One of my favorite things about the holiday season is getting creative in the kitchen. Between cookie exchanges, family gatherings, and school parties, there’s always a reason to bake. But let’s be honest—sometimes it’s hard to decide what kind of cookie to make when you’ve got a pantry full of different treats. That’s why I am so excited to share this recipe for Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies.
If you’ve never had them before, think of these cookies as the ultimate “everything but the kitchen sink” treat. They’re packed with sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey goodness all in one bite. The name Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies comes from the fact that you can toss in whatever goodies you have on hand—chips, pretzels, candies, or chocolate—and somehow it all works together. Trust me, these cookies are going to become a holiday tradition in your home.
Ingredients for Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies
How to make Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies: ingredients you need!
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup white chocolate chips
1 cup Lay’s potato chips, lightly crushed
½ cup pretzels, crushed
1 cup Rolos (unwrapped, cut in half if preferred)
½ cup red & green M&Ms
Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies
How to make Holiday Junk Drawer Cookie : a step by step guide
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the Goodies
Now the fun part! Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, Rolos, and M&Ms. This is what makes Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies so unique—the combination of flavors and textures is irresistible.
7. Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies: SIDE IDEA
At the end of the day, holiday baking isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Recipes like these Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies remind us that it’s okay to be a little messy and creative in the kitchen. The real joy comes from laughing together, sneaking bites of dough, and sharing cookies fresh out of the oven.
So this holiday season, skip the stress of choosing just one type of cookie. Whip up a batch of Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies, gather your family around, and celebrate the magic of mixing it all together—because the sweetest memories are always made at the table.
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
Here’s my CBM tip: turn these Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies into a family bake-off! Give everyone in your house a small bowl of cookie dough and let them choose their own mix-ins from a variety of candies, chips, and pretzels. Bake them together and then vote on whose cookie creation is the best. It’s a fun way to reclaim the table and turn baking into a family memory you’ll cherish.
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Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you’d like to see more of.
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More Easy Holiday Recipes
If you love these Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies, be sure to check out these other easy Holiday recipes that will add fun and flavor to every meal.
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Holiday Junk Drawer Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup Lay’s potato chips lightly crushed
- ½ cup pretzels crushed
- 1 cup Rolos unwrapped, halved if preferred
- ½ cup red & green M&Ms
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Add Eggs: Mix in eggs one at a time.
- Combine: Gradually add flour mixture until just combined.
- Fold In Goodies: Stir in chocolate chips, potato chips, pretzels, Rolos, and M&Ms.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop heaping tablespoons onto baking sheets. Bake 9–11 minutes until golden.
- Cool & Enjoy: Rest 2–3 minutes on pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Video
Nutrition
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