peppermint cookies, christmas baking, cookie recipes, festive cookies
The Ultimate Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe
Ingredients and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To bring your Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies to life, start by organizing your ingredients and essential tools. This simple mise-en-place approach ensures stress-free baking and consistent results.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup | Substitute with vegan butter for dairy-free version |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup | Adds moisture and rich flavor |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | Needed for crisp edges |
| Large eggs | 2 | At room temperature |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 ½ tsp | Almond extract can be used for a nutty twist |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ¼ cups | Swap with gluten-free 1:1 blend if desired |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp | Essential for spread and texture |
| Salt | ½ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Crushed candy canes | ½ cup | For peppermint flavor and festive color |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | ¾ cup | White chocolate also complements peppermint beautifully |
| Mini pretzels (roughly chopped) | ½ cup | Adds a delightful salty crunch |
| Rolled oats (optional) | ¼ cup | For extra chewiness |
| Red and green sprinkles | 2 tbsp | Optional, adds holiday cheer |
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowls
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking trays
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cooling rack
Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters for a few minutes before creaming butter and sugar—this helps maintain the right texture, especially in warm kitchens during holiday baking marathons.
Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking trays with parchment or silicone mats for even browning.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat softened butter with both sugars for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl; slowly fold into the wet mix until a soft dough forms.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Gently stir in candy canes, chocolate chips, pretzels, and oats (if using) for that classic “everything” texture.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate 30–45 minutes to prevent excess spreading.
- Scoop and Bake: Use a scoop to portion cookies 2 inches apart on trays. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden at the edges.
- Cool: Let cookies rest 5 minutes before transferring to a rack to cool completely.
- Final Touch: While warm, press extra candy canes or chocolate chips on top for a bakery finish.
- For chewy centers, underbake slightly and let them finish setting on the tray.
- For crisp edges, increase baking time by 1–2 minutes.
- Keep dough chilled between batches for consistency.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a piece of bread for softness.
Perfectly baked Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies fill your home with buttery, minty cheer—an irresistible hallmark of Christmas Cooking and Holiday Desserts.
Sweet Christmas Baking Inspiration
Creative Peppermint Cookie Toppings and Presentation Ideas
Once your Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies have cooled, it’s time to decorate. These cookies already dazzle with flavor, but a few festive garnishes make them true showstoppers. Drizzle melted white chocolate for a snowy look, then sprinkle crushed candy canes or colorful sprinkles before it sets for extra sparkle.
Prefer a gourmet spin? Add dark chocolate drizzle with a dash of sea salt. The contrast enhances the peppermint’s brightness. For gifting, stack cookies in decorative jars, layer them in tins lined with parchment, or arrange them in kraft boxes tied with ribbon and fresh sprigs of pine for authentic handcrafted charm.
Flavor Variations and Pairing Suggestions
The best thing about Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies is their flexibility—you can adapt them endlessly.
- White Chocolate & Cranberry: Tart cranberries meet creamy sweetness.
- Caramel Pretzel Crunch: Add chewy caramels or toffee bits for salted bliss.
- Double Chocolate Mint: Use cocoa powder and mixed mint chocolates for depth.
- Nut Lover’s Blend: Fold in toasted pecans, almonds, or pistachios.
- Marshmallow Snowcaps: Press mini marshmallows on top for melty winter magic.
These cookies pair perfectly with mugs of cocoa topped with whipped cream, peppermint mochas, or cinnamon-spiced tea. For a memorable dessert finale, serve them warm with scoops of vanilla or peppermint ice cream during your Christmas dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies?
Yes. Freeze either the dough or baked cookies. For dough, scoop portions onto a tray, freeze solid, then store airtight up to three months. Bake later straight from frozen, adding an extra minute. Baked cookies should be layered between parchment in a freezer-safe container.
How do I keep cookies fresh?
Store cooled cookies in airtight tins for up to a week. Add a slice of bread or marshmallow to keep them soft. For crispy edges, store them separately without added moisture. Wrapping them snugly in wax paper helps when gifting.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend containing xanthan gum. Confirm your candy canes and pretzels are also gluten-free. The result remains perfectly chewy and festive.
How do I stop candy pieces from melting?
Fold in crushed candy canes at the end of mixing so they’re not exposed on the surface. If desired, sprinkle some on top after baking for crunch and sparkle without stickiness.
What if I don’t have candy canes?
Use peppermint bark, crushed mint chocolates, or a few drops of peppermint extract instead. The goal is to maintain the balance of cool mint, sweetness, and textured crunch that defines Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Baking Joy
Baking Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies is more than following a recipe—it’s crafting joy. Each batch captures the essence of Christmas Cooking, reminding us that homemade treats are about connection, not perfection. Whether stacked as gifts or served warm beside cocoa, these cookies represent the heart of the holidays.
Let the aroma of peppermint and chocolate fill your kitchen as you share memories with loved ones. With each crunchy, chewy, festive bite, Peppermint Kitchen Sink Cookies bring warmth, creativity, and sweetness to every gathering—proof that the best Holiday Desserts are made with love.
