The Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie has become a fan favorite since its introduction in 2013. It is a delicious combination of chocolate, pretzels, caramel, and pecans, all packed into a soft and chewy cookie. But do you know the story behind this delectable treat? The Kitchen Sink Cookie was created by Panera Bread's head baker, Tom Gumpel, who wanted to make a cookie that would stand out from the rest. He combined all of his favorite ingredients and the result was a cookie that was not only unique but also incredibly delicious. Since then, the Kitchen Sink Cookie has become a staple on Panera Bread's menu and has gained a cult following among cookie lovers. It has even been named one of the top 10 cookies in America by Food & Wine magazine. 1. The History of Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
While you can always head to your nearest Panera Bread to satisfy your craving for a Kitchen Sink Cookie, why not try making it at home? Not only will it save you some money, but you can also customize the cookie to your liking. We have a tried and tested recipe that will help you recreate the famous Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie in the comfort of your own kitchen. The key to getting the perfect cookie is using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe closely. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, mix together 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar in a bowl. Add in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix together 2 and 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, and mix until a dough forms. Now comes the fun part - adding in the "kitchen sink" ingredients. Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips, 1/2 cup of chopped pretzels, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup of caramel bits. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. 2. How to Make Your Own Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie at Home
While the original Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie is undeniably delicious, there are some variations out there that you may want to try. These variations add a twist to the classic recipe and may become your new favorite. One popular variation is the Salted Caramel Kitchen Sink Cookie. This version adds a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookie before baking, giving it a salty-sweet combination that is irresistible. Another variation is the Gluten-Free Kitchen Sink Cookie. This recipe substitutes all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and uses gluten-free pretzels, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions. You can also try adding different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to switch up the flavor of the cookie. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! 3. Variations of the Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
While the Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie may not be the healthiest dessert option out there, it does have some surprising health benefits. The cookie contains ingredients such as pecans, which are a great source of healthy fats and can help lower cholesterol levels. The pretzels in the cookie also add a dose of whole grains, which provide fiber and essential nutrients. And of course, chocolate has been known to boost mood and even provide some antioxidants. So, indulging in a Kitchen Sink Cookie every once in a while can actually be good for you! 4. Health Benefits of Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
The Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with other foods and drinks to enhance its flavor. Here are some suggestions for what to pair with your cookie: Milk: The classic pairing for any cookie, a glass of cold milk can help balance out the sweetness of the cookie. Coffee: The nutty and chocolate flavors in the cookie go well with a cup of hot coffee, making it the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, try sandwiching a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Kitchen Sink Cookies for a delicious ice cream sandwich. Yogurt: For a healthier option, crumble a Kitchen Sink Cookie on top of some Greek yogurt for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast or snack. 5. Pairing Suggestions for the Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
While the Kitchen Sink Cookie may be the star of the show, Panera Bread offers a variety of other tasty cookies as well. Some other popular options include: Chocolate Chipper: A classic chocolate chip cookie that is soft and chewy with a crispy edge. Triple Chocolate with Walnuts: A decadent cookie made with three types of chocolate and crunchy walnuts. Shortbread: A simple yet delicious cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour. Butter Pecan: A rich and buttery cookie loaded with chopped pecans. Oatmeal Raisin with Berries: A twist on the traditional oatmeal raisin cookie, this one adds in dried cranberries and blueberries for a burst of fruity flavor. 6. Other Popular Cookies at Panera Bread
Here are some interesting facts about the Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie that you may not have known: - The original prototype for the Kitchen Sink Cookie contained even more ingredients, including potato chips and bacon. - The name "Kitchen Sink Cookie" comes from the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink," which is used to describe something that has a lot of different elements. - The Kitchen Sink Cookie is Panera Bread's best-selling cookie, with over 100 million sold since its introduction. - Panera Bread donates all unsold baked goods, including the Kitchen Sink Cookie, to local charities at the end of each day. 7. Fun Facts About Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
The Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie has received rave reviews from customers and critics alike. Here are some of the reactions to this beloved cookie: - "The Kitchen Sink Cookie is the perfect balance of sweet and salty. It's my go-to treat whenever I visit Panera Bread." - Food blogger - "I never thought I would like a cookie with pretzels in it, but the Kitchen Sink Cookie has changed my mind. It's my favorite cookie of all time." - Panera Bread customer - "I love that Panera Bread donates their unsold baked goods. It makes me feel good about indulging in a Kitchen Sink Cookie." - Charity volunteer 8. Reviews and Reactions to Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
You can find the Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie at any of the over 2,000 Panera Bread locations across the United States and Canada. They are usually displayed in the bakery section, and you can also ask for them at the counter if you don't see them out. If you prefer to make your own, you can find the ingredients for the Kitchen Sink Cookie at most grocery stores. Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. 9. Where to Find Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie
The Panera Bread Kitchen Sink Cookie is a unique and delicious treat that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. With its interesting combination of ingredients and customizable variations, it's no wonder why it has become such a popular cookie. So, next time you're at Panera Bread, be sure to treat yourself to a Kitchen Sink Cookie - you won't regret it! 10. Conclusion