A fresh batch of cookies warm from the oven, cooling just enough to dig in. While you enjoy that gooey goodness, consider pairing it with a crisp glass of cold milk. You could also whip up a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
If you’re looking for something with a twist, how about a rich cup of coffee or a lightly brewed tea? All of these options complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
I’m excited to share a cookie recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen: the Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a melting pot of flavors and textures.
Each bite takes you on a journey, from rich chocolate to salty pretzel crunch. If you’re anything like me and you find yourself gravitating towards sweet treats that have a little bit of everything, then this cookie will be right up your alley.
I remember the first time I tried a Kitchen Sink Cookie. I was sitting in a Panera cafe with a friend, both of us between tasks. After one bite, I was hooked. I immediately knew I had to recreate it at home.
My version is packed with delightful surprises and is straightforward to make. Let’s dive deep into what makes this recipe work and how you can whip up your own batch.
You will also like the following Appetizer recipes!
Why This Recipe Works?
When developing this recipe, I was focused on several key factors. Here’s why I believe it is a gem:
1. Explosive Flavors
Every bite of this cookie is an adventure. You’ve got sweet chocolate chips mingling with the saltiness of crushed pretzels. Toss in some chewy caramel and nuts, and it’s a taste sensation like no other. The balance is perfect, creating a cookie that has something for everyone.
2. The Perfect Texture
This cookie manages to check all boxes when it comes to texture. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy body with bits that are delightfully crunchy. The combination of these elements keeps you coming back for more, as each bite feels different yet comforting.
3. Easy-to-Follow Ingredients
You’ll find no elusive, hard-to-find ingredients here. Everything is accessible, and chances are, you may already have most of these items in your pantry. From standard flour to brown sugar, I kept it simple!
4. Customizable to Your Heart’s Desire
One of the best things about kitchen sink cookies is that they invite creativity. While my recipe has a few beloved components, you can swap in whatever you have or what you love. Want to toss in some dried fruit or coconut? Go for it! The cookie will adapt beautifully.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine biting into this cookie. You get an immediate sweetness from the chocolate chips, followed by a gentle saltiness from the pretzels. The caramel hugs your taste buds warmly. Each element contributes to a delicious complexity that keeps each bite interesting. You may even find yourself dancing a little in your seat from the sheer enjoyment of it all.
What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Variations?
You might find kitchen sink cookie recipes all over the internet, but mine stands out for a few reasons.
First, the addition of instant espresso powder elevates the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. It enhances the overall experience subtly but profoundly. Second, the blend of both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips adds layers of sweetness. Lastly, incorporating both pecans and pretzels brings a unique crunch that you might not find in other recipes.
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these delightful cookies:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled, not packed)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 1 stick)
- ½ cup packed golden brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips (blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate)
- ½ cup crushed pretzel pieces
- ½ cup diced caramels
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
Let’s break down how to whip up these delicious cookies. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with the best kitchen sink cookies ever.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
Make sure you have your measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a baking sheet ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. This mix is essential because it ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed golden brown sugar, and ¼ cup of white sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t skip this step. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup of crushed pretzel pieces, ½ cup of diced caramels, and ¼ cup of chopped nuts. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between them – they’ll spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This critical step helps them finish baking and enhances their texture.
Notes
Before you jump into baking, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a better mix and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they are slightly underdone for a chewy center.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes will enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or sticky sweets depending on your preference!
- Storage is Key: Store these cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Nutrition Information
panera kitchen sink cookie recipe nutrition facts
How Do You Store This?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend freshness, consider freezing them. Just ensure you wrap each cookie properly or place them in a freezer bag.
Sides for Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie
While the cookies are fantastic on their own, having a little something extra can create a more rounded snack or dessert.
1. Milk
Nothing hits the spot quite like a cold glass of milk. The creamy texture balances the sweetness of the cookies, making each bite a joy.
2. Ice Cream Scoop
Serve some cookies warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream and warm cookie combo creates a dessert experience hard to beat.
3. Fruit Plate
Pairing these cookies with sliced fresh fruit can lighten the sweetness and add a refreshing crunch. Apples or berries work wonderfully alongside these cookies.
Ingredient Substitutions
For those times when you find yourself missing an ingredient, don’t panic. Here are alternatives you can use:
1. Butter Alternatives
Unsalted margarine or coconut oil can work in place of unsalted butter. Just ensure that it’s in a similar form (softened).
2. Sweeteners
If you find yourself without brown sugar, granulated sugar can substitute. Use an extra tablespoon of white sugar to mimic that melty caramel quality.
3. Nut Alternatives
If you’re dealing with nut allergies, consider sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They add crunch and protein without the risks.
4. Additional Mix-ins
If you don’t have chocolate chips, other items like butterscotch chips or white chocolate can bring their own unique spin to your cookies.
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour scooped and leveled, not packed
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter equivalent to 1 stick
- ½ cup packed golden brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 1 cup chocolate chips blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate
- ½ cup crushed pretzel pieces
- ½ cup diced caramels
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Let’s break down how to whip up these delicious cookies. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with the best kitchen sink cookies ever.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
- Make sure you have your measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a baking sheet ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt. This mix is essential because it ensures your cookies rise perfectly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ½ cup of packed golden brown sugar, and ¼ cup of white sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream these together until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft texture.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Extracts
- Beat in 1 large room-temperature egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract until well combined. Don’t skip this step. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the mixture.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want those cookies to be soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Goodies
- Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, ½ cup of crushed pretzel pieces, ½ cup of diced caramels, and ¼ cup of chopped nuts. Use a spatula to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between them – they’ll spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This critical step helps them finish baking and enhances their texture.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a better mix and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when they are slightly underdone for a chewy center.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes will enhance the flavors.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or sticky sweets depending on your preference!
- Storage is Key: Store these cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend.
2. How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil, use a vegan egg substitute (like flax eggs), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! Doubling the ingredients is simple and rewarding, but make sure you have a large enough mixing bowl and baking sheets.
4. How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips or add in cocoa powder for an even richer taste.
Conclusion
If you’re in the mood for a cookie that truly has everything, give the Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie a try. Its delightful complexity brings the best of all worlds together. Plus, this recipe is flexible and forgiving, allowing you to swap and change ingredients according to your tastes and pantry.
So, roll up your sleeves and jump into cookie-making! You’ll have a warm batch ready to share—or keep all to yourself, I won’t judge. Either way, it’ll be a sweet adventure worth every crumb!