Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that will take you back to your childhood, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the ticket! They combine the nostalgia of those classic Hostess cupcakes with a soft, chewy cookie base. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, they’re sure to bring smiles and sweet memories to everyone who takes a bite. The rich chocolate flavor paired with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting is simply irresistible!

These cookies are not just a breeze to whip up, but they also deliver on taste and charm. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want something sweet at home, this recipe is a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With only a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves chocolatey goodness, making these cookies perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare these cookies in advance, making them ideal for parties or get-togethers.
• Deliciously nostalgic: Experience the flavors of your favorite childhood treat in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have at home. Let’s gather everything we 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 Topping

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add some crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts or shards of dark chocolate into the cookie dough for an extra texture.
• Switch up the frosting: Try using flavored frosting, like mint or orange zest, to give your cookies a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
• Go mini: Use a mini scoop to create bite-sized cookies perfect for sharing at gatherings.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick!

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. This step is key because it creates that rich chocolate base we all love! Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. It’s important not to overbake them; we want them soft and chewy! Once baked, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

To make that creamy frosting, beat the room-temperature butter in a large bowl until it’s nice and creamy. Then add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt—mix until fully combined! Fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth; this will give our cookies that iconic fluffy topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

For that luscious chocolate ganache, pour heated heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 45 seconds—this melts the chocolate beautifully! Let it rest for another minute before whisking until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Chilling them in the fridge for about 10 minutes helps set that delicious frosting perfectly.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Once chilled, spoon cooled ganache over each cookie generously. Let it sit until set; this will create that beautiful glossy finish we all love.

Step 8: Finish with a Squiggle

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in a squiggle pattern across each cookie. This final touch adds both charm and nostalgia!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these sweet treats can be a delightful experience, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and better texture in your cookies. It allows for better incorporation of air, leading to fluffier cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on your cookies while baking. Removing them from the oven when they’re just set around the edges will keep them soft and chewy. They’ll continue to firm up slightly as they cool.

• Chill the frosting: Chilling the frosting after spreading it on the cookies helps it set nicely before adding the ganache. This will make sure everything stays in place beautifully!

• Microwave in short bursts: When melting chocolate for ganache, heat it in short intervals to prevent burning. Chocolate can go from perfect to scorched very quickly, so keeping an eye on it will yield smooth results.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to play around with different extracts or add-ins! A hint of peppermint or almond extract in the frosting can add a unique twist that makes your cookies stand out even more.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Presenting your Hostess Cupcake Cookies is all about making them look as delicious as they taste! Here are some ideas to help you serve them with flair.

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache for a fun and festive look that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Shaved chocolate: Grate some dark chocolate over the top for an elegant touch that enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
• Fresh berries: Serve with fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these sweet cookies, creating a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of the cookies. Consider using seasonal fruits like berries, melons, or citrus for freshness.

• Coffee or tea: Offering a warm beverage like coffee or herbal tea complements these cookies beautifully, enhancing their flavors while providing a cozy treat.

• Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake would be a fun addition! The creamy consistency matches well with the indulgent nature of the cookies and is sure to please any sweet tooth.

These serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience and make your Hostess Cupcake Cookies a hit at any gathering! Enjoy sharing these nostalgic treats with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime! You can make them ahead of time and store them for later, ensuring that sweet cravings are always satisfied.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
• For best texture, avoid refrigerating the cookies as this can dry them out.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering with parchment paper, and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen Hostess Cupcake Cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 1 hour.
• If you prefer warm cookies, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

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

Absolutely! While the Devil’s Food cake mix gives a rich chocolate flavor, feel free to experiment with vanilla or other cake mixes for a different twist.

How do I make the frosting for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

For the frosting, beat together unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Then fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. It’s easy and delicious!

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If frozen, they can last for up to 3 months!

Can I make these Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Just ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They bring back such wonderful memories with their nostalgic flavors and soft textures. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring them yourself, each bite is bound to bring a smile. Happy baking!