Stinky Feet is arguably one of the best math review games and if you’ve ever played Stinky Feet in your classroom… you already know the chaos I’m about to describe 😂
Kids cheering. Kids groaning. Kids suddenly VERY invested in math review.
Now imagine that same energy… but with cookies.
It’s a math review game where:
- students work together
- solve problems
- and take a risk every round…
Because every cookie they pick could:
✔ earn points
✔ lose points
✔ do absolutely nothing
✔ or send them ALL the way back to zero 😅
And honestly… that’s what makes it so fun.
What Is Cookie Capture?
Cookie Capture is a low-prep, high-engagement math review game. Students work in teams to solve math problems, and when they get an answer correct, they get to choose a cookie… but they don’t know what’s on the back.
Some cookies give points. Some take points away. Some say “no points.” And some… are Cookie Capture (aka… back to zero 😬).
As outlined in the setup guide, each cookie has a hidden point value and teams select them without seeing the value beforehand, which is what creates the suspense and excitement .
Why Students LOVE This Game
1. Everyone Stays In It
Even if a team is behind, they still have a chance. Because one cookie can completely change the game. And since a “cookie capture” resets a team to zero, no lead is ever safe.
2. It’s Not Always the Highest Score That Wins
This is the BEST part. At the end of the game, you don’t automatically give the win to the team with the most points. You spin a spinner (or flip a coin) to decide:
👉 highest score wins
OR
👉 lowest score wins
Yep. You read that right.
So even the team that thinks they’re losing is suddenly like… “WAIT… we might actually win this thing???” And the room goes wild. The directions even emphasize that the winner is determined at the end by chance, which keeps all teams engaged regardless of their score .
How to Play Cookie Capture Math Review Game
The setup is simple and flexible depending on your classroom.
Step 1: Students Solve Problems
Students work in teams or partners to answer math questions and show their work on a recording sheet.
Step 2: Check the Answer
You can:
- reveal answers using slides
- have students share
- or check answers as you walk around
Step 3: Pick a Cookie 🍪
If they’re correct, they choose a cookie. But remember… they don’t know what’s on the back. That’s where the fun begins.
Step 4: Add (or Lose) Points
The cookie might give points, take points away, give nothing, or reset them to zero. Students keep track of their score either on their recording sheet or as a class scoreboard .
Step 5: Decide the Winner
At the end spin, flip, or choose. Highest OR lowest score wins. Game changer.
Two Ways to Play (Depending on Your Classroom)
One of my favorite things about this game is how flexible it is.
Option 1: Whole Group
- Use slides
- Everyone works on the same problem at the same time
- Reveal answers together
This works great if your class thrives with structure.
Option 2: Task Card Style
- Print and place questions around the room
- Students move at their own pace
- Only one group per question
This version is perfect for:
✔ math stations
✔ movement
✔ differentiated pacing
The resource actually includes both options, so you can choose what works best for your students .
Teacher Tips
A few things that make this run smoothly:
- Use cardstock so students can’t see through the cookies
- Print multiple sets if you have a large class
- Keep a visible scoreboard so students stay engaged
- Don’t stress about finishing all questions (you don’t need to!)
Also… prepare yourself for dramatic reactions when a team pulls a cookie capture card 😂
Why This Game Works
At the end of the day, this game works because it combines:
✔ collaboration
✔ problem solving
✔ strategy
✔ and just enough chaos to keep students hooked
Students are practicing math…but what they feel like they’re doing is playing a game. That’s the sweet spot.
Try it out this free editable version of Cookie Capture right here.
All other Cookie Capture review games can be found right here inside The Math Teacher Membership. The membership includes review games for back to school, Halloween, Fall, Thanksgiving, Winter, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Summer, and more!
Interested in one of my other favorite ways to review math skills? Check out math review crafts!
