Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back fond childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! The delicious blend of rich chocolate and creamy frosting makes them a delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a busy weeknight snack or sharing them at a family gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and nostalgic flavors. You get the classic taste of Hostess cupcakes in an easy-to-make cookie form that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses cake mix, making it simple to whip up in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these soft, chocolatey cookies.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies can be made ahead of time, so they’re perfect for busy schedules.
• Decadent Flavors: The combination of chocolate ganache and marshmallow frosting is pure bliss!
• Customizable Topping: Get creative with the squiggle design or add sprinkles for extra fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious treats:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors and toppings to suit your taste.

• Try Different Mixes: Use different flavored cake mixes like red velvet or vanilla for a new twist.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for added crunch.
• Go Mini: Make smaller cookies by using a mini scoop; they’re perfect for bite-sized treats!
• Swap the Frosting: Experiment with different frostings like peanut butter or cream cheese for unique flavors.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy.

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 allows them to spread without merging together during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps maintain their softness!

Step 4: Make the Frosting

To create the frosting, beat the room-temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; mix until combined. Then gently fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside half of this mixture for decorating later—this will be your iconic white squiggle!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

For that luscious chocolate ganache, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 45 seconds, then let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before using; this helps it thicken slightly for easier drizzling.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of your vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. To help it set perfectly, chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes—this makes applying ganache easier!

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Once chilled, carefully spoon cooled ganache over each cookie. Allow it to set before moving on to decorating.

Step 8: Add Your Signature Squiggle

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in a delightful squiggle across each cookie top. And there you have it—your beautiful Hostess Cupcake Cookies are ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Baking these cookies can be a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can make them even more enjoyable!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother dough and results in cookies that have a perfect texture.

• Don’t overbake: Keep a close eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.

• Chill the frosting: If your frosting feels too soft to pipe, pop it into the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Chilling will firm it up, making it easier to create that iconic squiggle on top!

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add crushed nuts or colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache for added texture and visual appeal.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not just tasty; they’re visually appealing too! Here are some fun ways to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate syrup: A light drizzle of chocolate syrup over the ganache adds extra sweetness and elevates presentation.
• Fresh mint leaves: A couple of mint leaves placed next to the cookies can provide a refreshing contrast in both flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with these rich cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cookies while adding a burst of freshness.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors of chocolate and is perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Milkshake: A creamy chocolate milkshake complements these cookies beautifully, making for an indulgent dessert pairing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your friends and family with your delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy their decadent flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.
• Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• If you’d like your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might help you as you make these delightful treats!

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as an egg substitute. Simply combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg needed, let it sit until it thickens, and then add it to your cookie dough.

What makes Hostess Cupcake Cookies unique?

These cookies combine a classic chocolate cake mix flavor with fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting and rich chocolate ganache. The nostalgic white squiggle adds a fun touch that makes them irresistible!

How do I ensure my Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out soft?

To keep your cookies soft and chewy, avoid overbaking them. Remove them from the oven as soon as they are set around the edges but still soft in the center.

Can I add toppings to my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding sprinkles or drizzling extra ganache on top before serving.

What are some variations I can try with Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

You can experiment by adding different flavored extracts or even using gluten-free cake mix if needed. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Hostess Cupcake Cookies brings a smile to your face and fills your kitchen with delightful aromas! These cookies not only capture the essence of a classic treat but also offer a fun twist that is sure to impress friends and family alike. Enjoy making these indulgent bites, share them with loved ones, and savor every moment of sweetness they bring into your day!