Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! With their rich chocolate flavor and fluffy frosting, they combine everything we love about the classic Hostess Cupcakes into a cookie. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike.

What makes this recipe extra special is how it captures that nostalgic essence while being incredibly fun to prepare. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party or simply treating yourself, you’ll find joy in every bite of these sweet creations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time. Perfect for beginner bakers!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore the soft chocolate base and fluffy frosting—great for sharing with loved ones!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for later. They taste just as delicious after a day or two.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallow frosting, and ganache creates an irresistible treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. 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

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Frosting: Swap out the vegan marshmallows creme with your favorite frosting flavor—think peanut butter or vanilla!
• Mix in Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles to the cookie dough before baking for a festive touch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this treat suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they go in. While your oven heats up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for your cookies’ delightful texture. Using a medium scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart—this gives them room to spread while baking.

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Pop those trays into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set. The aroma will be heavenly! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps firm up their structure.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

For that luscious frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Adding powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt creates a smooth mixture that’s bursting with flavor! Then fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until it’s all combined perfectly. Remember to set aside half a cup of this delightful frosting for piping later!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips and microwave for about 45 seconds. Let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth—this creates that rich chocolate ganache you’ll drizzle on top of your cookies!

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie; don’t be shy! Then chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that delicious frosting sets nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle Ganache

Once refrigerated, spoon cooled ganache over each cookie—a little goes a long way here! Let it set before moving on; this will give your cookies that professional look.

Step 8: Finish with Squiggles

Finally, grab your piping bag fitted with a small round tip and pipe that reserved frosting into iconic squiggle patterns on top of each cookie. It’s such an adorable finishing touch!

Now sit back and enjoy these scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies with friends and family—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Baking is all about having fun and experimenting, so here are some helpful tips to make your Hostess Cupcake Cookies even more delightful!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your baking ingredients, especially eggs and baking mixes, are fresh. This will enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies, giving them that soft and chewy consistency we all love.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they’re baking. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies. Aim for a slightly soft center; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

• Cool Completely: Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting into the warm cookie, keeping that beautiful layered look intact.

• Chill the Ganache: Letting the ganache cool down before pouring it over the cookies helps achieve a thicker layer that won’t drip off. This ensures a beautiful finish and a rich chocolate experience in every bite.

• Experiment with Flavorings: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract or a hint of espresso powder to the chocolate ganache for an extra flavor boost. It can elevate your cookies from good to extraordinary!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying them at home with family. Here are some fun ways to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache while it’s still wet for a festive touch! They not only look great but also give a delightful crunch.

• Chocolate Shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for an elegant presentation. The added texture complements the smoothness of the frosting beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a light contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies. It’s vibrant and adds a touch of sweetness without being overwhelming.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these cookies warm alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The creamy coldness pairs perfectly with the chocolatey goodness.

• Coffee or Tea: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea makes for an excellent accompaniment. The warm beverages balance out the sweetness and enhance your enjoyment of these delightful treats.

• Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic glass of milk! It’s nostalgic and pairs perfectly with chocolatey desserts, making each bite even more satisfying.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to create memorable moments with your Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes.
• Alternatively, use a microwave: heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies without eggs?

Yes! You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg replacement. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens, or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce.

How do I store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. For longer storage, freeze them!

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the ganache?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream alternative. This will still give you that luscious ganache texture.

Can I use another type of cake mix for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as chocolate fudge or vanilla cake mix to create your unique twist on these delightful cookies.

What is the best way to pipe the squiggle on top of my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip is ideal. Practice piping on parchment paper first if you’re unsure before decorating your delicious cookies!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of nostalgia that bring back sweet memories. Whether you’re enjoying them during a cozy night in or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to delight everyone. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every scrumptious bite!