Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this one! Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe is exactly what it sounds like — a little bit of everything tossed into one glorious cookie. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the different textures and flavors played together so perfectly. The blend of chewy oats, melty chocolate chips, and colorful M&M’s makes each bite an exciting surprise, and the dried fruit adds this unexpected burst of tangy sweetness that just works.

This recipe is perfect for any time you want a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that feels homemade and special without too much fuss. Whether you’re packing snacks for a family road trip, baking for a bake sale, or just craving comfort food to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe hits the spot every single time. Plus, it’s one of those recipes you can easily customize based on what you’ve got in the pantry, making it a real winner for smart cooks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe plays a key role in creating a cookie that’s bursting with texture and flavor. I love how the pulverized oats add body without being gritty, and the mix of candies and dried fruit means every cookie feels like a fun surprise. Here’s the lowdown on what to look for when shopping or prepping each one.

• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness perfectly—plus, it creams up beautifully with the sugars to make those cookies melt-in-your-mouth.
• Granulated sugar: Provides crispness and sweetness, balancing the chewy elements.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that you’ll definitely notice and love.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the dough.
• Vanilla extract: A little touch amplifies all those sweet flavors in the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The structural base, so make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Old-fashioned oats (pulverized): I learned this trick from my aunt—pulverizing the oats creates that wonderful chewy texture without being too chunky.
• Baking soda & baking powder: Together, they give the cookies the perfect rise and lightness.
• Kosher salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and highlight the other flavors.
• M&M’s: They hold their shape without melting into a mess and add a pop of color that always delights kids and adults alike.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Classic melty chocolate chunks that everyone loves.
• Dried cranberries: These add a tart contrast that keeps each bite interesting.
• Chopped dried apricots: Sweet and slightly chewy, they’re my personal favorite addition and provide a lovely natural sweetness without extra sugar.

Variations

I love encouraging folks to put their own spin on the Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe—after all, the “kitchen sink” nature of it practically invites creativity. Here are a few ways I’ve played with it, and you’ll find many of your own favorite combinations fit perfectly into the mix.

• Nutty upgrade: I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch—my family goes crazy for the texture contrast this adds.
• Seasonal swap: In the fall, I swap dried apricots for chopped dates or figs, and use butterscotch chips instead of M&M’s for a cozy vibe.
• Healthier twist: Substituting dark chocolate chips and using pumpkin puree instead of some butter makes a lower-fat, antioxidants-rich cookie that still tastes indulgent.
• Gluten-free version: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend and be sure the oats are gluten-free—results are just as delicious!

How to Make Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. I always prep several sheets at once if I’m baking in batches because these cookies often come out of the oven faster than I can plate them!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

In a large stand mixer, cream the unsalted butter with both granulated and brown sugars for about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this – you want it light and fluffy because that’s what contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb. Then add eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl so everything mixes evenly. Finally, stir in vanilla extract for that warm aroma.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another big bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pulverized oats (the trick to the chewy texture!), baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Combining the dry ingredients first guarantees they’re evenly distributed, so no pockets of baking soda or salt sneak into your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add your dry ingredients to the wet batter in two batches, mixing on low speed so you don’t overwork the dough. You want everything just combined for the best cookie texture — too much mixing can lead to tougher bites.

Step 5: Fold in the “Kitchen Sink” Mix-ins

Now comes the fun part—stir in those M&M’s, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and chopped dried apricots by hand. I usually use a spatula and some elbow grease for this to avoid crushing the candies and make sure they’re evenly spread throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake to Perfection

Use a medium-sized cookie scoop to portion out about a dozen cookies at a time on your lined baking sheet. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, depending on your texture preference—I’m a 10 ½-minute gal for that perfect chewy edge and a slightly soft center. Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely. This helps them set so they don’t fall apart when you pick them up.

Step 7: Repeat and Store

Repeat the scooping and baking process with the remaining dough. Pro tip: Freeze any extra cookies so you always have some ready for those unexpected cookie cravings or when guests stop by. Just pop them out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temp for a soft cookie anytime.

How to Serve Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep things simple and let the cookies shine on their own, but if I want to jazz them up for a party, I sprinkle a few extra M&M’s or chocolate chips on top while the cookies are still warm. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty, festive touch without overpowering the cookie’s flavors.

Side Dishes

Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies are perfect paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea. Sometimes I serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced snack tray that the kids adore. They also make a great dessert after a casual homemade dinner—you can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies in a colorful cookie platter stacked in a fun pyramid shape, garnished with extra dried fruit and mini chocolate chips sprinkled around. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes a thoughtful, homemade gift. You’ll find these presentation tricks turn a simple batch into a charming centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days—that way, they stay soft but not soggy. If the cookies start to lose their freshness, popping one into the microwave for 10 seconds revives that just-baked warmth I love.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing both baked and unbaked dough. For baked cookies, I wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature for about an hour or warm up in the oven for 5 minutes. For cookie dough, portion out scoops onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a bag so you can bake fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a warm oven is my favorite way to bring that fresh cookie softness back to life after storing or freezing. Just avoid overheating or your cookie might get a little dry or crumbly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This recipe has become a personal favorite for so many reasons—it’s simple, incredibly forgiving, and always delivers a delicious, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug. Dad’s Kitchen Sink Cookies Recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about making something truly special that brings smiles and satisfies cravings in the best way possible. I can’t wait for you to try it out—it’s the kind of cookie that makes baking feel like a fun, joyful adventure.

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