This homemade version of Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies features rich chocolate flavors, gooey fudge chips, and a fun pop of strawberry filling to give it that spooky, otherworldly vibe just in time for your next Netflix binge session (Season 5, anyone?).

How to make Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies

Stranger Things Chips Ahoy! Cookies are a limited-edition collaboration between Chips Ahoy! and Netflix’s Stranger Things, launched to promote the show’s final season.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1 cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup dark cocoa powder (for the deep, rich chocolate base)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup fudge chunks or dark chocolate chunks

For the Strawberry “Upside Down” Filling:

½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (use smooth jam for better consistency)
1-2 drops red food coloring (optional, to enhance the vibrant “Upside Down” color look)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cookie Dough

Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until the mixture is fully combined.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Chunks: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and fudge chunks, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Add the Strawberry Filling

Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam with a drop or two of red food coloring (if desired). Stir until smooth and vibrant.
Shape the Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into a ball. Flatten the dough slightly and create a small indent in the center with your thumb. Add about ½ teaspoon of the strawberry filling into the indent. Gently pinch the dough back together to seal the filling inside. Roll back into a ball shape if needed.
Chill: Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (chilling is crucial to help the cookies hold their shape while baking).

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Bake: Arrange the chilled cookie dough balls on a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set. The centers may look soft—that’s okay! They’ll firm up as they cool.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies

Don’t Skip Chilling the Dough: Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking. It also enhances the flavor.
Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder: The dark cocoa powder is what gives the cookies their deep chocolate flavor and “Upside Down” aesthetic. Go for high-quality cocoa for the best results.
Keep the Filling Minimal: A little strawberry jam goes a long way! Overfilling may cause the cookies to burst during baking.
Elevate the Cookie Design: For extra flair, you can drizzle some melted white chocolate or red icing on top of the cookies after they’ve cooled.
Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze the cookie dough balls to bake fresh cookies on demand!

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re planning to make Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies but need to substitute ingredients due to allergies, dietary preferences, or unavailability, here are detailed replacements for the key components:

1. All-Purpose Flour

If you’re avoiding traditional flour (due to gluten intolerance, allergies, or preference):

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for consistency.
Almond Flour: For a naturally gluten-free and nutritious option, replace with almond flour; however, you’ll need to adjust the ratios (use slightly less almond flour and add a binder like 1 tsp of psyllium husk or xanthan gum).
Oat Flour: Use finely ground oat flour for a gluten-free substitute.

2. Granulated Sugar

For replacing refined white sugar:

Coconut Sugar: A healthier and natural alternative that adds a slight molasses flavor.
Maple Sugar: Provides a subtle maple taste while being less processed.
Low-Calorie Substitute: Erythritol or Stevia granules can be used for a sugar-free option.

3. Brown Sugar

Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds chewiness. Alternatives include:

Coconut Sugar + Molasses: Mix 1 cup coconut sugar with 1 tbsp molasses to mimic brown sugar.
Maple Syrup: Use ¾ cup maple syrup for a similar result, but reduce other liquids by 2 tbsp.
Date Sugar: A natural sweetener made from ground dried dates; yields a similar flavor profile.

4. Butter

Butter provides richness and moisture. Alternatives include:

Plant-Based Butter: Vegan butter options like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well.
Coconut Oil: Use the same amount of melted coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
Applesauce: For a healthier, fat-free option, replace butter with unsweetened applesauce (use a 1:1 ratio). Note that this will alter the texture and make the Stranger Things Chips Ahoy softer.

5. Eggs

Eggs serve as a binder and provide structure. Alternative options include:

Flax Eggs: Mix 1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 3 tbsp water to replace one egg. Let sit for 5 minutes before using; perfect for vegan cookies.
Chia Eggs: Similar to flax eggs—combine 1 tbsp chia seeds with 3 tbsp water.
Apple Cider Vinegar + Baking Soda: Combine 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp baking soda to replace an egg—adds fluffiness and binding power.
Mashed Banana: Replace 1 egg with ¼ cup mashed ripe banana for a natural sweetener and binder.

6. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances flavor. If unavailable:

Almond Extract: Provides a slightly nutty, aromatic flavor. Use half the amount since almond extract is stronger.
Maple Syrup: A mild flavor enhancer that can replace vanilla extract. Use the same amount.
Vanilla Powder or Bean Paste: If available, these work even better than extract and add a richer vanilla flavor.

7. Baking Soda

Baking soda helps the cookies spread and rise. Alternatives include:

Baking Powder: Use three times the amount of baking powder (3 tsp baking powder equals 1 tsp baking soda). Note that baking powder is less potent.
Club Soda: Add 2-3 tbsp of club soda for a similar leavening effect.
Self-Rising Flour: If using self-rising flour, omit both baking soda and salt.

8. Salt

Salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the cookie’s flavor. Substitutes:

Sea Salt: Use the same amount for a slight mineral-rich flavor.
Pink Himalayan Salt: Works well for refined flavor; use sparingly.
Unsalted Butter: If your butter is salted, you can omit additional salt from the recipe.

9. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

For chocolate additions, choose alternatives based on availability or dietary needs:

Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan chocolate chips like Enjoy Life or Hu Kitchen.
Dark Chocolate: Chop up dark chocolate bars or use dark cocoa nibs for a more intense flavor.
White Chocolate or Butterscotch Chips: For variety or visual appeal.
Carob Chips: Natural caffeine-free replacement for chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your very own Stranger Things Chips Ahoy Cookies! These cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor, making them ideal for themed watch parties or just a fun baking project.

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