Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back sweet memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the ticket! Imagine biting into a soft cookie that captures all the classic flavors of those beloved Hostess Cupcakes. With their rich chocolate base and fluffy frosting, these cookies are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. They’re not only a tasty snack but also a fun way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create something that looks and tastes fantastic. So, whether you’re hosting friends or simply indulging yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These cookies are perfect for kids’ parties or family movie nights.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and keep them fresh in an airtight container for whenever the craving hits.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of Hostess Cupcakes in every bite—perfect for those nostalgic moments!
• Customizable Topping: Get creative with your frosting and ganache—make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Hostess Cupcake Cookies. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

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, allowing you to play around with different flavors and toppings. Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity:

• Add a Nutty Twist: Mix in some chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Try Different Cake Mixes: Experiment with other cake mixes like red velvet or vanilla for unique taste variations.
• Incorporate Sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles before the frosting sets for a festive touch.
• Make It Minty: Add mint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly from the first moment they hit the oven.

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. Using a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is key; it allows room for spreading while they bake!

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set. The centers might look slightly underbaked—that’s okay! They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until fully combined. Fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Remember to set aside half a cup of this delicious frosting for decorating later!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

To make the ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, then let it rest for a minute before whisking until silky smooth. Let it cool slightly—it should be pourable but not hot when you use it.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallow frosting on each cooled cookie. Then chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that your frosting sets beautifully.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Once chilled, carefully spoon cooled ganache over each cookie. Let this set completely before moving on—this step adds that decadent touch we all love!

Step 8: Pipe on That Signature Squiggle

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting into charming squiggles across each cookie’s top.

And there you have it! A batch of lovely Hostess Cupcake Cookies ready to be enjoyed by all!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These delightful cookies are sure to bring back sweet memories, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your butter and eggs to room temperature ensures they combine smoothly, leading to a better cookie texture.

• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on the cookies in the oven; they should be soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so underbaking slightly will result in chewier cookies.

• Chill the frosting – If your frosting is too soft, chilling it for about 15 minutes can make it easier to spread and pipe onto the cookies.

• Customize your toppings – Feel free to get creative! Add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for an extra touch of fun and texture.

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to three months if you want to save some for later!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ways to serve them at your next gathering or simply enjoy them at home!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles – A sprinkle of colorful jimmies adds a festive flair that makes these cookies even more inviting.
• Crushed walnuts or pecans – Adding a sprinkle of crushed nuts not only enhances flavor but also adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla almond milk – This creamy beverage complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies and offers a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies, providing a fresh and healthy option alongside.
• Coffee or tea – Both make excellent companions for these chocolatey treats, enhancing their flavors and offering a cozy vibe.
• Vegan ice cream – Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vegan ice cream creates an indulgent dessert experience that’s hard to resist!

With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to impress guests or simply indulge yourself with these scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance and store them to enjoy later, making them a delightful treat whenever you need a sweet fix.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Ensure that the ganache is set before stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place 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.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• If you prefer warm cookies, microwave for 10-15 seconds until slightly warm but not hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

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

Yes! While this recipe uses Devil’s Food cake mix, you can experiment with other chocolate or vanilla flavors to suit your taste.

How do I achieve the iconic squiggle on my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

To create the classic squiggle, reserve a portion of the vegan marshmallow frosting and use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to pipe it over each cookie after applying the ganache.

Can I make these Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe already accommodates vegan preferences by using vegan marshmallows and butter alternatives.

What should I serve with my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or milk! They also make great additions to dessert platters or party tables.

How long do the Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly, these cookies stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or they can be refrigerated for up to a week!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They bring back such wonderful memories while offering a fun twist on a classic favorite. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging solo, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make them your own; happy baking!