Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Don’t let the Upside Down seep out of these delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies. These vibrant cookies not only capture the essence of a fan-favorite series but also make a fantastic treat for any occasion—from watch parties to D&D game nights. Their eye-catching appearance and rich flavor will leave your guests wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Theme: Perfect for any Stranger Things fan, these cookies reflect the show’s iconic Upside Down.
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of red velvet combined with sweet Oreo crunch.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create these stunning cookies.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for parties, gifts, or just a special treat for yourself.
• Fun Presentation: The striking color and texture make them a visual delight on any dessert table.

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Tools and Preparation

To prepare your kitchen for making these delightful cookies, gather your tools and ensure you have everything ready before you start baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Medium-sized bowls
• Digital cooking scale
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and achieves a smooth batter quickly.
• Digital cooking scale: Ensures precise measurements for consistent cookie size and texture.
• Baking tray: Provides a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies:

• 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° F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the cubed cold butter and granulated sugar.
Use a paddle attachment on low speed for about one minute to combine.
Increase the speed to high for an additional minute, scraping down the sides to ensure everything is blended.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture.
Mix until fully combined after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.

Step 4: Incorporate Food Coloring and Cocoa Powder

Add red food coloring and cocoa powder into the mixture.
Mix on low until fully combined, achieving that signature red velvet color.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in the stand mixer.
Beat until just combined; scrape down sides for even blending.

Step 7: Chill Dough

Refrigerate the cookie dough uncovered for about 20 minutes to chill. This helps with shaping later on.

Step 8: Prepare Crushed Oreos

Place crushed Oreos in a medium-sized bowl. This will be used to coat your cookie dough balls.

Step 9: Form Cookie Dough Balls

Using a digital cooking scale, measure out approximately 3.5 oz of dough with your hands.
Shape it into a ball.

Step 10: Coat with Oreos

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

Step 11: Arrange on Baking Tray

Place your coated cookie dough balls about three inches apart on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 12: Bake Cookies

Bake in the center rack of your preheated oven for about 10-11 minutes or until edges are set.

Step 13: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven and let cool on tray before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your delectable Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies, perfect for any gathering or just as an indulgent treat!

How to Serve Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

These delicious Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or hosting a movie night, here are some fun serving suggestions that will make your event even more memorable.

With Milk

• Classic Pairing: Serve these cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate nostalgic treat.
• Flavored Milk: Try chocolate or strawberry milk to enhance the red velvet flavor.

At a Watch Party

• Themed Dessert Table: Create a dessert table featuring these cookies alongside other Stranger Things-themed treats.
• Cookie Platter: Arrange cookies on a platter with themed decorations to set the mood.

For Game Night

• D&D Snack Station: Incorporate these cookies into your Dungeons & Dragons game night as a sweet reward after a successful quest.
• Individual Treat Bags: Package cookies in small bags for guests to enjoy during gameplay.

As Party Favors

• Take-Home Treats: Wrap cookies in clear bags with themed labels for guests to take home after the party.
• Custom Tags: Add tags featuring Stranger Things quotes for a personal touch.

How to Perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Making the perfect Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your cookies are both tasty and visually appealing.

• Chill the Dough: Always refrigerate the dough for at least 20 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and maintains cookie shape.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and food coloring for vibrant color and rich flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to flour and butter. This guarantees consistent results.
• Mix Thoroughly but Not Overbeat: Combine ingredients until just mixed to avoid tough cookies; overmixing can lead to undesirable texture.
• Watch the Oven Time: Keep an eye on baking time. Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still soft for that gooey texture.

Best Side Dishes for Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options that complement their flavor perfectly.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Serve with fresh fruits or marshmallows for dipping; it creates a fun interactive dessert experience.
4. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses provides savory contrast, making each bite of cookie even more satisfying.
5. Brownie Bites – For chocolate lovers, pairing brownie bites alongside enhances the dessert experience without being overwhelming.
6. Popcorn Bar – Set up a popcorn bar with various toppings; it’s great for snacking during your watch party while enjoying cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking these Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies can be a fun experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• measurement errors: Always use precise measurements for the ingredients. A small deviation can affect the cookie’s texture and flavor.
• using room temperature butter: For this recipe, you must use cold butter. Room temperature butter will not give you the right consistency.
• skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Don’t skip this step; it helps prevent spreading during baking.
• overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.
• ignoring oven temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Always check that your oven is calibrated correctly before baking to ensure even cooking.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 5 minutes for warm cookies.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different food coloring?

Yes, you can experiment with different shades of food coloring to create unique variations of these cookies.

What can I substitute for cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, you can make your own by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch (1 cup all-purpose minus 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons cornstarch).

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should be set while the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue cooking once removed from the oven.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookies by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, they can easily be customized with various toppings or flavors. Give them a try at your next watch party or gathering!