Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines nostalgia with a homemade touch, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the answer. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chocolatey cookie topped with fluffy frosting and smooth ganache. It’s like bringing the classic Hostess Cupcake right into your kitchen! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What makes these cookies special is not just their taste but also their ease of preparation. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party, a cozy gathering, or just because you want something sweet, these cookies will surely brighten anyone’s day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies quickly—perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These cookies are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them in an airtight container for those unexpected cravings (or surprise guests)!
• Decadent Flavors: The combination of chocolate cookie, creamy frosting, and rich ganache delivers an irresistible taste experience.
• Customizable Topping: You can get creative with the decoration! Try different patterns or colors on top for various occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. These components come together beautifully to create the deliciousness of your Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

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! Feel free to play around with different flavors and textures.

• Add Some Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the batter for extra texture.
• Go Nut-Free: Replace the vegan marshmallow crème with any nut-free frosting if allergies are a concern.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use a vanilla or funfetti cake mix instead of Devil’s Food for a lighter version.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor even more!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture we all love.

Step 2: Mix Your 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 spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them room to spread while baking!

Step 3: Bake Until Perfect

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes or until their edges are set. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is crucial as it allows them to firm up while maintaining their soft centers.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

While your cookies cool, it’s time to make that luscious frosting! Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until combined. Then gently fold in that fluffy vegan marshmallow crème for that signature sweetness.

Step 5: Create Your Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips. Microwave for about 45 seconds, then let it rest before whisking until smooth. Allow this decadent ganache to cool slightly—this will help it set nicely on top of your cookies.

Step 6: Frost Those Cookies

Now comes the fun part! Generously spread your vegan marshmallow frosting over each cooled cookie. To help it set perfectly, chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Drizzle Ganache Delight

Once chilled, spoon over that delicious ganache on each cookie! Allow it to set so each bite is filled with rich chocolate goodness.

Step 8: Pipe on Some Squiggles

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved vegan marshmallow frosting in cute squiggle patterns across each cookie. This little detail brings those beloved Hostess vibes right back!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies—they’re sure to become a favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze, but a few tips can help you achieve that perfect nostalgic treat!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Having your butter and eggs at room temperature allows for better incorporation, resulting in a smoother dough and fluffier frosting.

• Don’t overbake the cookies: Keep an eye on them as they bake; the edges should be set while the centers remain soft. This ensures a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the frosting.

• Chill the ganache before pouring: Allowing the ganache to cool slightly makes it thicker and easier to spread without running off the sides of the cookies.

• Pipe with precision: When adding the squiggle on top, using a piping bag gives you control and helps maintain that classic Hostess look. A small round tip creates an elegant finish.

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness. This will help maintain their softness.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Serving these delightful cookies can turn any gathering into a nostalgic experience! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for an extra touch of elegance and a burst of rich flavor.
• Sprinkles: Brightly colored sprinkles can add fun and whimsy, making them perfect for parties or celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream complements the chocolatey flavors of the cookies beautifully, making for a delightful dessert pairing.
• Fresh berries: A side of mixed fresh berries adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies, balancing out each bite.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with chocolate.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies with a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and creates a comforting experience—perfect for an afternoon treat!

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Hostess Cupcake Cookies will be not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them in advance for parties, gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve their deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Freeze unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• To freeze frosted cookies, allow them to set completely before layering between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature.
• If desired, warm individual cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving to refresh their texture.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

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

Absolutely! While this recipe uses Devil’s Food cake mix for that rich chocolate flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or red velvet. Just keep the remaining ingredients the same for the best results.

How do I make the frosting fluffier for my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

To achieve an even fluffier frosting, try beating the butter longer before adding the powdered sugar and vegan marshmallow crème. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?

Yes! Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a great flavor contrast, but you can also opt for dark chocolate or dairy-free varieties if you prefer.

Are there any tips for decorating my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for the classic squiggle design. If you’d like more color, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to your reserved frosting before piping.

How can I ensure my cookies turn out soft and chewy?

Make sure not to overbake the cookies; they should be slightly soft when you take them out of the oven. Cooling them on the baking sheet allows them to firm up without becoming dry.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They bring back such wonderful memories and are sure to impress friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or share your own twists on the recipe. Happy baking!