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 classic flavors of a Hostess Cupcake in a soft and chewy cookie form. With rich chocolate, fluffy frosting, and smooth ganache, each bite is pure nostalgia. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are sure to make everyone smile.

I love making these cookies because they’re simple yet oh-so-delicious. They’re perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own with a cup of tea. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, so you can have a batch ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe uses cake mix as a base, making it super simple for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping decorate the cookies with the frosting squiggles!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and bake them fresh when needed.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate, rich ganache, and marshmallow frosting creates an indulgent treat.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you’ll need some straightforward and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather what you need:

For the Cookie Base

• 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! If you want to customize your Hostess Cupcake Cookies, here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or crushed cookies for added texture.
• Change Up the Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
• Try Different Frostings: Swap out the marshmallow creme for your favorite frosting flavor.
• Experiment with Toppings: Add sprinkles or drizzle caramel sauce over the top for an extra special treat.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Preheating ensures even baking and helps your cookies come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. Using a medium scoop, drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them to spread without sticking together while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes until their edges are set. When they smell heavenly and look slightly puffed, they’re ready! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, beat the room-temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar along with vanilla extract and salt. Beat until combined and fluffy! Finally, fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until everything is smooth and heavenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips. Microwave it for about 45 seconds then let it rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth. Allow your ganache to cool slightly so it thickens up beautifully.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of marshmallow frosting over each cooled cookie. A little extra frosting never hurt anyone! Chill these frosted delights in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes; this helps set the frosting nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Once chilled, spoon cooled ganache over each cookie—just enough to create that luscious chocolate layer we all love! Let them set before moving on.

Step 8: Add the Signature Squiggle

Finally, take that reserved frosting from earlier and pipe it on top in a fun squiggle pattern using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip. It adds that nostalgic touch we all remember!

Enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Hostess Cupcake Cookies! These treats are sure to become favorites among friends and family alike!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Creating the perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies can be a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll be on your way to cookie perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures that your butter and eggs blend smoothly, resulting in a light and fluffy cookie texture.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; the edges should be set, but the centers can look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Chill the frosting: If your frosting seems too soft to pipe, chilling it for a short time will help it hold its shape better when you create that iconic squiggle.

• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of your ganache for added texture and visual appeal. It’s a fun way to personalize your cookies!

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These delicious cookies are not just treats; they’re also perfect for gatherings! Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, here are some ideas for presenting them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the top of each cookie before serving for an elegant touch.

• Fresh berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a bright color contrast and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, allowing you to enjoy a classic combination reminiscent of ice cream sandwiches.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides a light counterbalance to the rich flavors of the cookies.

• Coffee or Tea: Serve these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. The rich chocolate flavor matches perfectly with both beverages, making them an ideal dessert option.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be all set to impress friends and family with your homemade Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy baking and sharing this nostalgic treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and store or freeze them, ensuring you have a delightful treat ready whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you live in a humid climate, consider refrigerating them to maintain their freshness.
• For optimal flavor, allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

• To reheat, place cookies on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm.
• You can also warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious cookies!

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as an alternative.

How should I store my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just ensure they are fully cooled first!

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate fudge or red velvet cake mixes to create your own unique version of Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They bring together nostalgic flavors in such a fun and easy way. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!