Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the ticket! Imagine soft, chocolatey cookies topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and drizzled with smooth chocolate ganache. It’s like taking a bite out of your favorite snack cake, but in cookie form! These cookies are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a sweet pick-me-up or family gatherings where everyone will want a taste.

What makes this recipe so special is not only the nostalgic flavor but also how easy they are to whip up. You can enjoy them fresh from the oven or make them ahead of time for any occasion. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a go-to dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate! These cookies are sure to please kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them in advance and store them for a delicious treat whenever you need it.
• Nostalgic Flavors: Enjoy the classic taste of Hostess cupcakes in a fun cookie format that will take you back in time.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with toppings or fillings to make each batch unique!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of them you might already have in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll gather:

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, allowing you to put your own spin on it! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the batter for an extra texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for red velvet or vanilla cake mix for a different twist!
• Go Tropical: Add shredded coconut to the frosting for a delightful coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
• Diverse Toppings: Try using different types of chocolate or even caramel sauce instead of ganache for a new flavor experience.

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: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. Mixing well here is crucial because it brings all those rich flavors together. Using a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges look set. This short baking time keeps them soft and chewy! Letting them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them helps prevent breakage.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, let’s whip up that fluffy frosting! In another bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Then fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside half of this luscious mixture for creating our signature squiggle later on!

Step 5: Prepare Your Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave this mixture for about 45 seconds before letting it rest for one minute—this gives everything time to melt perfectly together. Whisk until smooth and allow it to cool slightly before use.

Step 6: Frost Those Cookies

Spread a generous layer of that delightful vegan marshmallows frosting over each cooled cookie. Chilling them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes allows this lovely layer to set just right.

Step 7: Drizzle with Chocolate Ganache

Now comes the fun part! Spoon your cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie. Letting it set gives it that beautiful finish we all adore.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved frosting into squiggles across each cookie. This little detail not only looks cute but also adds an extra burst of sweetness!

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother dough that incorporates air more effectively, resulting in lighter, fluffier cookies.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the cake mix, eggs, and oil, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies instead of the soft, tender texture we’re aiming for.

• Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too sticky or warm from handling, pop it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps prevent spreading while baking.

• Check for Doneness Early: Ovens vary in temperature, so start checking your cookies a minute or two before the suggested bake time. They should look set around the edges while remaining soft in the center.

• Store Properly: To keep your Hostess Cupcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to present them that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Shaved Chocolate: Add a sprinkle of shaved chocolate on top of each cookie after glazing with ganache for an extra touch of elegance.

• Sprinkles: For a fun twist, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting before it sets. It’s perfect for parties or celebrations!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of these cookies perfectly and adds a creamy texture.

• Fresh Berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a tart contrast that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

• Coffee or Tea: Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warmth enhances the flavors and provides a cozy experience as you enjoy your sweet treat.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’ll be well on your way to making beautiful memories around these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to whip up a batch ahead of time for parties, snacking, or just satisfying those sweet cravings throughout the week. Here’s how to store them properly:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• To refresh your cookies, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes until soft.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious 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 for a unique twist.

How do I achieve the perfect frosting consistency for my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

For the ideal frosting consistency, ensure your vegan marshmallows creme is well-blended with the powdered sugar and butter. If it’s too thick, add a splash of plant-based milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired texture.

Are Hostess Cupcake Cookies suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! These cookies use vegan marshmallows creme and can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with a plant-based alternative.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will last up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I decorate my Hostess Cupcake Cookies differently?

Certainly! While the iconic squiggle is classic, you can get creative with your decorations. Consider using sprinkles or different piping techniques to personalize your cookies!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings back memories of those delightful childhood treats while providing a fun baking experience! With their soft chocolate base and creamy frosting, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are sure to be a hit whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or savoring them all by yourself. Enjoy making them, and don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how they turn out!