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. The vibrant color and rich flavor make them a standout dessert that will impress your guests while adding a fun twist to your themed gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and sweet creaminess from crushed Oreos creates a delightful taste experience.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies are great for various occasions, from movie nights to birthday parties, ensuring everyone can enjoy them.
• Impressive Presentation: Their striking red color and unique appearance make them an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
• Fun for Everyone: Get your friends involved in the cookie-making process for a fun group activity.

Tools and Preparation

Getting your kitchen ready with the right tools will simplify the baking process. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing ingredients evenly, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
• Digital cooking scale: Provides accurate measurements for consistent cookie sizes, leading to even baking results.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when baking cookies on trays.

Ingredients

For these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, you’ll need the following 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 to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer:
1. Add the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar.
2. Using a paddle attachment on low speed, mix for 1 minute.
3. Increase the speed to high for another minute and scrape down the sides for even blending.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

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

Step 4: Mix in Food Coloring and Cocoa Powder

Add red food coloring and cocoa powder:
1. Mix on low speed until everything is combined well.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture:
1. Beat until thoroughly combined.
2. Scrape down the sides to ensure everything is mixed perfectly.

Step 7: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough uncovered for about 20 minutes:
This helps in achieving better texture during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

Place crushed Oreos into a medium-sized bowl while waiting for dough to chill.

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Using a digital cooking scale:
1. Measure out 3.5 oz of dough using your hands.
2. Roll into a ball shape.

Step 10: Coat with Crushed Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball into the crushed Oreos:
Press lightly so that they stick well onto each ball.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray

On a parchment-lined baking tray:
1. Place cookie dough balls about 3 inches apart from each other.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes:
They should be set but still soft in the middle when done.

Step 13: Cool Down

Remove from oven:
Let cool on the baking tray before transferring to a wire rack or serving plate.

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are sure to be an exciting treat that captures both flavor and fun! Enjoy sharing them with friends as you dive deep into adventures in Hawkins!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially for themed gatherings like watch parties or game nights. Their striking appearance and delicious taste make them a delightful treat for everyone.

With Milk

• Pair the cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies perfectly.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. They make excellent party favors that guests will love to take home.

On a Dessert Table

• Arrange these cookies on a themed dessert table. Add props like mini Demogorgon figurines or Upside Down signs to enhance the aesthetic.

With Ice Cream

• Serve the cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The warm cookie and cold ice cream create an irresistible treat.

At Movie Nights

• Present these cookies as part of your movie night snacks. Create a cozy atmosphere with pillows and blankets while enjoying your favorite episodes of Stranger Things.

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and flavor for your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies is simple with a few extra steps.

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes to help the flavors meld and improve the cookie’s structure.
• Use Cold Butter: Starting with cold butter helps create a chewier texture, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale to measure flour and sugar precisely, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can develop gluten in the flour.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven; they should be soft in the center when removed but will firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

To complement your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, consider adding some fun side dishes that align with your theme. Here are some great options:

1. Spooky Fruit Cups: Create fruit cups using blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. These colorful fruits add freshness and contrast well with sweet treats.
2. Themed Popcorn Bar: Offer flavored popcorn like caramel, cheese, or chocolate drizzle in themed containers. This adds variety and crunch to your dessert selection.
3. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: A sweet-and-salty snack that pairs wonderfully with cookies, these are easy to make and can be decorated for your theme.
4. Monster Marshmallow Pops: Dip marshmallows in melted chocolate and decorate them as monsters using candy eyes and sprinkles—fun for all ages!
5. Veggie Platter: Balance out sweets with a colorful veggie platter featuring carrots, cucumbers, and mini bell peppers served with hummus or ranch dressing.
6. Gummy Worms and Dirt Cups: Layer crushed chocolate cookies with whipped cream in clear cups, topping them off with gummy worms for a fun dessert twist!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to recreate the perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the dough can cause your cookies to spread too much while baking. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much after adding the flour can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.

• Incorrect Measuring of Ingredients: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the recipe. Always use proper measuring cups and spoons.

• Not Using Parchment Paper: Baking directly on a tray can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as baking at the wrong temperature can affect cookie texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Cookies will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a fresh-baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of food coloring?

Yes, you can use gel food coloring for a more vibrant color. Adjust the amount depending on your preference.

How do I make these cookies vegan?

Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter.

What can I substitute for crushed Oreos?

You can use crushed chocolate graham crackers or any chocolate cookie of your choice if you prefer something different.

How should I store leftover cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only delicious but also visually striking, making them perfect for any themed party or casual gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding different mix-ins like nuts or candies. Enjoy baking these delightful treats!