Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat to enjoy while binge-watching your favorite show, these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are exactly what you need! Inspired by the iconic series, these cookies not only taste incredible but also look like they came straight from the Upside Down. They’re perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy movie night with friends or a lively D&D game.

What makes these cookies extra special is their rich red color and delightful combination of flavors. With each bite, you’ll experience the soft, chewy texture and a hint of chocolatey goodness. Trust me; they will quickly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves red velvet! These cookies are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of red velvet and crushed Oreos creates a unique and tasty treat that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just a regular Tuesday night, these cookies fit right in!
• Fun Presentation: Their striking appearance makes them an eye-catching dessert that will impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. Just some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 2 cups crushed Oreo Cookies (cream removed)

Variations

This cookie recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to get creative with it. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Change the Color: Instead of red food coloring, use green or blue for a festive twist.
• Add Extras: Toss in some chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Customize the Toppings: Use different types of crushed cookies, such as chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers, for unique flavors.

How to Make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 410° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven is key for achieving that perfect chewy texture!

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar. Mix on low speed for about one minute until combined. Then increase the speed to high for another minute, scraping down the sides as needed. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, giving your cookies their soft texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. This rich base adds flavor and moisture to your cookies.

Step 4: Color It Red

Now, it’s time to add that fabulous color! Add the red food coloring along with cocoa powder and mix on low until everything is well blended. The cocoa powder gives those signature notes of chocolate while enhancing the overall color.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately helps ensure even distribution throughout the dough.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture into your batter gradually while beating until fully combined. Make sure to scrape down those sides again! This step is crucial; combining them thoroughly ensures no lumps remain in your dough.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate your dough uncovered for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter which results in perfectly shaped cookies instead of flat ones when baking.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

While your dough chills, place crushed Oreos into a medium bowl. These will be used as an outer layer for our cookie balls!

Step 9: Shape Your Cookies

Using hands or a digital kitchen scale, measure out about 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball. Roll each ball in those crushed Oreos; this gives a beautiful finish while adding extra crunch!

Step 10: Bake Them Up!

Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray about three inches apart from each other. Bake them in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes until they look set but still soft in the middle.

Step 11: Let Cool

Once baked, remove them from the oven and let cool on the tray before transferring them to wire racks. Cooling allows them to firm up slightly while keeping their delightful chewiness intact.

Enjoy making these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies; they’re sure to be loved by everyone who tries them!

Pro Tips for Making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Baking is always an adventure, and these tips will help you create the most delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies!

• Use cold butter: Cold butter helps to achieve a perfect texture that results in chewy cookies. It keeps the dough from spreading too much during baking, ensuring your cookies maintain their shape.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 20 minutes not only develops flavor but also makes it easier to handle when forming balls. This step is crucial for achieving those adorable, thick cookie shapes.
• Measure accurately: Using a digital cooking scale to weigh your cookie dough at 3.5 oz ensures uniformity in size. This guarantees even baking and consistent results across all cookies.
• Don’t skip the Oreo coating: Rolling the cookie dough balls in crushed Oreos adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal. It also enhances the flavor, giving that extra nod to the Upside Down theme.
• Watch your baking time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you remove them from the oven for that perfect chewy texture.

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Presenting your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can be as fun as making them! Here are some creative ideas to showcase these delightful treats at your next gathering.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar gives your cookies an elegant finish while adding a touch of sweetness.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies adds an indulgent flair and complements their rich color beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Milkshakes: A classic pairing with cookies! Whip up some creamy milkshakes—chocolate or vanilla are both fantastic options—to complement the flavors of your red velvet treats.
• Fruit platter: Fresh berries or sliced fruits provide a refreshing contrast to sweet cookies. They add color and balance out the richness of the red velvet.
• Ice cream sundaes: Set up an ice cream sundae station where guests can top their scoops with crumbled cookies and other toppings. It’s a fun way to incorporate these delicious cookies into a dessert bar!
• Cheese platter: A savory cheese board featuring assorted cheeses, crackers, and fruits can offer a delightful contrast to the sweet cookies, making for a well-rounded dessert table.

Enjoy creating these themed treats and let them spark joy at your next watch party!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and store them for later enjoyment. Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Enjoy the cookies within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Once cooled, arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds if you’re in a hurry!

FAQs

If you have questions about making these delicious cookies, you’re not alone. Here are some common queries:

Can I make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a commercial egg replacer. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.

How do I achieve the best flavor in my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

To enhance the flavor, ensure your butter is cold as specified and mix thoroughly. Also, using high-quality cocoa powder will give you richer chocolate notes.

Can I use different types of flour for these cookies?

While cake flour and all-purpose flour work best for this recipe, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that results may vary based on the blend used.

How do I store my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

What’s the best occasion to make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

These cookies are perfect for any gathering! Whether it’s a watch party, birthday celebration, or game night, they’re sure to be a hit.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies as much as I did! They’re not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor—a true delight for any fan of the series. So gather your friends, whip up this batch of spooky goodness, and dive into the world of Hawkins together! Happy baking!