Movie Snack Buttered Popcorn Cookies

I've been ALL ABOUT going to the movies these days.  Which I realize is saying something like "puppies are cute."  Like, duh, most people like going to the movies right?  I haven't made any new discoveries.  You should probably just ignore me. 

I'm just trying to say that I've been seeing movies in theaters (not renting!) a lot more this summer.  There's something about going to an icy cold theater when it's 90 and humid out and getting swept up in a movie for 2 hours.  Or nearly 3 hours in the case of Superman.  But hello, shoulders and pecs and abs so it's totally ok with me.  

But we should talk about cookies now.  (I'm also ok with just talking about Henry Cavill though).  So these cookies are wonderfully crisp with a deep buttery flavor and, of course, loaded with movie theater snacks, including popcorn.  Trust me, it works.  Texture galore!  Salty sweetness!  

And if you're like me, you're totally ok with sneaking these cookies into the theater.  I'm willing to pay $11.50 to see a movie but I will NOT pay $4.75 for M&Ms.  I just won't.  I've got principles.  I've even gone so far as sneaking in an Iced Latte from S-bux.  It's all about careful balancing in a large purse.  Gotta have technique.   

But back to Henry Cavill.  I mean yeah.  YEAH.  Ok, just ignore me now.  

Here's the recipe!  

Movie Snack Buttered Popcorn Cookies

Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons malted milk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups prepared buttered microwave popcorn
3/4 cups mini M&Ms 

Directions
1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 cookies sheets with silicon mats or parchment paper and set aside.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, malted milk and salt and set aside.    
2.  In the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars together, about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.  Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.  
3.  With the mixer running on low, slowly add the dry ingredients until just combined.  Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in M&M's and popcorn, being careful not to crush the popcorn.  
4.  Scoop dough by heaping tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets and bake 10-13 minutes, turning pans once while baking.  Allow to cool 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.  

Enjoy!  

Recipe adapted from Joy the Baker