Kitchen Sink Cookies

Kitchen sink cookies are a delightful treat that include a mix of various ingredients, often whatever you have on hand in your pantry. They’re called “kitchen sink” because you can throw in just about anything but the kitchen sink! Typically, they include ingredients like chocolate chips, oats, nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, and sometimes even pretzels or potato chips for a salty crunch. The beauty of these cookies is their versatility—you can customize them to your taste preferences or to use up leftover bits of ingredients in your kitchen. They’re perfect for satisfying cravings and for using up odds and ends in your pantry. Would you like a recipe?

I got to thinking, why are cookies such a good sweet treat?

Why do we love cookies so much? 🙂  Well…

Cookies have a special place in our hearts (and stomachs!) for several reasons:

1. Portion Control: Unlike a slice of cake or a giant dessert, cookies are typically small and pre-portioned. This makes them a convenient sweet treat that you can enjoy without feeling guilty about overindulging.
2. Versatility: Cookies come in countless varieties, from classic chocolate chip to oatmeal raisin to snickerdoodle. This wide range of flavors and textures means there’s a cookie out there for everyone, satisfying different preferences and cravings.
3. Convenience: Cookies are easy to make and store. You can whip up a batch of dough in advance and keep it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or bringing to gatherings.
4. Comforting: There’s something inherently comforting about a warm, freshly baked cookie. The aroma fills your home and evokes feelings of nostalgia and coziness, making them the perfect treat for a rainy day or a special occasion.
5. Customization: Cookies are highly customizable. You can add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours. Plus, you can experiment with different shapes, sizes, and baking methods to achieve your desired texture and flavor.

Overall, cookies are a beloved sweet treat because they’re delicious, versatile, and easy to enjoy in moderation. So, whether you’re craving something chewy, crunchy, sweet, or salty, there’s a cookie out there to satisfy your taste buds.

I know, for me, there is something relaxing about baking cookies. I find it so satisfying. It’s not just about eating them afterwards haha, although that is the main goal. 🙂 But the process of making them is super satisfying. 

One of my favorite cookies to make are classic Toll-house chocolate chip cookies, although, I’ve adapted my own recipe with these. Maybe that will be a blog post for another time.  🙂

If you ever wonder how chocolate chip cookies came about, you should read the story HERE. I found it very interesting!

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What do I need to make these cookies? 

(scroll to the end for the recipe in its entirety)

• flour
• baking soda
• salt
• butter
• shortening
• vanilla
• eggs
• brown sugar
• granulated sugar
• mix-ins

Ideas for mix-ins:

so many different ideas and combinations, so, do whatever sounds good to you!

• chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips
• chopped nuts such as peanuts, pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds
• broken up potato chips
• broken up pretzels
• raisins, craisins, crushed banana chips
• toffee bits
• sprinkles
• coconut

What are some basic kitchen essentials for making cookies? 

while all of these aren’t necessary, I’ve found them very useful!

• a stand mixer or hand mixer
• a good rubber spatula
• cookie sheet
• parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• cookie scoop
• cooling rack

I have this cooling rack and love, love, love it!  I like that you can use one or two or three depending on what you need. And, it doesn’t take up your entire counter with multiple cooling racks spread out. Great for a small space!

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Cookies are also a nice treat to gift to someone. Maybe you just want to cheer up a mom who’s having a bad day, or want to take them to a dear shut-in, or thank someone for their service, cookies are great for that! Put some in a clear treat bag, add a ribbon tie and a small “gift” is put together in no time!

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How do I make these kitchen sink cookies:

• Start by gathering what you want to use for mix-ins. I usually pick about four things and use anywhere from 1/2-1 cup of each.
• In a small mixing bowl mix the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
• In a stand mixer or using a handheld mixer, cream together the butter and shortening.
• After that, add the sugars and vanilla extract and beat until creamy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Gradually add the flour mixture.
• Stir in the mix-ins.
• Drop by rounded tablespoons (using your handy dandy cookie scoop) on an ungreased cookie sheet or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake 9-11 minutes at 350 degrees.
• Finally, cool on the pan for about 5-7 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

 

Do these cookies freeze?

Yes, they do! And they do very easily!

• Simply put your cookie dough balls or scoops on your pan like you would be baking them.
• Then, put the pan in the freezer for a few hours until the dough balls have frozen.
• Remove from the pan and place the dough balls in a gallon ziploc bag, removing as much air as possible.
• TO BAKE : Place the dough balls on an ungreased cookie sheet or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 325 degrees for about 17-18 minutes.
• Store for up to 6 months.

Another one of our favorite cookies are these maple cinnamon oatmeal cookies.

You’re going to want to make these!