If you’re a fan of the hit show Stranger Things and love baking, you’re going to adore these easy Stranger Things upside down cookies! They perfectly capture the show’s eerie vibe with their dramatic cherry-topped design, resembling the mysterious Upside Down world. Plus, they’re a fun and delicious way to impress friends and family at your next watch party or just enjoy a sweet treat at home.
These upside down cookies are as tasty as they are visually striking. The combination of buttery cookie dough baked beneath a luscious cherry topping creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s a go-to dessert for fans craving a homemade, nostalgic, and spooky sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Unique upside down cookie concept that stands out from regular cookies.
- Perfect balance of sweet cherry topping and buttery cookie base.
- Great for Stranger Things-themed parties or Halloween celebrations.
- Requires just one bowl and minimal clean-up.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your very own Stranger Things upside down cookies. This recipe makes about 18 cookies.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling or jarred maraschino cherry halves, drained
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 18 cookies
- Calories: Approximately 180 per cookie
How to Make Easy Stranger Things Upside Down Cookies: The Best Homemade Treats for Fans!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a soft cookie dough.
- Prepare the cherry topping by draining the pie filling or jarred cherries well to avoid excess moisture. Toss the cherries with cornstarch to help thicken the topping during baking.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Place 3-4 cherries gently on top of each flattened cookie, pressing them lightly into the dough so they stay in place while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookie edges are golden and the cherry topping looks set. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and dramatic effect.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother dough consistency.
- Drain cherry topping thoroughly to prevent soggy cookies.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- Press cherries gently into dough to avoid them sinking too deep.
- Cool cookies completely before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
Storage and Reheating
Store your upside down cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave individually for 15-20 seconds. This will refresh the soft texture and cherry topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned or jarred?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used but make sure to pit and lightly cook them with sugar and cornstarch to mimic the pie filling consistency before topping the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You can substitute a gluten-free baking blend but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just let it soften slightly before shaping and topping with cherries.
What’s the best way to prevent cherries from bleeding color onto the cookies?
Tossing cherries with cornstarch absorbs excess juice, preventing bleeding. Also, drain them well and press them lightly into the dough without smashing.
