These soft & chewy kitchen sink cookies can be made in one bowl and are loaded with chocolate chips, pretzels, and caramel! Inspired by Panera, these are the sweet & salty cookies of your dreams!
These cookies went Tiktok viral with almost 4 million views – watch the video here!
Why are they called kitchen sink cookies?
Kitchen sink cookies are made with a chewy, chocolate chip cookie base & lots of delicious mix-ins! The name is based on the phrase “everything but the kitchen sink” where you can add anything you have in the pantry!
This recipe is inspired by Panera bread and is a slight alteration to my popular Panera chocolate chip cookie recipe…but is loaded with semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips, chopped caramel chunks, and pieces of pretzels! Some other kitchen sink cookie recipes add things like nuts, potato chips, or whatever sweet & salty things you have on hand!
Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie Ingredients & Notes
This is just an overview showing step-by-step photos, click here to jump down to full recipe card with exact instructions.
- Chocolate Chips: Panera uses a mix of both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips but you can add whatever you like. Just be sure to chop at least half of the chocolate chips so that you have those small chocolate pieces in every bite (this also helps give the cookie that darker signature color!).
- Caramel: I used Kraft caramel and tore them into small pieces. You can also use the Kraft bits but I find they don’t melt as well in cookies.
- Pretzels: Any salty pretzels will work!
- Butter: Use real butter here, not margarine. To get that signature flat vs. puffy cookie, we’re melting the butter until it’s pretty hot & then slightly flattening the top of the scooped cookies.
- Sea salt: Panera tops theirs with flaky salt, which is totally optional! My pretzels were already salty, so I left it off.
Make it gluten-free! You can substitute the all-purpose flour for half-almond flour and half of your favorite gluten-free flour! My favorite brand is Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
How to Make Kitchen Sink Cookies
This is just an overview showing step-by-step photos, click here to jump down to full recipe card with exact instructions.
Step 1: Chop & Prep Mix-Ins
Measure out 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, 10 caramels, and 1/2 cup chopped pretzels. Use a sharp knife to chop half of the chocolate chips into smaller shards and slivers. Next, chop the caramel into smaller pieces (I cut each into 6 pieces).
Tip: I recommend 1.5-2 cups of total mix-ins, so feel free to add more or less of each item as you wish!
Step 2: Make Cookie Dough
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter and cover with a paper towel (will help for splattering). Melt the butter for 30-60 seconds until all is melted (no chunks left). You want it hot; if you hear it “pop” then it’s most likely done.
Add in 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup granulated sugar, then use a spatula to stir until combined (* do not use a mixer for this recipe). The sugars should cool off the butter but if it’s still piping hot, let cool for a minute or two.
Stir in 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Next, mix in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add in 1 1/4 cup flour and mix until all the flour disappears into the dough.
Note: The dough will be wet and sticky, this is normal and it will firm up as it sits.
Step 3: Add Mix-Ins
Add the chopped chocolate chips, whole chocolate chips, chopped pretzels, and chopped caramel into the dough and mix. Allow dough to sit for 1-2 minutes to slightly firm up, then stir (it will still be a soft & slightly sticky dough).
Tip: If your dough is really runny after it sits, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of flour to help it firm up.
Step 4: Scoop & Roll
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1/4 cup-sized scoops (i.e. 4 tablespoons) then gently roll into your hands to create a ball. Flatten the tops so that they’re a thick disc vs. a round ball. Without flattening, your cookies will be thicker and more cakey. If desired, press extra pretzel pieces on top.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes. You want them to be slightly brown on the edges & top and look slightly underbaked in the center (my oven was perfect at 13 minutes).
If your cookies are wonky-shaped, immediately after taking out of the oven, use a bowl that is slightly larger than the cookie to “wiggle” it back into a circle shape.
Tip: The key to soft & chewy cookies is to take them out while the center still looks a tiny bit wet, as they will finish baking on the hot pan and firm up as they cool.
Storage & Freezing
Storing: For best texture, these are best enjoyed within 2 days but will last in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 month, then allow to thaw before eating (as the caramel will be too hard to eat when frozen).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are these exactly like Panera kitchen sink cookies?
I think they’re better! I’ve found that most Panera locations overbake their cookies, which results in dry, hard cookies. These homemade kitchen sink cookies are perfectly soft & chewy!
How big will these be?
If you follow the instructions and use a 1/4-cup sized scoop, your cookies should end up being around 4 inches. This can vary depending on your altitude and climate, but that’s how big mine spread in Tennessee. The “real” Panera kitchen sink cookies are even bigger than this, so if you want to make them true-to-size, I’d suggest using a 1/3 cup scoop of dough.
Do Panera kitchen sink cookies have nuts?
They do not contain nuts but you can certainly add some if you’d like! Other fun mix-ins are marshmallows, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, chopped Reeses candy, and more!
Kitchen Sink Cookies (Panera Copycat!)
These soft & chewy kitchen sink cookies can be made in one bowl and are loaded with chocolate chips, pretzels, and caramel! Inspired by Panera, these are the sweet & salty cookie of your dreams!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (not packed, just scooped and leveled with a knife)
- 1 cup chocolate chips I did half semi-sweet and half-milk chocolate
- ½ cup pretzels, chopped
- ½ cup caramels, chopped I used ~10 Kraft caramels (you can use the Kraft caramel bits but they don't melt as well)
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Chop half of the chocolate chips into small shards and slivers. Cut caramels into small chunks (about the size of the chocolate chips) and break up the pretzels. Set aside.
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In a medium sized microwave-safe bowl, add butter and cover with a paper towel (will help for splattering). Melt the butter in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until all is melted (no chunks left). You want it hot; if you hear it "pop" then it's most likely done
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Add in brown sugar and granulated sugar and use a spatula to stir until combined (* do not use a mixer for this recipe). The sugars should cool off the butter but if it's still piping hot, let cool for a minute or two.
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Stir in egg and vanilla extract. Next, mix in baking soda and salt.
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Add flour and mix until all the flour disappears into the dough. Note: the dough will be wet and sticky, this is normal and it will firm up as it sits.
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Mix the chopped chocolate chips, whole chocolate chips, pretzels, and caramel into the dough. Allow dough to sit for 1-2 minutes to slightly set so it's not as sticky, then stir (if needed, you can add 1-2 tablespoons flour to help it firm up).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into 1/4 cup sized scoops (i.e. 4 tablespoons) then gently roll into your hands to create a ball. Flatten the tops so that they're a thick disc vs. a round ball. See image in post above for reference. Without flattening, your cookies will be thicker and more cakey.
If desired, press extra pretzel pieces into the top.
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Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes. You want them to be slightly brown on the edges & top and look slightly underbaked in the center (my oven was perfect at 13 minutes).
Tip: If your cookies are wonky-shaped, immediately after taking out of the oven, use a bowl that is slightly larger than the cookie to “wiggle” it back into a circle shape.
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Remove from oven and place entire pan on a cooling rack. Allow the cookies to cool on the hot pan for 10-15 minutes before removing them. This will allow them to finish baking on the hot pan. Once cooled, use a spatula to transfer them to a wire cooling rack.
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Enjoy slightly warm for gooey caramel or allow to fully cool…both ways are amazing!
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Kathryn says
This recipe is awesome! The caramel and pretzel add great texture and lots of flavor. Will definitely be making these again!
Melissa says
So happy that you liked this recipe Kathryn! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!
Annie says
These cookies were soooo good!! I had to stop myself from eating the cookie dough by itself, and it was so worth it!!
Melissa says
So glad that you enjoyed these cookies (and the dough!) Annie.
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!
Melissa says
So glad that you enjoyed these cookies (and the dough!) Annie.
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!
Brenda M says
These were a HIIIT my family devoured them. Can’t wait to make them again. Also, it being all in one bowl was a plus!!
Melissa says
So glad that you and your family loved these cookies Brenda! I appreciate you leaving a review!
Meg curl says
Batch this came out of the oven .
After they cooled for a couple minutes I tried one . Sooo good!! I wish mine looked as pretty as yours . Definitely will be my Christmas cookie to bake for family and friends!
Melissa says
Thank you for that compliment Meg, I am so glad that you enjoyed the cookies!
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a review.
Chelsey says
Made these last night and the whole family loved them. Amazing recipe 😋 I will definitely make them again.
Melissa says
So glad that you and the family loved these cookies!
Thank you for leaving a review – I appreciate it!
victoria van says
AMAZING PHENOMENAL WILL EAT 30 IN ONE SITTING
Melissa says
Thank you Victoria for leaving a review – I appreciate it!
So glad that you loved the cookies!
Liliauna says
AMAZING
Melissa says
Thank you for leaving a review Liliauna!
Jordan says
Really great cookie, I’ve actually never had the cookie from Panera but made these as gifts for friends. My husband really enjoyed them and it’s such a simple recipe.
Melissa says
So glad that everyone enjoyed these cookies Jordan.
Thank you for leaving a review – I appreciate it.
Shelby says
I made this but browned the butter, chopped chocolate instead of chips, used werthers instead of kraft caramel, and added heath bits. They were really good but when I followed the instructions for 13 mins at 350 and only slightly pressed down, they were super hard and barely spread. So I flattened them a lot and baked for 11 mins, this produced a more well spread cookie that was soft and not super cakey or dry. I would make these again!
Melissa says
I am so glad that you were able to customize and enjoy these cookies Shelby!
Thank you for taking the time to leave your review – I appreciate it!
Beeck says
I made this recipe and it is so delicious. The pretzels, caramel and chocolate goes so well together !! 10/10
Melissa says
I am glad that you enjoyed the recipe Beeck, thank you for taking the time to leave a review!