Don’t let the Upside Down seep out of these delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. Perfect for any watch party or D&D game, these cookies not only look amazing but also deliver a delightful flavor that will leave everyone wanting more. Their unique appearance, resembling the cracks from the beloved series, makes them a standout treat for fans and non-fans alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Visually Stunning: The striking red color and Oreo coating create an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for various occasions like movie nights, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolatey cocoa and sweet cookies creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
- Fun to Customize: Feel free to add your own twist with different cookie coatings or toppings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Digital cooking scale
- Medium-sized bowls
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: This tool ensures thorough mixing of ingredients without much effort, essential for achieving the right cookie texture.
- Digital cooking scale: Accurate measurements make a significant difference in baking; this tool ensures you get the perfect amount of dough for each cookie.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cookies:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup COLD unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1½ cups granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp red liquid food coloring
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
For the Coating
- 2 cups crushed Oreo Cookies (cream removed)
How to Make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 410° degrees F. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar.
1. Start mixing on low speed for 1 minute.
2. Increase to high speed for another minute.
3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even blending.
Step 3: Combine Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, into the sugar mixture.
– Mix until fully combined.
– Add vanilla extract and mix again until well combined.
Step 4: Add Color and Cocoa
Pour in the red food coloring and cocoa powder into the mixture.
– Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
– Cake flour
– All-purpose flour
– Baking soda
– Cornstarch
– Salt
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in the stand mixer.
– Beat until everything is thoroughly mixed.
– Scrape down any unmixed parts from the sides.
Step 7: Chill the Dough
Refrigerate the dough uncovered for 20 minutes. Chilling helps maintain shape during baking.
Step 8: Prepare Oreo Coating
Place crushed Oreos into a medium-sized bowl. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls.
Step 9: Form Cookie Balls
Using a digital cooking scale, measure out 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball using your hands.
Step 10: Roll in Crushed Oreos
Roll each cookie dough ball in crushed Oreos, gently pressing them into the dough for an even coating.
Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray
Place cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking tray to allow room for spreading.
Step 12: Bake Cookies
Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for 10-11 minutes or until they are set but still soft in the middle.
Step 13: Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven and let cool before serving. Enjoy these enchanting treats at your next gathering!
How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
These delightful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or just want to indulge, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Watch Party Treats
- Pair with popcorn for a fun snack mix.
- Serve alongside themed cocktails or mocktails for an immersive experience.
D&D Game Night
- Offer them as part of your character’s loot; place them in a decorative bowl.
- Include a side of milk for dipping, enhancing the classic cookie experience.
Movie Night Snack Platter
- Arrange cookies on a platter with other sweets for variety.
- Add some fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.
Birthday Party Favors
- Package cookies in clear bags tied with themed ribbons.
- Include a small card with a fun quote from the show for an extra touch.
How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
To ensure your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are the best they can be, consider these helpful tips.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough helps maintain the cookie shape while baking.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter creates a denser cookie that holds together better.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: This ingredient helps keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Measure accurately: Use a kitchen scale for even-sized cookies that bake consistently.
- Watch baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies; overbaking can lead to dryness.
Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
Complement your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies with these delicious side dishes that will enhance your gathering.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that balances out the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of cookie into warm chocolate for an indulgent treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A refreshing contrast to the sweetness of cookies; use seasonal fruits for best flavor.
- Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses; sharpness adds depth to sweet desserts.
- Milkshakes – Blend up classic vanilla or chocolate shakes as a fun drink option.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle over cookies for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes can happen when making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the chilling step: Failing to refrigerate the dough can lead to flat cookies. Always chill the dough for at least 20 minutes.
- Not measuring ingredients properly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use a digital scale or standard measuring cups for precision.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can affect cookie texture. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
- Using stale ingredients: Old baking soda or flour can ruin your cookies. Check expiration dates before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will remain fresh for up to one week.
Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
- Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.
Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking for warmth.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping the cookie until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies special?
These cookies capture the essence of the beloved show with their vibrant color and unique flavor, making them perfect for themed events.
Can I customize my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even swap out crushed Oreos for other cookie varieties to suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers of Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
How long do these cookies take to bake?
Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies bake quickly, typically needing only 10-11 minutes in a preheated oven.
Final Thoughts
Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only fun but also versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or looking for a sweet treat, these cookies can be customized easily with different mix-ins or toppings. Give them a try and enjoy their deliciousness!
Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies
Indulge in the whimsical delight of Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, perfect for your next watch party or gathering. These vibrant cookies feature a striking red color and are coated in crushed Oreos, reminiscent of the show’s iconic aesthetics. With a rich chocolatey flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they are sure to please fans and newcomers alike. Easy to make and visually stunning, these cookies can be customized with your favorite toppings for an extra twist. Bring a touch of the Upside Down to your dessert table with these fun treats!
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 18 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp red liquid food coloring
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups crushed Oreo cookies (cream removed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 410°F.
- In a stand mixer, cream together cold butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in red food coloring and cocoa powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Chill dough uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Roll cookie dough into balls (about 3.5 oz each) and coat in crushed Oreos.
- Place on parchment-lined baking tray about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until set but soft in the middle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough before chilling. Ensure dough is chilled to maintain shape while baking.
