Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back fond childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! They perfectly capture the nostalgic flavors of those classic snacks we all loved. With their soft chocolatey base, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or just need a sweet pick-me-up after a busy week, these cookies will surely brighten your day.

What makes this recipe even better is how simple it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious cookies. They come together quickly and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for when you’re short on time!
• Nostalgic Flavor: Indulge in the familiar taste of Hostess Cupcakes without any fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, especially when it’s time to decorate the cookies!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dough and frosting ahead of time, making it easy to bake whenever you’re ready.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own twist with different toppings or flavors!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these delightful cookies, you’ll only need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything you need for these sweet treats!

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 can easily be customized to suit your taste! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in some chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the batter for added texture.
• Try Different Flavors: Swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for a vanilla or red velvet cake mix for a unique twist.
• Go Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter instead of butter in the frosting for a nut-free option.
• Mix Up the Toppings: Experiment with different types of sprinkles or candies on top of the ganache for extra flair!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step is essential as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out soft and chewy.

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. The dough should be thick but not overly sticky. Using a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows them room to spread as they bake.

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes or until you see that the edges are set but still soft in the center. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps them firm up just enough so they don’t fall apart when you move them.

Step 4: Make That Delicious Frosting

In another large bowl, beat your room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until fully combined. Now fold in that wonderful vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Save half a cup of this frosting for decorating later!

Step 5: Whip Up Some Ganache

For that luscious ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds then let it rest before whisking until you have a smooth mixture. Let this cool down for about 10 minutes; you’ll want it slightly thickened but still pourable.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of that fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie! Once you’ve frosted them all, pop them into the fridge for about 10 minutes so that frosting can set nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

After chilling, spoon that silky chocolate ganache over each cookie. Let this sit until it sets—this will make every bite even more decadent!

Step 8: Add Your Finishing Touches

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe the reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in that iconic squiggle pattern across each cookie. And there you have it—delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these delightful cookies can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure the best results. Here are some secrets to elevate your baking experience:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps them incorporate better into the dough, resulting in a smoother texture.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; removing them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers look a bit soft will result in perfectly chewy cookies once cooled.

• Chill your frosting: Before piping it onto your cookies, chilling the frosting will make it easier to handle and give you that perfect squiggle effect.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a teaspoon of espresso powder or almond extract to the batter for an extra depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

• Store properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Presenting your Hostess Cupcake Cookies can turn a simple treat into a showstopper! Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, enjoying an afternoon tea, or just indulging yourself, here are some creative serving ideas.

Garnishes

• Shaved dark chocolate: Sprinkling some dark chocolate shavings on top of the ganache adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolaty flavor.
• Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles not only bring fun and whimsy but also make your cookies visually appealing—perfect for celebrations!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements these rich cookies, offering a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
• Fresh Berries: A side of fresh strawberries or raspberries adds a burst of tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting afternoon snack that everyone will enjoy.
• Milk: Classic milk is always a hit! The creamy texture and cooling effect make it an ideal pairing with these indulgent chocolate treats.

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not just delicious—they’re also versatile! Enjoy making them and sharing them with friends and family. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy them throughout the week or save them for special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, store them in the refrigerator to extend freshness, though this may change their texture slightly.

Freezing

• Freeze un-frosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• For frosted cookies, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before placing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• If you want to warm them up, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until just warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making these delightful cookies!

Can I use other cake mixes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! While the recipe specifies Devil’s Food cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate fudge or even vanilla for a different twist.

How do I make vegan Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! By using vegan marshmallow creme and substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, you’ll have delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies that everyone can enjoy.

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

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for extended freshness.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the frosting up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before using.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, these cookies remain fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or longer if refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in whipping up these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They’re not just a treat; they bring back fond memories of childhood and sweet moments shared with friends and family. Enjoy every bite and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy baking!