Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

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 mimic the iconic cracks from Stranger Things, making them a standout treat. Their rich red color and unique flavor will surely impress your guests and add a fun touch to your themed gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, baking these cookies is a breeze.
• Fun Presentation: The striking red color and Oreo coating create an eye-catching treat that’s perfect for parties.
• Delicious Flavor: A delightful mix of red velvet and chocolate flavors makes every bite irresistible.
• Versatile Occasion: Great for Stranger Things watch parties, birthdays, or any fun gathering.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out with the cookie-making process, especially rolling them in crushed Oreos.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect cookies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Digital cooking scale
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool helps to blend ingredients smoothly without too much effort.
• Digital cooking scale: Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results every time.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking tray, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 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)

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. Using a paddle attachment on low speed for 1 minute, combine the ingredients. Increase the speed to high for another minute while scraping down the sides for even blending.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture. Make sure each egg is fully combined before adding the next one. Then mix in the vanilla extract until well incorporated.

Step 4: Mix in Color and Cocoa

Add the red food coloring and cocoa powder to your mixture. Blend 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, and salt until evenly mixed.

Step 6: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the flour mixture into your sugar mixture while beating until everything is combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl for thorough mixing.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the dough uncovered for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps achieve better cookie texture during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

Place crushed Oreos in a medium-sized bowl. This will be used later to coat your cookie dough balls.

Step 9: Shape Cookie Dough Balls

Using a digital cooking scale, measure out about 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball using your hands. Form it into a smooth ball shape.

Step 10: Coat with Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball in crushed Oreos, pressing gently to make sure they stick well.

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 during baking.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake cookies in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until lightly set around the edges but soft in the center.

Step 13: Cool Down

Remove cookies from oven and let them cool on the tray before transferring them to wire racks or serving platters.

Enjoy your deliciously themed Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a fantastic way to enhance your themed gatherings. Whether it’s a watch party or a casual get-together, presenting these cookies creatively will delight your guests.

With Milk

• Serve warm cookies alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that everyone loves.

On a Themed Dessert Table

• Arrange the cookies on a themed dessert table featuring other Stranger Things goodies for an eye-catching display that fits the vibe.

As Party Favors

• Package cookies in clear bags tied with red ribbon as fun party favors for guests to take home after your event.

With Ice Cream

• Top these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert that will impress any fan.

In Cookie Sandwiches

• Create cookie sandwiches by adding cream cheese frosting between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of flavor and fun!

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, consider these tips that ensure deliciousness in every bite.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in perfectly round cookies.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh baking soda and cocoa powder for optimal flavor and texture in your cookies.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision when measuring ingredients, especially flour, to avoid overly dense cookies.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; removing them when they’re just set will yield soft and chewy bites.
• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the dough for additional textures and flavors.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, enjoying them throughout the week!

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can create a balanced spread. Here are some great options to consider alongside your sweet treats:

1. Themed Charcuterie Board: Include meats, cheeses, and themed snacks that resonate with the series’ aesthetic.
2. Savory Popcorn Mix: Add some savory popcorn mix seasoned with herbs for a crunchy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers can add freshness and balance out the richness of red velvet cookies.
4. Crispy Vegetable Chips: Serve crispy vegetable chips as a crunchy side option that complements the sweet flavor profile.
5. Mini Sandwiches: Prepare small sandwiches filled with deli meats or cheeses for a heartier option that keeps guests satisfied.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These treat-like fruits offer both elegance and sweetness, fitting perfectly into any dessert theme!
7. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites can be delightful additions that pair well with the flavor of red velvet without overwhelming it.
8. Milkshakes: Consider serving milkshakes as a fun drink option alongside your cookie platter!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, it’s easy to make small mistakes that can lead to big issues. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Using warm butter: Always use cold butter as specified in the recipe. Warm butter can alter the cookie’s texture, making them too flat.
• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip refrigerating the dough for 20 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Not measuring flour properly: Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies! Baking them for too long can result in hard cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.
• Ignoring mixing speeds: Follow the mixing speeds as indicated. Mixing at high speed too soon can incorporate too much air, affecting texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep them at room temperature for best taste and texture.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Check for softness before additional heating.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies more chocolatey?

You can add more cocoa powder to the dough. Just remember to balance it with extra flour so your cookies stay moist!

Can I use another type of food coloring?

Yes! Gel food coloring works well if you want a more vibrant red color without using too much liquid.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Cookies should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the middle. They will continue cooking as they cool.

Can these cookies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What is the best way to serve these cookies?

Serve them warm with a glass of milk or as part of a Stranger Things-themed dessert table at your next party!

Final Thoughts

Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies not only look stunning but also taste amazing, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress. Feel free to customize them with different mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delight of Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, a whimsical treat that captures the essence of the Upside Down. These vibrant cookies feature a rich red hue and a delicious blend of red velvet cake flavor with a crunchy Oreo coating.

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Ingredients

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• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C).
2. In a stand mixer, cream together cold butter and sugar until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
4. Blend in red food coloring and cocoa powder.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
6. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture until combined.
7. Chill the dough for 20 minutes.
8. Roll cookie dough into balls and coat in crushed Oreos.
9. Bake on a parchment-lined tray for 10-11 minutes until edges are set.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 11 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 25mg