Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve landed in the right place! These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a fun twist on the classic dessert we all know and love. They combine the rich flavors of chocolate, fluffy frosting, and a smooth ganache into one delicious cookie. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies will surely be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. You can have these delectable cookies ready in no time, making them an excellent option for last-minute get-togethers or just to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can create these delicious cookies without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will adore the chocolatey goodness and fluffy frosting—perfect for sharing!
• Make Ahead: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them for those sudden cravings or surprise guests.
• Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy the familiar taste of Hostess cupcakes in cookie form—what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Let’s gather everything you 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 wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Flavorful Extracts: Experiment with almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a twist.
• Top with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting for extra flair!

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 start to finish. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

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

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While your cookies cool, it’s time to make that fluffy frosting! Beat the room-temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fully combined before folding in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth.

Step 5: Make the Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips. Microwave for 45 seconds and let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Let your ganache cool for about 10 minutes—this will help it thicken nicely when you spoon it over your cookies.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Pop them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that frosting sets perfectly.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Once chilled, spoon that luscious ganache over each cookie. Allow it to set before moving on; this step is crucial for achieving that decadent look and taste!

Step 8: Pipe on Squiggles

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in an iconic squiggle pattern across each cookie—creating that nostalgic touch we all remember.

Enjoy every bite of these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They’re truly irresistible!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies is a delightful experience, and with these helpful tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients – Starting with room temperature butter and eggs allows for better mixing and a smoother dough, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.

• Don’t overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them from the oven when the edges are set will keep them soft in the center, ensuring that delightful chewy bite.

• Chill your frosting – If your frosting feels too soft to pipe, chill it for a few minutes. This will help it firm up, making it easier to create that iconic squiggle on top of each cookie.

• Let ganache cool slightly – Allowing the ganache to cool before pouring it over your cookies prevents it from melting the frosting below, ensuring a beautiful layered look.

• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add extracts or spices! A hint of peppermint or almond extract can give your cookies a unique twist that complements the chocolate beautifully.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These cookies are not just delicious; they also make for a fun and nostalgic presentation. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache for an extra festive touch that brings joy to every bite.
• Shredded Coconut: Lightly toasted shredded coconut can give a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich chocolate cookies, creating a classic dessert duo.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing balance against the sweetness of the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors and adds to the cozy dessert experience.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds a fresh and vibrant element to your dessert table, making it perfect for gatherings.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Hostess Cupcake Cookies will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth while managing your time efficiently. Whether you’re planning for a gathering or just want some treats on hand, these cookies can be made in advance and stored easily.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies, where they’ll last for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
• Enjoy them fresh from the oven for that just-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

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

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Devil’s Food cake mix, you can substitute any chocolate cake mix or even experiment with flavors like vanilla or red velvet to create your own twist.

How do I store my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

To keep your Hostess Cupcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate or freeze them for longer storage.

What is the best way to top my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

The classic topping includes a smooth layer of vegan marshmallows frosting followed by rich chocolate ganache. Don’t forget to pipe that iconic squiggle on top for the final touch!

Can I adjust the sweetness of my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting. Just remember that this may alter the texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They encapsulate all the nostalgia of the classic treat while being easy to prepare and share. Making these cookies is not just about indulging in something sweet; it’s about creating memories with every batch. So gather your ingredients and enjoy baking these scrumptious delights. Happy baking!