Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! They capture the essence of the classic Hostess Cupcake but transform it into a soft, frosted cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply indulging on a busy weeknight, these cookies will surely bring smiles and satisfaction.

The combination of rich chocolate, fluffy frosting, and that iconic ganache is not only delicious but also fun to make. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Nostalgic Flavor: The rich chocolate and marshmallow flavors will take you back to your childhood.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults loves these sweet treats.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings or add-ins; the possibilities are endless!
• Make Ahead: These cookies store well in an airtight container, making them perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need any fancy ingredients for these Hostess Cupcake Cookies—just simple and wholesome items that you likely have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 1 (15.25 ounce) box Devil’s Food cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

For the Frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 7 ounce jar vegan marshmallows creme

For the Ganache

• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these delicious cookies!

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or use what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Include chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Try Different Frosting: Swap out the vegan marshmallows creme with peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a unique twist.
• Mix in Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles into the cookie dough for a festive touch.
• Use Different Chocolate: Experiment with dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is essential because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. This mixture will form the base of your cookies. Using a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake those beautiful cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. It’s important not to overbake them; they should still be soft in the center when you take them out. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your cookies cool, prepare the frosting! Beat room temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and salt until combined. Folding in the vegan marshmallows creme gives it that fluffy texture we all love.

Step 5: Create the Ganache

For that luscious ganache topping, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short intervals until melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly before using—it’ll set nicely on your cookies!

Step 6: Assemble Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each one! Pop them in the fridge for about ten minutes so this frosting can set nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

After chilling, spoon that delicious chocolate ganache over each cookie. Allow it to set before moving on to decorating.

Step 8: Pipe the Squiggle

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe some reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in that iconic squiggle pattern across each cookie. And voila! Your Hostess Cupcake Cookies are ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the dough, resulting in a softer and fluffier cookie.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out; they’ll continue to set as they cool.

• Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes. This will make it easier to spread and will help it hold its shape once applied to the cookies.

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! You could add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for extra texture and flavor.

• Double the Recipe: These cookies are a hit at parties! If you’re expecting guests, consider doubling the recipe so that everyone can enjoy these nostalgic treats.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Presentation is key when serving these delightful cookies. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration or an afternoon treat, here are some fun ideas on how to showcase your Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

Garnishes

• Colored Sprinkles: Adding a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles over the ganache makes the cookies look festive and inviting.
• Cocoa Powder Dusting: A light dusting of cocoa powder can enhance the chocolate flavor while adding an elegant touch to your cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving these cookies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors—perfect for chocolate lovers!
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and melons balances out the sweetness of the cookies and adds a healthy element to your dessert spread.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea not only complements their flavors but also provides a cozy atmosphere for enjoying your treats.
• Milkshake: A rich chocolate milkshake is always a hit! It’s indulgent and pairs wonderfully with the sweet, fluffy nature of these cookies.

Enjoy crafting and sharing these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies with friends and family! Every bite is sure to bring back fond memories while creating new ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, as they store well and can be made in advance for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a party or want a sweet treat on hand, these cookies can easily fit into your schedule.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.
• For extended freshness, keep them in the refrigerator, where they can last up to a week.
• If you notice any condensation on the container, allow the cookies to sit uncovered for a few minutes before sealing again.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds; just be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

Can I use a different cake mix for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! While Devil’s Food cake mix gives that classic chocolate flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet.

How do I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?

To make these delicious cookies gluten-free, substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How should I store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

What’s the best way to freeze Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Freeze Hostess Cupcake Cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Can I use regular marshmallow fluff instead of vegan marshmallows creme?

Yes, if you’re not concerned about keeping it vegan, regular marshmallow fluff can be used instead of vegan marshmallows creme without compromising taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They bring back all those nostalgic flavors while being easy enough to whip up anytime. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!