Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Don’t let the Upside Down seep out of these delicious red velvet cookies. Made to look like the Upside Down cracks from Stranger Things, these cookies are perfect for any watch party or D&D game. Their vibrant color and unique flavor will make them a standout treat that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a movie night or a birthday bash, these cookies fit right in.
• Visually Stunning: The striking red color and crushed Oreo outer make them eye-catching.
• Deliciously Indulgent: Rich chocolate flavor meets the sweetness of sugar for a delightful bite.
• Fun to Decorate: Get creative! You can add icing or sprinkles to personalize them.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Parchment paper
• Baking tray
• Digital cooking scale

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This speeds up the mixing process, ensuring your dough is well combined.
• Digital cooking scale: Accurate measurements lead to better results, especially for cookie dough consistency.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy, ensuring perfectly baked cookies.

Ingredients

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 ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar.
* Use a paddle attachment on low speed for 1 minute to combine the ingredients.
* Increase the speed to high for another minute, scraping down the sides as needed for even blending.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture.
* Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
* Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Step 4: Mix in Color and Cocoa

Pour in the red food coloring and cocoa powder.
* Mix on low until these ingredients are completely blended into the dough’s base color.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
* 1 cup cake flour
* 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp baking soda
* 1 tsp cornstarch
* 1/2 tsp salt

This combination helps provide structure to your cookies.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to your sugar mixture.
* Beat until just combined, making sure to scrape down sides of the bowl for an even mixture.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the dough uncovered for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

Place your crushed Oreos in a medium-sized bowl.

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Using a digital cooking scale, measure out 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball with your hands.

Step 10: Coat with Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball into the crushed Oreos.
* Lightly press them into the dough so they adhere well.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place cookie balls about 3 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in the center rack of your oven for about 10-11 minutes until they are set but still soft in the middle.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven and allow cooling on trays before transferring them to wire racks.

With these steps completed, you now have delightful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies ready to impress! Enjoy with friends during your next movie marathon!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Serving your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies in creative ways can enhance the experience for you and your guests. These cookies not only taste amazing but also look fantastic, making them perfect for any gathering.

Watch Party Treats

• Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a themed platter featuring Stranger Things decorations. This adds a fun touch to your watch party.
• Milk Dipping Station: Set up a station with different types of milk (almond, oat, or regular) for guests to dip their cookies into. It’s an interactive way to enjoy them!

Game Night Delights

• Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by adding frosting or whipped cream between two cookies for a rich treat that everyone will love.
• Dunking Cups: Provide small cups of chocolate or strawberry sauce for dunking. This adds an extra layer of flavor and fun.

Themed Dessert Table

• Upside Down Display: Arrange the cookies upside down on a cake stand to mimic the Upside Down theme. Use spider web decorations for added effect!
• Decorative Labels: Label each cookie with quirky names related to Stranger Things characters or episodes. It sparks conversation and intrigue.

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Perfecting your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can take them from good to great! Here are some tips to ensure you achieve cookie perfection every time.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring thick, chewy cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking soda and flour are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients precisely, especially when dealing with flour and cocoa powder.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while baking. They should be soft in the center when you remove them from the oven.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an extra special touch.

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Complementing your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies with tasty side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some delightful options you might consider serving alongside:

1. Fruit Skewers: Brighten up your table with colorful fruit skewers made from strawberries, bananas, and grapes for a refreshing contrast.
2. Mini Cheesecakes: Offer mini cheesecakes topped with berries as a creamy side that pairs nicely with the cookies’ sweetness.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Sweet and salty chocolate-covered pretzels add a crunchy element that balances out the soft texture of the cookies.
4. Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream bar with various toppings like sprinkles, nuts, and sauces so guests can build their own sundaes.
5. Brownie Bites: Include rich brownie bites for those who crave more chocolatey goodness alongside their cookies.
6. Caramel Popcorn: Serve caramel popcorn in small cups as a crunchy snack that complements the chewy texture of the cookies.
7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of sweet treats.
8. Chocolate Mousse Cups: Individual chocolate mousse cups offer a smooth, rich dessert that pairs beautifully with red velvet flavors.

These suggestions will elevate any gathering while enjoying your delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly skip chilling the dough: Not refrigerating the cookie dough can lead to flat cookies. Chilling helps solidify the butter, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Boldly overmixing the ingredients: Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a softer texture.
• Boldly ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using ingredients at room temperature can affect the mixing process. Ensure butter is cold for proper consistency.
• Boldly mismeasuring flour: Incorrect flour measurement can lead to dry or overly wet dough. Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag.
• Boldly skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on trays can result in sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Bake for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie on medium power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, covered, for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies.

Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, you can substitute red food coloring with any other color for a unique twist while keeping the same flavor profile.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What if I don’t have crushed Oreos?

You can replace crushed Oreos with any chocolate cookie or biscuit of your choice for similar results.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Store leftover Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Can I add nuts or other toppings?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only delicious but are also perfect for themed parties or gatherings. Their vibrant color and unique appearance make them a standout treat! Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste!