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 gaming night, these cookies mirror the iconic cracks of the Upside Down with their rich red hue and delightful flavor. Their unique appearance and taste make them a standout treat for fans of the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color makes these cookies eye-catching and fun.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a movie night or a birthday celebration, these cookies fit right in.
• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate and cream flavors from Oreos creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Great for Sharing: With 18 cookies in one batch, they’re ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these delightful cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients easy and ensures an even blend without tiring your arms.
• Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking tray, ensuring easy removal.
• Digital cooking scale: Helps accurately measure cookie dough portions for uniform size and baking consistency.

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Ingredients

To create these fantastic Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookie Base

• 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 to ensure it’s hot enough to bake your cookies perfectly.

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 1 minute.
* Increase the speed to high for another minute and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well blended.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Add Color and Cocoa

Pour in the red food coloring and cocoa powder. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
* Cake flour
* All-purpose flour
* Baking soda
* Cornstarch
* Salt

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough uncovered for about 20 minutes to chill it slightly before forming into balls.

Step 8: Prepare Oreo Coating

Place crushed Oreos into a medium-sized bowl, ready for coating your cookie dough balls.

Step 9: Form Cookie Dough Balls

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

Step 10: Coat with Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball into the crushed Oreos, pressing lightly so they adhere well.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place cookie dough balls about three inches apart on a parchment-lined baking tray to allow space for spreading during baking.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

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

Step 13: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let cool on trays before transferring to wire racks. Enjoy your delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

These delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for any occasion, especially for themed parties or movie nights. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Movie Night Snack Platter

• Create a platter with a mix of the cookies alongside popcorn and candy. This makes an attractive centerpiece for your movie night.

Dipping Sauce Delight

• Serve the cookies with a side of cream cheese frosting for dipping. The smooth texture complements the cookie’s rich flavor.

Decadent Dessert Sandwich

• Use two cookies to create a sandwich with vanilla ice cream in the middle. This treat is sure to impress your guests.

Themed Party Favors

• Pack individual cookies in clear bags tied with themed ribbons for guests to take home. It’s a sweet reminder of the fun they had.

Creative Cookie Stack

• Stack several cookies on a decorative plate and drizzle with white chocolate or icing for an eye-catching display.

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

To achieve the best results with your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, follow these simple tips that enhance texture and flavor.

• Chill the dough – Refrigerating the dough helps solidify the butter, leading to chewier cookies that hold their shape better.
• Measure precisely – Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring ingredients, ensuring consistent results every time.
• Use fresh ingredients – Check expiration dates on baking soda and cocoa powder; fresh ingredients yield better flavors and textures.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined after adding dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Experiment with toppings – Add sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking for extra flair and sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Pair these delightful cookies with some fantastic side dishes to create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some options:

1. Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the red velvet cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include a variety of cheeses such as brie and cheddar alongside crackers, providing savory bites between sweets.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cake pieces into warm melted chocolate for added indulgence.
4. Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini chocolate or vanilla cupcakes as complementary treats that pair well with the vibrant red velvet flavors.
5. Yogurt Parfaits – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy yet satisfying side that contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
6. Nut Mix – Prepare a savory nut mix seasoned with herbs; this provides crunchiness and flavor diversity next to sweet desserts.
7. Ice Cream Sundaes – Set up an ice cream sundae bar where guests can build their own creations using various toppings, including crushed Oreos!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to avoid. Here are some mistakes that can affect your cookie-making experience:

• Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps maintain shape during baking. Don’t skip this step; refrigerate for at least 20 minutes.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements. This ensures consistent results every time.
• Baking at the wrong temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for perfect cookies.
• Ignoring the cooling process: Allow cookies to cool on a baking sheet before transferring them. This helps them set and prevents breakage.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze cookies without icing, if applicable.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), then heat cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping after a minute until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies:

What makes these cookies red velvet?

The addition of red food coloring and cocoa powder gives them their signature red velvet appearance and flavor.

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes! You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if needed, but adjust the liquid content accordingly.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

Consider adding themed sprinkles or cream cheese frosting on top for extra flair during watch parties!

Can I substitute crushed Oreos with something else?

Absolutely! Try using crushed graham crackers or any chocolate cookie as an alternative for added crunch.

Final Thoughts

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. They’re perfect for any occasion, from movie nights to themed parties. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or mix-ins to make them your own!