Our movie theater cookies have everything-but-the-kitchen-sink energy with all of our favorite picks from the movie theater concession stand. These sweet and savory treats bake the most iconic movie theater snacks—popcorn, pretzels, M&Ms, Buncha Crunch and Sno-Caps—into tender, chewy cookies that are made using the same base as chocolate chip cookies.
We were meticulous about the mix-ins: Sturdy kettle corn holds up better than softer movie theater popcorn, and broken pretzel pieces evoke the nostalgia of movie theater soft pretzels. We went back and forth about the candy, but ultimately decided that our inclusions were the most beloved of the concession stand options. Feel free to play around with mix-ins and use your favorite go-tos like crushed candy bars or Reese’s Pieces.
Ingredients for Movie Theater Cookies
- Butter: Soften the butter to room temperature so you can cream it seamlessly with the sugars. Take the butter out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before getting started.
- Sugars: We’ll use both granulated and brown sugar to sweeten the cookies. The duo makes the base similar to that of chocolate chip cookies. Using only granulated sugar would create something closer to a sugar cookie.
- Eggs: Like the butter, the eggs need to be at room temperature. Take them out of the fridge with the butter, or submerge the eggs in warm (not hot!) water for 10 minutes.
- All-purpose flour: Avoid dry, dense cookies by measuring the flour properly. The best way to do this is to spoon the flour into the measuring cup. Sticking the cup into the bag packs in too much flour.
- Leavening agents: Test your baking powder and baking soda if they’ve been in the cabinet for longer than six months. They start to lose their potency around that time.
- Mix-ins: Here’s the fun part! Add all your favorite movie theater concession snacks to the cookie dough. We like kettle corn, pretzel pieces, M&Ms, Buncha Crunch and Sno-Caps.
Directions
Step 1: Make the dough
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugars together until they’re light and fluffy, five to seven minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and fold in the remaining ingredients.
Editor’s Tip: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make creaming the butter and sugar easier.
Step 2: Shape the cookie dough
Scoop the cookie dough into 1/4 cupfuls and roll the dough into balls. Place them 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets, then refrigerate the cookie dough balls until they’re firm to the touch, about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Bake the cookies
Flatten the cookie dough balls slightly. Bake the cookies for 14 to 16 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Remove the cookies from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool to room temperature.
Editor’s Tip: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, feel free to add any extra candies, popcorn or pretzel pieces on top for a pretty presentation.
Ellie Crowley For Taste Of Home
Recipe Variations
- Try other mix-ins: If some of our suggested mix-ins don’t speak to you, feel free to swap in other ingredients. Goldfish and Cheez-It crackers make stellar salty inclusions, and Kit Kats, Reese’s Pieces, Milk Duds, Whoppers, Junior Mints or Raisinets are perfect for the sweet components.
- Finish with gummy toppings: Love Swedish Fish, Twizzlers or Mike and Ike’s at the movies? Add them on top of your movie theater cookies right when they come out of the oven.
How to Store Movie Theater Cookies
Allow movie theater cookies to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If they’re getting stale, soften the cookies by placing a piece of sandwich bread in the container. The cookies will absorb the bread’s moisture and soften again.
Can you freeze movie theater cookies?
Yes, you can freeze movie theater cookies. Allow them to cool completely to room temperature, then place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container with pieces of waxed or parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. Freeze them for up to two months, then thaw them overnight in the fridge or for a few hours on the counter.
Movie Theater Cookies Tips
Ellie Crowley For Taste Of Home
Can I make movie theater cookies gluten free or dairy free?
We haven’t tested gluten- or dairy-free versions of these movie theater cookies yet. However, I’d confidently use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, and vegan butter in place of regular butter. Make sure all other mix-ins are free of dairy and/or gluten as needed, too.
How do I serve movie theater cookies?
Serve movie theater cookies at your next movie night or Oscars watch party. Make it a full movie theater experience by buying everyone’s favorite sodas and making soft pretzels with cheese sauce, personal pizzas, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks or hot dogs. If you’re throwing an Oscars watch party, make a few fancy appetizers like a boozy baked Brie dip, a crudite board or party meatballs.
How can I make the mix-ins look more pronounced?
The mix-ins can get a little lost underneath the cookie, and sometimes it’s nice to get a clue about what’s inside. Reserve a few of the mix-ins to add to the cookies once they come out of the oven. Do it before the cookies set so they’re still malleable enough to have the mix-ins pressed on top.
