Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious treat for your next gathering, these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are just what you need! Inspired by the iconic series, they not only look amazing but taste absolutely delightful. Whether it’s a cozy movie night with friends or an exciting D&D game, these cookies will make any occasion feel special. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’ve become a favorite in my kitchen!

The vivid red color and the unique texture from crushed Oreos make these cookies stand out. Plus, they are simple enough to whip up even on busy weeknights. I can already picture everyone reaching for a cookie while chatting about their favorite episodes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love both making and eating these vibrant treats.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a themed party, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of red velvet and Oreo creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough in advance and bake them fresh when you’re ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have at home. Let’s gather everything to create our delightful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies!

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)

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in some chocolate chips before chilling the dough.
• Try Different Colors: Swap the red food coloring for another color to match your party theme or holiday!
• Use Gluten-Free Flour: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option.
• Mix in Nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough.

How to Make Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 410°F. This step is crucial because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar. Using a paddle attachment on low speed for about 1 minute helps blend them together without flying sugar everywhere! Afterward, increase the speed to high for another minute and scrape down the sides for an even mix.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Now it’s time to add the eggs one at a time into your butter-sugar mixture. This helps create a smooth batter. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract after mixing in the eggs; it adds such lovely flavor!

Step 4: Incorporate Food Coloring and Cocoa Powder

Pour in your red food coloring and cocoa powder next. Mixing on low until everything is combined gives those gorgeous red velvet vibes while adding depth to the flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This step ensures that all dry ingredients are well mixed before blending them into your wet mixture.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while beating until fully combined. Scrape down sides as needed—this ensures every bit of deliciousness is included!

Step 7: Chill Your Dough

Cover your dough loosely and place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the cookies so they hold their shape during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

While waiting for your dough to chill, crush some Oreo cookies in a medium-sized bowl. This will give your cookies that signature look reminiscent of cracks from the Upside Down.

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Using a digital cooking scale or your hands (about 3.5 oz per ball), roll out dough into balls. This makes sure all your cookies bake evenly!

Step 10: Coat with Crushed Oreos

Roll each cookie dough ball into those crushed Oreos! Lightly pressing them in creates that fun texture on top of each cookie.

Step 11: Bake

Place those beautifully coated cookie balls about 3 inches apart on parchment-lined trays. Bake them in the center rack of your oven for about 10-11 minutes until they look perfectly set.

Step 12: Cool Down

Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before diving in! Enjoy sharing these delightful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies with friends—they’re sure to be an instant hit!

Pro Tips for Making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Baking these delightful red velvet cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold, cubed butter helps create a better texture in your cookies. It prevents the dough from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for at least 20 minutes helps the flavors meld and improves the final texture. Chilling also makes it easier to handle when forming into balls.
• Don’t skip the crushed Oreos: Rolling your cookie dough in crushed Oreos not only gives a delicious crunch but also mimics the theme of the Upside Down, making them visually appealing!
• Keep an eye on bake time: Every oven is different, so check your cookies a minute or two before the suggested time. You want them to be slightly underbaked for that chewy texture.
• Experiment with food coloring: If you want a more vibrant red color, feel free to adjust the amount of food coloring. Just remember that a little goes a long way!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Presenting your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can add an extra touch of excitement to your watch party or game night! Here are some creative ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Dusting of powdered sugar: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top can add a whimsical touch reminiscent of snow, making your cookies look even more inviting.
• Drizzle of white chocolate: Melt some dairy-free white chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for an elegant finish that pairs beautifully with the rich cocoa flavor.

Side Dishes

• Milkshakes: A classic pairing with cookies, milkshakes (dairy-free options available) provide a creamy and delicious complement to your sweet treats.
• Fruit platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of red velvet cookies, making your dessert spread colorful and balanced.
• Ice cream sundaes: Serve with scoops of your favorite dairy-free ice cream topped with hot fudge or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience that everyone will love.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies will be not just tasty but also a hit at any gathering! Enjoy baking and sharing these fun treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, ensuring you have a sweet treat ready for any occasion.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Freeze the cookie dough before baking by forming balls and placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• To bake, simply preheat your oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if using frozen dough.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions about these delightful cookies? Here are some common inquiries!

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

Yes! While red is traditional for red velvet cookies, feel free to experiment with other colors to suit your theme or occasion.

How do I ensure my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies turn out perfectly?

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and follow the chilling step for the dough. This helps achieve that perfect texture!

What if I don’t have cake flour on hand?

You can substitute cake flour by whisking together all-purpose flour with cornstarch. Use 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

How long do the Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies last?

These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for about 5 days, or they can be frozen for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies as much as I do! They’re not only fun to bake but also perfect for sharing with friends during a watch party or just as a delightful treat anytime. Have fun in the kitchen, and remember—no matter how they turn out, what matters most is enjoying the baking experience! Happy baking!