Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Don’t let the Upside Down seep out of these delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. Perfect for a watch party or a D&D game, these cookies mimic the eerie cracks of the Upside Down while delivering a delightful treat. Their vibrant color and unique flavor will make them the star of any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Visually Striking: The bright red color and Oreo coating create a stunning presentation that is sure to impress.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a movie night or a themed party, these cookies fit right in.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and creaminess from the Oreos makes for an irresistible treat.
• Fun Activity: Making these cookies can be a fun bonding experience with family or friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ideal for thoroughly mixing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
• Baking tray: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies:

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 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° F. This high temperature helps achieve a chewy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture

In the bowl of a stand mixer:
1. Add cubed cold butter and granulated sugar.
2. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, then increase to high for another minute, scraping down sides to ensure even blending.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture:
1. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Add Color and Cocoa Powder

Pour in red food coloring and cocoa powder:
– Mix on low speed until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl:
– Whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt until mixed well.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture:
– Beat until completely combined, scraping sides as needed.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the dough uncovered for about 20 minutes. Chilling helps enhance texture during baking.

Step 8: Prepare Oreo Coating

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

Step 9: Portion Out Dough

Using a digital kitchen scale:
– Measure out approximately 3.5 oz of dough per cookie ball using your hands.

Step 10: Coat with Oreos

Roll each cookie ball into the crushed Oreos:
– Press lightly to ensure Oreos stick well.

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place cookie dough balls on a parchment-lined baking tray:
– Space them about 3 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 12: Bake

Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until edges are firm but centers remain soft.

Step 13: Cool

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

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

These delightful Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a watch party or a casual get-together. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Milk

• Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic treat. The creaminess of the milk perfectly complements the rich flavor of the cookies.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with red ribbon. These make excellent party favors for themed events or birthdays.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a vibrant dessert platter alongside other themed treats. This will create an eye-catching display that is sure to impress guests.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies topped with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of hot and cold creates an irresistible dessert experience.

At Movie Night

• Present these cookies in a decorative bowl during movie night. Their unique appearance will surely spark conversations among your friends!

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

To ensure you achieve the best results with your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, follow these helpful tips.

• Use cold butter: Starting with cold butter helps create the perfect texture by preventing the dough from spreading too much while baking.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and helps maintain shape during baking.
• Measure accurately: Use a digital scale to measure your ingredients for consistency, especially when it comes to flour and sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Mix only until combined when adding dry ingredients to prevent tough cookies that lose their delicate texture.
• Watch your bake time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake and remove them when they are still slightly soft in the center; they will firm up as they cool.

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Complement your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies with these tasty side dishes that add variety to your dessert table.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a fondue station where guests can dip fruits or marshmallows, making for an interactive dessert experience.
3. Cheese Board: Include various cheeses and crackers; this savory option contrasts nicely with sweet cookies.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Offer mini versions of popular cupcakes, such as vanilla or chocolate, for additional sweetness without overwhelming guests.
5. Popcorn Bar: Provide different popcorn flavors—like caramel and cheese—for a fun, crunchy side that pairs well with cookies.
6. Ice Cream Sundae Station: Let everyone customize their sundaes; provide toppings like sprinkles and chocolate syrup for added fun.
7. Brownie Bites: Small brownie pieces can be served alongside cookies for those who want an extra chocolatey treat.
8. S’mores Dip: A gooey s’mores dip served warm adds a delightful twist that complements your themed night perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these cookies can be fun, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid to ensure perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies every time.

• Using warm butter – Warm butter can lead to a greasy dough. Always use cold, cubed butter for the best texture.
• Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy cookies.
• Not chilling the dough – Skipping the chilling step can result in flat cookies. Refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking.
• Incorrect oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the texture. Make sure your oven is preheated to 410° F for optimal results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use a digital scale for precise amounts, especially for flour.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Freeze baked cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350° F and warm the cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering them briefly until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies that might help you out.

How do I achieve the best color in my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

To enhance the vibrant red color, use high-quality red liquid food coloring and mix it thoroughly into your batter.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar if desired.

How do I make these cookies more festive?

You can add themed sprinkles or colored sugar on top before baking to make them even more festive and eye-catching!

What should I serve with my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?

Serve these delicious cookies with milk or coffee, or incorporate them into a themed dessert table at your party!

Final Thoughts

Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies bring a fun twist to any gathering, from watch parties to game nights. Their vibrant red hue and delightful taste make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different toppings or flavors; these cookies are versatile enough to please any crowd!