Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just what you need! With their soft chocolate base and fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting, they capture the essence of those classic Hostess cupcakes we all loved. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, these cookies will surely put smiles on everyone’s faces.

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create something that tastes so nostalgic and indulgent. Plus, they’re perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can have these delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich chocolate flavor and fun texture of these cookies.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepared in advance, making them great for parties or last-minute gatherings.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate ganache and fluffy frosting creates an irresistible treat that’s hard to resist.
• Fun Presentation: The iconic white squiggle on top makes these cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best Hostess Cupcake Cookies. Thankfully, these are simple and wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry!

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

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your flavors and toppings.

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crushed cookies for extra texture.
• Flavor Swap: Experiment with different cake mixes; try red velvet or vanilla for a unique twist.
• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make this recipe fully vegan.
• Different Toppings: Instead of ganache, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle with sea salt for added flavor.

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. While that’s heating up, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper so your treats don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix 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 the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart—these cookies will spread out while baking!

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Pop those trays into the oven and let them bake for about 8-10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set but still slightly soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up nicely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, it’s time to prepare that delicious frosting! In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt—mix until everything is fully combined. Finally, fold in that fluffy vegan marshmallows creme until smooth.

Step 5: Make Your Ganache

To create that luscious topping, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 45 seconds; then let it sit for one minute before whisking until smooth. Allow this ganache to cool down slightly before using it on your cookies.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Spread a generous layer of that tasty vegan marshmallow frosting onto each cooled cookie. Pop them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that frosting can set nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Once chilled, spoon that beautiful chocolate ganache over each cookie. Don’t be shy; let it cascade over! Allow it some time to set before moving on.

Step 8: Add The Finishing Touches

Finally, fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with some of your reserved frosting and pipe it into an adorable squiggle pattern across each cookie top. And there you have it—your very own Hostess Cupcake Cookies ready to be enjoyed!

Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making cookies can sometimes feel like an art, but with a few helpful tips, you can create these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies with ease!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature helps it whip up light and fluffy, which is essential for that creamy frosting texture.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies, so aim for just set edges and a soft center for the perfect chewy texture.

• Chill the Cookies: After frosting, chilling your cookies allows the frosting to firm up and makes them easier to handle when adding ganache. It’s a small step that ensures everything stays neat and delicious!

• Make Extra Ganache: If you love chocolate, consider making a bit more ganache than the recipe calls for. This way, you can drizzle extra over each cookie or serve it on the side for dipping. Who doesn’t love more chocolate?

• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add different extracts to the frosting, such as almond or coconut. This twist adds a personalized touch to your cookies and keeps things exciting!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying an afternoon treat with friends, presentation can elevate your cookies from delightful to dazzling.

Garnishes

• Shredded Coconut: A sprinkle of shredded coconut on top of the frosted cookies adds a tropical flair and a nice texture contrast.
• Chocolate Shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the finished ganache for an elegant touch that enhances the overall chocolate experience.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies and provides a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh Berries: A side of strawberries or raspberries adds a fruity acidity that balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Milkshake: Pairing these cookies with a thick milkshake will take you back to childhood memories. Consider flavors like chocolate or vanilla for classic combinations!
• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate taste and creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying your sweet treats.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies. Enjoy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat anytime. You can easily make them in advance and store them for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• These cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove desired cookies from the freezer.
• Let them thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common 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 these cookies their classic flavor, feel free to experiment with other cake mixes like chocolate or even vanilla.

How do I make sure my Hostess Cupcake Cookies stay soft?

To achieve soft cookies, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked; they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I make the frosting in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the frosting ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just re-whip it briefly before spreading on your cookies.

Are there any alternatives to vegan marshmallows creme for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

If you can’t find vegan marshmallows creme, you could substitute it with whipped coconut cream or any other plant-based frosting that suits your taste!

How should I decorate my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

The traditional squiggle is iconic! Use a piping bag with a small round tip to create that familiar design using reserved vegan marshmallows frosting. Get creative with sprinkles or chocolate shavings if you’d like!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They bring back sweet memories while being incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re indulging yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. Happy baking!