Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Last Updated on December 30, 2024

Imagine biting into a warm, gooey cookie, chocolate melting in your mouth, salted caramel tantalizing your taste buds. Now picture serving these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee. 

Both make perfect companions. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrasting textures and temperatures create a delightful experience. For a more gourmet twist, consider a sweet dessert wine. It’s an unexpected yet wonderful combination.

What is Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie?

The Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie is a decadent treat that features an array of ingredients in one dough. Think of it as a cookie that invites friends to join in—the chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, and salty caramels all add their voices to the chorus of flavor. This cookie is a delightful blend of crunch and chewiness. You’ll find hints of cinnamon and the richness of butter, seamlessly woven together.

Why This Recipe Works?

The brilliance of this recipe lies in its versatile combinations. Each ingredient adds a unique touch. The two different types of sugars create a rich depth; brown sugar adds moisture while granulated sugar keeps the cookie light. The butter ensures a soft and chewy texture. Chopped pretzels bring a delightful crunch, while the caramels melt into gooey pockets of sweetness. Finally, nuts provide an added layer of flavor and healthy fats. All these elements come together beautifully, resulting in a cookie that can easily become a household favorite.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to cookie magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 1 stick)
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup fine granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled with a knife, not packed)
• 1 cup chocolate chips (a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate)
• ½ cup chopped pretzels
• ½ cup chopped caramels (approximately 10 Kraft caramels; feel free to use Kraft caramel bits, though they may not melt as smoothly)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

How to Make Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe?

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Making the Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie is not just about following a recipe. Each step builds excitement and mouthwatering anticipation. Let’s break it down into manageable steps!

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have your oven hot and ready to ensure perfect cookie texture. While you’re waiting, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The air you incorporate here is vital for the final texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and shiny, signaling that your wet ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; you want to preserve the fluffiness.

Step 5: Fold in the Fun Stuff

Now comes the delightful part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, chopped caramels, and nuts. Use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Each bite should offer a different layer of flavor!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The center may look slightly underbaked—it’ll firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, grab a glass of milk and dig in!

Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your egg and butter sit out for about 30 minutes prior to mixing. This helps in blending and creates a smoother batter.
• Be Mindful of Measurements: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t pack it in!
• Chunky is Good: Consider using chocolate chunks instead of chips for a richer melted chocolate experience.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: If you have other favorites—like shredded coconut or dried fruit—feel free to toss them in. It’s all about personal taste!
• Chill Dough for Better Flavor: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will enhance the flavors even more.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftover cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place cooled cookies in a zip-top bag, removing excess air. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

How Would I Recommend Serving Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe?

These cookies are incredibly versatile. Here’s how you might enjoy them:

• With Ice Cream Sundae: A warm Kitchen Sink Cookie topped with a scoop of your favorite ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce is a summer hit.
• As a Coffee Companion: Pair these cookies alongside your morning cup. The cookie’s sweetness complements the bitter notes of coffee beautifully.
• At a Picnic: Pack these delightful cookies into your picnic basket. They travel well and are a sweet ending to a fun afternoon outdoors.
• Gift Them: Who wouldn’t appreciate a jar of these cookies as a gift? Pack them in a decorative jar with a ribbon for a sweet homemade touch.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

Sometimes, you might not have every ingredient on hand. Here are some easy substitutes:

• Butter: Coconut oil or margarine can replace unsalted butter. The cookies may have a slight coconut flavor but will still be delightful.
• Egg: If you need an egg alternative, consider flaxseed meal. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to your mixture.
• Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar can be a less processed alternative. It has a similar sweetness but may add a slight caramel flavor.
• Nuts: If you can’t get your hands on pecans or walnuts, sunflower seeds or even pumpkin seeds provide a nice crunch.

Conclusion

Baking the Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie is not only about creating a delicious treat; it’s about the journey of mixing flavors and textures. From the first scoop of sugar to the last sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each step is filled with warmth. 

This recipe invites you to express your creativity in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, let your imagination run wild, and create a batch of these cookies. Trust me, your friends, family—or even just you—will thank you for it! Happy baking!

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Print Recipe

Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie Recipe – Easy Meal Recipe

Author: Mary Siegel Cuisine: Snacks Courses: Dessert & Drinks

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 9 Calories: 399 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Baking has always been a love of mine. It’s an art you can taste, a science you can explore. When I first came across the Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie recipe, I was intrigued. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I appreciate recipes that meld flavors and textures. The kitchen sink cookie is a dessert that doesn’t hold back. 

It throws in everything but the kitchen sink—hence the name. With a delightful mix of chocolate, caramel, pretzels, and nuts, this cookie combines sweet and salty to create sheer bliss in every bite. You might be wondering: why is this cookie so special? Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 large egg

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter (equivalent to 1 stick)

• ¹⁄₂ cup packed light brown sugar

• ¹⁄₄ cup fine granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon baking soda

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon sea salt

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour (scooped and leveled with a knife, not packed)

• 1 cup chocolate chips (a mix of semi-sweet and milk chocolate)

• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped pretzels

• ¹⁄₂ cup chopped caramels (approximately 10 Kraft caramels; feel free to use Kraft caramel bits, though they may not melt as smoothly)

• ¹⁄₂ tablespoon cinnamon

• ¹⁄₃ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s crucial to have your oven hot and ready to ensure perfect cookie texture. While you’re waiting, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugars

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon. Aim for a light and fluffy texture—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The air you incorporate here is vital for the final texture.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Vanilla

1. Crack in the large egg and add the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and shiny, signaling that your wet ingredients are perfectly blended.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until just combined. Avoid over-mixing; you want to preserve the fluffiness.

Step 5: Fold in the Fun Stuff

1. Now comes the delightful part! Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, chopped caramels, and nuts. Use a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Each bite should offer a different layer of flavor!

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

1. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop generous tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring enough space between them. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. The center may look slightly underbaked—it’ll firm up as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

1. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows the cookies to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now, grab a glass of milk and dig in!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 9

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 399kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 17g27%

Saturated Fat 8.2g41%

Cholesterol 64mg22%

Sodium 250mg11%

Total Carbohydrate 49g17%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 22g

Protein 12g24%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your egg and butter sit out for about 30 minutes prior to mixing. This helps in blending and creates a smoother batter.
• Be Mindful of Measurements: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife—don’t pack it in!
• Chunky is Good: Consider using chocolate chunks instead of chips for a richer melted chocolate experience.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: If you have other favorites—like shredded coconut or dried fruit—feel free to toss them in. It’s all about personal taste!
• Chill Dough for Better Flavor: If you have the time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking will enhance the flavors even more.

Keywords: panera kitchen sink cookie recipe