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I created these cookies last Christmas when my kids were rummaging through our snack cabinet. We had all these leftover chips and pretzels from holiday parties, and my daughter suggested throwing them into cookie dough. What started as kitchen cleanup turned into our family's favorite holiday tradition! They're these amazing soft cookies loaded with everything but the kitchen sink – salty pretzels, crunchy potato chips, festive M&Ms, and plenty of white chocolate. My son calls them garbage cookies but trust me, they're pure treasure!
Why These Cookies Are Pure Magic
Every single bite gives you something different. Sometimes you get that salty crunch from a pretzel, other times it's the sweet burst of an M&M. The potato chips sound weird but they make these cookies absolutely addictive. My neighbor's kids camp out in our kitchen when they smell these baking, and even my mother-in-law who claims she doesn't like 'weird' cookies asked for the recipe. Plus, you don't need any fancy equipment just a bowl and a spoon!
Grab These Ingredients
- Butter: One cup melted and cooled down you don't want scrambled eggs!
- Brown Sugar: Pack it in tight makes them extra chewy
- Regular Sugar: Just half a cup
- Eggs: Two large ones at room temp
- Vanilla: The real stuff makes such a difference
- Flour: Regular all-purpose about 2¼ cups
- Baking Soda and Powder: For perfect texture
- Salt: Just a pinch
- The Fun Stuff: Holiday M&Ms white chocolate chips crushed pretzels potato chips and festive sprinkles
Let's Make Some Cookie Magic
- Getting Started
- First melt that butter and let it cool while you watch your favorite holiday movie. Mix up your flour and other dry ingredients in one bowl.
- The Sweet Part
- In another bowl whisk your cooled butter with both sugars until it looks like wet sand. Add those eggs and vanilla give it a good mix.
- Bringing It Together
- Now slowly mix in your dry ingredients. Then comes the fun part! Dump in all those goodies M&Ms chips pretzels the works. My kids love helping with this step even though half the M&Ms mysteriously disappear.
- Chill Time
- Scoop out your cookies and pop them in the fridge. I know waiting is hard but trust me it's worth it!
- Baking Time
- Once they're chilled bake them until they're just golden around the edges. The middle should still look a bit soft.
- The Final Touch
- Here's my secret press some extra M&Ms and chips on top while they're still warm makes them look like they're from a fancy bakery!
Mix It Up Your Way
The best thing about these cookies is you can throw in whatever you have on hand. Sometimes I use butterscotch chips instead of white chocolate. Once I crushed up some leftover Halloween candy bars and tossed those in. My friend makes them with dark chocolate chunks and coconut says they taste like a fancy candy bar. Just keep the basic dough recipe the same and go wild with the mix-ins!
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Size Matters
Sometimes I make these bite-sized for cookie platters just use a small spoon instead of the big scoop. A sprinkle of sea salt on top takes them to the next level my husband says it makes the sweet and salty even better. During the holidays I drizzle white chocolate over the top and add extra sprinkles makes them look super festive!
Setting Yourself Up For Success
Here's what I've learned from making these dozens of times. Don't pack your flour when measuring it makes the cookies tough. That chilling time isn't optional unless you want one giant cookie instead of twelve! I always line my baking sheets with parchment it prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
The Perfect Bake
Watch these like a hawk in the oven they can go from perfect to overdone quickly. The edges should be just starting to turn golden but the middle will look a bit underdone that's exactly what you want! Let them cool on the pan for a few minutes they'll finish cooking and set up perfectly.
Making Them Look Professional
Want to know my secret for bakery-style cookies? As soon as they come out of the oven press a few extra M&Ms and chips on top. They'll sink right into the warm cookie and look picture perfect. Also if your cookies aren't quite round use a large round cookie cutter to gently scoot them into shape while they're still warm.
Keeping Them Fresh
These cookies stay soft for days in an airtight container if they last that long! I love making extra dough balls and freezing them perfect for unexpected holiday visitors. Just pop them straight from the freezer into the oven and add a minute or two to the baking time. The smell of fresh baked cookies makes everyone feel instantly festive!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why chill the dough?
Helps cookies keep their shape and not spread too much. Cold dough makes thicker cookies.
- → Cookie cutter trick?
Using it to 'scoot' just-baked cookies makes them perfectly round. Do it while still hot.
- → Best way to measure flour?
Spoon into cup, then level off. Don't scoop directly or you'll pack too much.
- → Mix-ins falling out?
Press extras on top right after baking while cookies are soft. They'll stick better as cookies cool.
- → Other mix-in ideas?
Try any combo of chips, nuts, or candies. Just keep total amount about the same.
Conclusion
Holiday cookies packed with everything but the kitchen sink - a delightful mix of sweet candies and salty crunchy elements that make every bite exciting.