There’s something delightfully nostalgic about indulging in themed treats, especially when they evoke the whimsy of beloved shows. When I first decided to channel the unique vibe of “Stranger Things,” I knew I had to create something that matched the series’ quirky charm. Enter my Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies—a vibrant nod to the Upside Down that will thrill both fans of the show and cookie lovers alike.
Picture this: a burst of rich chocolate flavor wrapped in a satisfying Oreo coating, with a chewy texture that beckons you for just one more bite. These cookies aren’t only perfect for cozy movie nights or festive gatherings; they are sure to impress at your next D&D game night or watch party. So, gather your fellow adventurers and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible red velvet delights that offer a taste as fantastic as the adventures from Hawkins!
Why Are Stranger Things Cookies a Must-Make?
Nostalgic Vibes: These Stranger Things Cookies capture the essence of the beloved series with their vibrant color and fun design, making them a hit at any themed gathering.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of chewy red velvet and crunchy Oreo coating ensures each bite is a delightful surprise.
Easy to Bake: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can impress their friends with these festive treats.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for game nights or watch parties, these cookies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and spark conversations.
Customizable: Add festive sprinkles or swap ingredients for special dietary needs to make them your own!
Prepare to dazzle your guests as you serve up a plate of these whimsical delights at your next get-together.
Red Velvet Cookie Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- Cubed Cold Butter – Adds richness and moisture; opt for unsalted for better flavor control.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides the essential sweetness; coconut sugar can add a richer note if desired.
- Eggs – Binds the mixture and adds moisture; vegan alternatives can be used for egg replacements.
- Vanilla Extract – Elevates flavor; choose pure extract for the best taste.
- Red Food Coloring – Gives the cookies their signature vibrant hue; opt for high-quality liquid for the brightest color.
- Cocoa Powder – Enriches the chocolatey flavor; unsweetened cocoa powder is preferable.
- Cake Flour – Ensures a softer texture; can be substituted with all-purpose flour if needed.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structural base; use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; ensure freshness for optimal results.
- Cornstarch – Contributes to chewiness; feel free to omit if not handy.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For Coating
- Crushed Oreos – Adds a crunchy texture and a fun twist to your Stranger Things cookies; any brand will do, but choose your favorite for the best taste.
Prepare to whisk your friends off to the Upside Down with these delightful ingredients!
How to Make Stranger Things Cookies
Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C). This high temperature will ensure that your cookies achieve that perfect chewy texture we all love!
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixer, beat the cold, cubed butter together with granulated sugar. Start at low speed for about 1 minute, then crank up to high for another minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing them in completely before adding the next. Don’t forget to pour in the vanilla extract for a delightful aroma.
Color the Batter: Add your red food coloring and cocoa powder to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well combined and the batter shows a beautiful red hue.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt. This blend sets the stage for that perfect cookie structure.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Beat until everything is fully incorporated. You’ll want a smooth, vibrant dough ready for chilling.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough, uncovered, for about 20 minutes. This helps your cookies maintain their shape while baking, so they don’t spread too much.
Form Cookie Balls: Roll the chilled dough into 3.5 oz balls. Don’t forget to roll them in the crushed Oreos for that signature crunchy exterior!
Arrange on Baking Tray: Place your cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, ensuring they’re spaced about 3 inches apart. This gives them room to expand beautifully.
Bake to Perfection: Pop them in the oven and bake for 10-11 minutes. Look for edges that are firm while the centers remain soft. Let them cool on the tray for a moment before transferring to a wire rack.
Optional: Drizzle with white chocolate for an extra sweet touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Stranger Things Cookies
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature; they’ll incorporate better into the batter for a fluffier cookie.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip chilling the dough; this step prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, helping achieve that ideal chewy texture.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. Remove them when the edges are firm but the center is still soft for the best results.
- Beautifully Even Sizes: Use a digital scale to measure your cookie dough balls, ensuring they bake evenly and look great on your serving plate.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Opt for high-quality red food coloring to guarantee vibrant cookies that reflect the whimsical theme of Stranger Things.
Make Ahead Options
These Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Simply roll the chilled dough into balls and coat them with crushed Oreos before placing them on a parchment-lined baking tray when you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have fresh, delicious cookies with minimal effort on the day of your event. If you want to store finished cookies, they can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving, and they’ll taste just as delicious as when they were first baked!
What to Serve with Stranger Things Red Velvet Cookies?
Elevate your baking adventure with delightful pairings that make these vibrant cookies shine even brighter on your dessert table.
Glass of Milk: The classic pairing that enhances the rich flavors and balances sweetness with its creamy texture. A childhood favorite that never disappoints!
Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the chocolatey notes of the cookies, creating a perfect balance of flavors for an afternoon treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Top your warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delightful contrast of temperatures and add creamy goodness to every bite.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can brighten up the dessert spread. Their natural sweetness and acidity beautifully offset the richness of the cookies.
Chocolate Brownies: Go all out with an indulgent dessert table featuring fudgy brownies alongside your cookies for a delightful chocolate overload that everyone will love.
Themed Cocktails: Create a “Stranger Things” inspired drink, maybe a fun punch or a themed cocktail, to add excitement to your gathering—perfect for adult celebrations!
Decorated Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses, nuts, and crackers to contrast with the sweetness of the cookies. This savory-sweet combination offers a palate pleasing experience.
Miniature Cupcakes: Offer a variety of flavorful miniature cupcakes for guests who might enjoy multiple sweet bites, enhancing the festive ambiance of your gathering.
Let these delightful pairings transport your guests straight into the whimsical world of Hawkins and beyond!
Red Velvet Cookies Variations
Feel inspired to put your own spin on these delightful cookies! Customize their flavor and texture for your next gathering.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate gluten-sensitive friends. They’ll still be deliciously chewy!
- Dairy-Free: Use melted coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free treat. It adds a subtly sweet flavor that complements the red velvet beautifully.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the dough for an extra chocoholic twist! The melted chocolate creates an indulgent surprise in every bite.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon for an unexpected warmth. This twist will spark conversations at game night!
- Snackable Size: Roll the dough into smaller 1 oz balls for bite-sized cookies. Perfect for snacking and even more fun to share!
- Sprinkle Surprise: Before baking, add festive sprinkles to the cookie balls for a pop of color and fun. They will catch the eye of everyone at your gathering!
- Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for an extra crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the red velvet.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Top the baked cookies with a light cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of flavor. It adds a creamy element that beautifully complements the cookie’s chewy goodness.
Let your creativity shine as you bake and enjoy these variations!
Storage Tips for Stranger Things Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready for any game night.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw frozen cookies at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds for that freshly-baked warmth.
- Reheating: To revive the chewy texture, reheat in the microwave for about 5 seconds, or use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for several minutes.
Stranger Things Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best red food coloring?
Absolutely! Opt for high-quality liquid food coloring as it provides the brightest and most vibrant hue for your cookies. This will help them stand out and capture the whimsical essence of Stranger Things. Avoid using gel food coloring, as it might not disperse evenly throughout the batter.
How should I store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking tray until firm, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months, preserving their delightful texture.
Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your Stranger Things cookies, first allow them to cool completely. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, around 1-2 hours. Then, store them in a sealable freezer bag or airtight container, ensuring to remove all air. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
Very common, but don’t worry! If you notice your cookies spreading too thin during baking, you might need to chill the dough for a longer period, about 30-40 minutes. Additionally, ensure your baking soda is fresh—old leavening agents can lead to unwanted spreading. Lastly, try to use room temperature butter instead of softened butter as this can also help control spreading.
Are these cookies suitable for kids or those with allergies?
For sure! However, please note that the recipe contains eggs and gluten. If you’re concerned about allergies, there are great alternatives available. You can use egg replacers for those avoiding eggs, and opt for gluten-free flour blends to make this treat safe for everyone to enjoy. Always check labels for potential allergens like nuts or milk in your ingredient choices.
What can I do if I don’t have cake flour?
If you find yourself out of cake flour, no need to stress! You can create a quick substitute by measuring out 1 cup of all-purpose flour and then removing 2 tablespoons of it. Replace those with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, then whisk them together. This blend will provide a light texture similar to cake flour, making your cookies just as delightful!
Stranger Things Cookies: Chewy Red Velvet Treats for Game Night
Equipment
- - Mixer
- - Baking tray
- - Parchment paper
- refrigerator
Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- 1 cup Cubed Cold Butter Opt for unsalted for better flavor control.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Coconut sugar can add a richer note if desired.
- 2 large Eggs Vegan alternatives can be used for egg replacements.
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Choose pure extract for the best taste.
- 1 tablespoon Red Food Coloring Opt for high-quality liquid for the brightest color.
- 2 tablespoons Cocoa Powder Unsweetened cocoa powder is preferable.
- 1 cup Cake Flour Can be substituted with all-purpose flour if needed.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour Use a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Ensure freshness for optimal results.
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Feel free to omit if not handy.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
For Coating
- 1 cup Crushed Oreos Choose your favorite brand for the best taste.
Instructions
Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C).
- In a mixer, beat the cold, cubed butter with granulated sugar on low speed for about 1 minute and then on high for another minute until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing completely before adding the next. Pour in the vanilla extract.
- Add red food coloring and cocoa powder to the mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until fully incorporated to get a smooth dough.
- Refrigerate the cookie dough for about 20 minutes to maintain shape while baking.
- Roll the chilled dough into 3.5 oz balls and roll them in crushed Oreos.
- Place cookie balls on a parchment-lined baking tray, spaced about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes until edges are firm and centers remain soft, then cool on a wire rack.