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 biting into a soft cookie that tastes like your favorite chocolate cupcake, complete with a fluffy frosting and rich ganache. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies will surely become a hit.

What makes this recipe special is how it captures the essence of those beloved Hostess treats while being simple enough for anyone to whip up. You can easily bake them to share with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate cookies, making them perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for delicious treats all week long.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of Hostess cupcakes in a fun cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delightful cookies, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to create this sweet masterpiece!

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! Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on these Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

• Experiment with Flavors: Swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for chocolate chip or vanilla cake mix for different flavor profiles.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crushed candy bars into the dough before baking for added texture.
• Try Different Frostings: Instead of marshmallow frosting, use cream cheese frosting or whipped coconut cream for a unique twist.
• Decorate Creatively: Use colored icing instead of the squiggle for festive occasions or holidays!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the baking surface.

Step 2: Mix the 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 the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows room for the cookies to spread as they bake.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

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

Step 4: Make the Frosting

To create that delectable frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while mixing until fully combined. Fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Remember to set aside half a cup of this luscious frosting for decorating later!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

For that rich ganache topping, pour heavy cream over 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. Letting it cool slightly will help achieve that perfect pourable consistency.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

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

Step 7: Top with Ganache

Spoon cooled ganache over each chilled cookie generously. Allow it to set before moving on to decorating!

Step 8: Pipe Your Squiggles

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe those iconic squiggles across each cookie using your reserved frosting. It’s all about presentation now—enjoy every moment!

Now you have beautiful Hostess Cupcake Cookies ready to impress friends and family! Enjoy sharing these delightful treats!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies is a delightful adventure, and a few handy tips can elevate your cookie game to the next level!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter is at room temperature allows it to cream more easily with the sugar, resulting in a lighter and fluffier frosting.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; removing them from the oven when they just set will yield soft, chewy cookies instead of dry ones.

• Chill Your Frosting: If your frosting seems too soft to spread, chilling it for about 15 minutes can help it thicken up, making it easier to work with.

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cookies and frosting a day in advance. Just store them separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble. This saves time and makes entertaining stress-free!

• Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for extra flair! This not only enhances presentation but also adds texture and flavor.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Presenting your Hostess Cupcake Cookies beautifully can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving ideas!

Garnishes

• Cocoa Powder Dusting: A light dusting of cocoa powder over the top adds a touch of elegance and enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar to create shavings that can be sprinkled on top of the ganache for a sophisticated finish.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, balancing their rich chocolate flavor.

• Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries—like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries—adds a refreshing contrast and vibrant color to your dessert table.

• Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolatey goodness of these cookies beautifully, enhancing their flavors.

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing palate cleanser after indulging in these decadent cookies.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create not just delicious treats but also memorable moments for you and your guests! Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delightful but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and store them, making them an easy treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer storage method, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• Gently reheat cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, soft treat.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with another flavor like chocolate or vanilla. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile of your cookies.

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

To keep your cookies soft, be careful not to overbake them. Once they are set around the edges but still soft in the center, remove them from the oven. Additionally, storing them in an airtight container helps maintain their moisture.

What’s the best way to decorate Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

For that classic look, use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip to create squiggles on top of your frosted cookies. This gives them that nostalgic touch everyone loves!

Can I make these Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix instead of regular Devil’s Food cake mix. The other ingredients should work well with gluten-free options too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They bring back fond memories while being wonderfully easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a party or just because you deserve a treat, these cookies are sure to impress. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family—happy baking!