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Kitchen Sink Cookies (Panera Copycat!)

Kitchen Sink Cookies (Panera Copycat!)

from designeatrepeat.com
25 min
9 servings
399 kcal per serving

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

  • unsalted butter

    i.e. 1 stick

    ½ c
  • light brown sugar

    packed

    ½ c
  • granulated sugar
    ¼ c
  • egg
    1 large
  • vanilla extract
    2 tsp
  • baking soda
    ½ tsp
  • salt
    ¼ tsp
  • all-purpose flour)

    (not packed, just scooped and leveled with a knife

    1 ¼ c
  • chocolate chips

    i did half semi-sweet and half-milk chocolate

    1 c
  • pretzels

    chopped

    ½ c
  • caramels

    chopped

    ½ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. 2

    Chop half of the chocolate chips (½ cup) into small shards and slivers. Cut caramels (½ cup) into small chunks (about the size of the chocolate chips) and break up the pretzels (½ cup). Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large microwave-safe bowl, add unsalted butter (½ cup, i.e. 1 stick) 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.

  4. 4

    To the hot butter, add in the light brown sugar (½ cup) and granulated sugar (¼ cup) 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.

  5. 5

    Stir in egg (1 large) and vanilla extract (2 teaspoons). Next, mix in baking soda (½ teaspoon) and salt (¼ teaspoon).

  6. 6

    Add all-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups) 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.

  7. 7

    Mix the chopped chocolate chips (½ cup), whole chocolate chips (½ cup), chopped pretzels (½ cup), and chopped caramel (½ cup) 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).

  8. 8

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop dough into ¼ 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.

  9. 9

    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.

  10. 10

    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.

  11. 11

    Enjoy slightly warm for gooey caramel or allow to fully cool...both ways are amazing!

About this Recipe

Indulge in the Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat: Panera Copycat Kitchen Sink Cookies!

Craving that irresistible blend of sweet and salty? Look no further than these incredible Kitchen Sink Cookies, a perfect Panera copycat recipe that brings bakery-quality goodness right to your home. Forget complicated steps – these soft and chewy delights come together in just one bowl, making them as easy to bake as they are delicious to devour.

What makes these kitchen sink cookies truly special is their incredible mix of textures and flavors. Each bite is an adventure, loaded with gooey chocolate chips (we love a blend of semi-sweet and milk chocolate!), crunchy chopped pretzels, and rich, chewy caramel pieces. It's that harmonious sweet & salty combination that sets them apart, creating a cookie experience unlike any other.

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. In about 25 minutes total, you'll have a batch of warm, perfectly golden sweet and salty cookies ready to enjoy. The simple ingredients and straightforward process ensure a fantastic result every time, delivering that coveted soft and chewy texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Tips for the Perfect Batch:

  • Don't Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cookie.
  • Chill if Desired: While not strictly necessary for this recipe, a 20-30 minute chill can help prevent spreading if your kitchen is warm.
  • Customizable Mix-ins: Feel free to get creative! While chocolate chips, pretzels, and caramel are key to the Panera copycat flavor, you could also add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking for an extra pop, or even a few toffee bits for more crunch.

Serve these delightful Panera copycat cookies warm with a glass of milk, or as a standalone dessert that's sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions