Space cookies make history: DoubleTree’s iconic treat touches down at the Smithsonian
DoubleTree by Hilton’s famous chocolate chip cookie, the first food baked in space, has landed at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum after its celestial journey aboard the International Space Station.
DoubleTree by Hilton etched its name in history books as its signature warm chocolate chip cookie became the first-ever food baked in space. This pioneering experiment, aimed at enhancing the comfort and hospitality of long-duration space travel, saw the famous cookie take a celestial journey aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Now, this iconic treat has landed at the prestigious National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
Partnering with Zero G Kitchen and Nanoracks (now part of Voyager Space), DoubleTree by Hilton embarked on this groundbreaking journey in 2019, marking Hilton as the first hospitality company to contribute to research aboard the ISS.
The collaboration resulted in the development of a specially designed oven suitable for space travel, paving the way for culinary innovations beyond Earth’s bounds. After days of experimentation, the aroma of freshly baked DoubleTree chocolate chip cookies permeated the Space Station, making history in the process.
In 2020, the space-traveling cookie returned from orbit for rigorous testing by food scientists. Its journey continued from the Johnson Space Center to Virginia before finding a permanent home in an air-tight exhibition box at the National Air and Space Museum.
Dr. Jennifer K. Levasseur, museum curator at the Department of Space History, expressed excitement about showcasing DoubleTree by Hilton’s chocolate chip cookie as the first-ever food baked in space by astronauts. She said,
We are thrilled to display DoubleTree by Hilton’s chocolate chip cookie as the first-ever food baked in space by astronauts. Innovations like baking could make even longer duration missions in space much more enjoyable, and sustainable, so DoubleTree’s historic space cookie is a natural choice to represent this development in the Udvar-Hazy Center’s display of space food.
Shawn McAteer, brand leader of DoubleTree by Hilton, emphasised the brand’s longstanding interest in space travel, saying,
Hospitality and innovation are two strands of Hilton’s DNA, and we are beyond honored to be the first hospitality company involved in historic research aboard the International Space Station and to now have the DoubleTree cookie on display in the Smithsonian. When people hear the DoubleTree cookie was the first item successfully baked in outer space, we hope they not only celebrate the experiment, but get an understanding that DoubleTree is deeply committed to providing warm and caring service, all starting with our signature welcome and iconic chocolate chip cookie.
The space-traveling cookie, now on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center, symbolizes DoubleTree’s commitment to warm and caring service. Visitors can marvel at this culinary marvel while anticipating its inclusion in the museum’s new exhibit, “At Home in Space,” scheduled to open in Washington, D.C., in 2026.
For those craving a taste of history, DoubleTree by Hilton offers its original warm chocolate chip cookie at all U.S. locations, including DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sterling – Dulles Airport, conveniently located less than 15 minutes from the museum.
To learn more about DoubleTree by Hiltonor to satisfy your curiosity about business travel, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager today.
