Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just what you need! Imagine soft, chocolatey cookies topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and rich chocolate ganache. They capture the essence of those classic Hostess Cupcakes we all loved but in cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies will surely be a hit with everyone.

I love making these cookies because they’re not only fun to prepare, but they also bring joy to any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends at a picnic or enjoying them on a cozy movie night at home, they are sure to make you smile!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will be excited to dig into these sweet treats!
• Make-ahead convenience: These cookies can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and ganache will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Fun to decorate: Get creative with the iconic white squiggle on top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, making it easy to get started whenever you’re craving something sweet!

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 flexible and allows for lots of fun variations! Here are some ideas to customize your Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

• Add sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
• Change the frosting flavor: Try mixing in some almond or mint extract for a unique twist on the frosting.
• Incorporate nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for added crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

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 soft.

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 prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important as it allows room for the cookies to spread while baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is essential here; it helps them firm up while still remaining soft inside.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; then beat until fully combined. Fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside half a cup of this delightful frosting for decorating later.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

For the ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds; then let it rest before whisking until smooth. Allow this luscious ganache to cool slightly before using—it should be pourable but not hot.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Pop them into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that frosting can set nicely—this makes adding ganache much easier!

Step 7: Add Chocolate Ganache

Once chilled, spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each cookie and let it set completely. This step adds that rich layer of indulgence we all crave!

Step 8: Pipe on Your Squiggles

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe those iconic white squiggles across each cookie using your reserved frosting. It’s like finishing touches on a masterpiece—so fun!

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Creating these delightful cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow a few key tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps create a smoother dough, leading to soft and tender cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Taking them out while they’re still slightly soft will result in a chewy texture once cooled.

• Chill the frosting: Allowing the frosting to chill for a bit before spreading it on the cookies helps it set nicely, making it easier to work with and creating a beautiful finish.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for added texture and flavor.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their softness and flavor.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some fun ideas on how to present them!

Garnishes

• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful candy sprinkles adds a festive touch that brightens up the presentation and enhances the nostalgic vibe.
• Chocolate shavings: Grating some chocolate over the top of your cookies creates a sophisticated look and an extra burst of chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or espresso: Pair these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso. The rich flavors complement each other perfectly, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Vanilla almond milk: For those seeking a non-dairy option, serving these cookies with chilled vanilla almond milk provides a refreshing balance.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad can be an excellent side dish, offering freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cookies.
• Ice cream: For an indulgent dessert experience, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The combination is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Enjoy making and sharing your Hostess Cupcake Cookies! These treats are perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, bringing joy with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and store them for later enjoyment, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or a sweet snack throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm cookie experience, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful cookies!

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

Absolutely! You can experiment with other flavors of cake mix such as vanilla or red velvet to create your own unique spin on these Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

How can I make the frosting thicker for my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

If you prefer a thicker frosting, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. This will help it hold its shape better when piping.

What is the best way to store Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store your Hostess Cupcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the rest of the recipe as is. Your Hostess Cupcake Cookies will still be delicious!

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies will last about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delectable Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They are not only easy to prepare but also bring back those nostalgic flavors we all love. Whether you share them at a gathering or keep them all to yourself (no judgment here!), I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking!