Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat to spice up your next watch party or family gathering, these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are just the thing! Inspired by the eerie charm of the Upside Down, these cookies not only look amazing but also taste absolutely delightful. They bring a touch of whimsy to any occasion and are perfect for both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re binging on your favorite episodes or hosting a D&D game night, these cookies will surely be a hit!

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to whip up. With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a batch of these lovely red velvet cookies ready in no time. Plus, they’re great for sharing—so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: The steps are simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of chocolatey cocoa with a hint of sweetness will leave everyone wanting more.
• Fun presentation: The unique color and texture make these cookies visually appealing, fitting right in with any themed event.
• Family-friendly: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and rolling the dough in crushed Oreos is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect red velvet cookie. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

• 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

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun twists you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Make it cream cheese flavored: Swirl in some cream cheese frosting after you’ve rolled the dough for added richness.
• Try different colors: Swap out red food coloring for another hue to suit different themes or occasions.
• Add sprinkles: Roll the cookie dough balls in festive sprinkles instead of Oreos for a colorful twist.

How to Make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 410° degrees F. This step is crucial because having the oven at the right temperature ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden edge.

Step 2: Beat the Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, add your cubed cold butter and granulated sugar. Mix on low speed for about one minute before increasing to high speed for another minute. Scraping down the sides helps everything blend well, creating a creamy mixture that’s rich and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Vanilla

Now it’s time to add in your eggs—one at a time—making sure each one is well incorporated before adding the next. After that, pour in your vanilla extract and mix until combined. This step adds moisture and flavor to our cookie dough.

Step 4: Add Color & Cocoa

Next, incorporate your red food coloring and unsweetened cocoa powder into the mixture on low speed. This not only gives our cookies their striking color but also infuses them with that classic chocolatey goodness we all love.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution when they come together with our wet mix.

Step 6: Mix Together

Add your dry mixture into the wet mixture gradually while mixing on medium speed until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down those sides again—you want every bit of batter mixed perfectly!

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate your dough uncovered for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the butter which results in thicker cookies that don’t spread too much while baking.

Step 8: Prepare Oreo Coating

While waiting for the dough to chill, crush those Oreo cookies into smaller pieces in a medium-sized bowl. This will be what gives our cookies their delightful texture and extra crunch!

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Using a digital cooking scale or simply your hands, measure out about 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball. Roll each piece into a ball shape; this part makes them uniform so they bake evenly.

Step 10: Coat in Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball into your crushed Oreos until they’re well coated! Lightly pressing helps those crumbs stick nicely—this step adds an exciting twist to each bite.

Step 11: Bake Your Cookies

Place your cookie balls about three inches apart on parchment-lined baking trays. Pop them into the oven’s center rack and let them bake for about 10-11 minutes until they’re just set but still soft.

Step 12: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from oven and allow them to cool on trays before transferring them onto wire racks. Enjoy these beautiful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies as you dive into your favorite series!

Pro Tips for Making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some handy tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter will help create a denser cookie that maintains its shape during baking, giving you those perfect red velvet cracks reminiscent of the Upside Down.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for at least 20 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, resulting in a thicker, chewier texture.
• Crush Oreos finely: The finer the Oreo crumbs, the better they adhere to your cookie dough. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives a more visually appealing finish to each cookie.
• Watch your bake time: Every oven is different! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be set around the edges yet slightly soft in the center for that perfect chewy bite.
• Experiment with food coloring: If you want to play around a bit, try adding more or less food coloring until you achieve your desired shade of red. Just remember that it’s all about aesthetics as much as taste!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Serving your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can be just as fun as making them! Whether you’re hosting a watch party or celebrating with friends, these cookies will make a delightful centerpiece.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and provides a beautiful contrast against the vibrant red of the cookies.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzling melted dairy-free chocolate over the cooled cookies creates an elegant finish and elevates their appearance.

Side Dishes

• Milk alternatives: Serve alongside chilled almond or oat milk for a refreshing dip that complements the rich flavors of red velvet.
• Fresh fruit platter: A colorful assortment of berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, balances out the sweetness and adds a refreshing touch.
• Dairy-free ice cream: Pair these cookies with scoops of creamy coconut or almond milk ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
• Popcorn bar: Set up a popcorn bar with various toppings like nutritional yeast or caramel sauce to offer guests something savory or sweet while enjoying their cookies.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends with these stunning Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies at your next gathering! Enjoy every delicious bite and let your creativity shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time for your watch parties or gatherings. With the right storage methods, you can enjoy these delicious treats whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For extended freshness, consider separating layers with parchment paper.

Freezing

• Form cookie dough balls as instructed and freeze them on a baking sheet until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookie dough balls to a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
• Cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350° F (175° C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Have questions about these delectable cookies? Here are some common ones!

Can I use a different type of food coloring for the Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

Absolutely! While red liquid food coloring gives that classic red velvet look, you can experiment with gel food coloring or even natural coloring agents if you prefer.

How should I store my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them! See the above section on freezing for details.

What inspired the design of Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

These cookies are inspired by the iconic cracks from the Upside Down in the show! The crushed Oreos mimic this effect beautifully while adding delicious flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to bake these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies as I was! They make not just a treat but also a whimsical addition to any gathering—perfect for sparking conversations and creating memories. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out!