Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve landed in the right place! These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a nostalgic blend of soft chocolate cookies topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and rich chocolate ganache. They’re not just delicious; they are also super fun to make, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a favorite in your home too!

These cookies are great for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, having a cozy movie night, or simply want to indulge in something sweet. Each bite is like a hug from the past, reminding us of those classic treats we all loved as kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the delicious chocolate flavor and fun frosting.
• Make Ahead: Bake these cookies ahead of time and store them for later; they stay fresh and tasty!
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with toppings or flavors; the possibilities are endless!
• Nostalgic Delight: These cookies capture the essence of those beloved Hostess Cupcakes we all remember fondly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to bring these Hostess Cupcake Cookies to life! You’ll find that most of them are probably already in your pantry. Here’s what you need:

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

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or whatever you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers for added texture.
• Switch Up the Flavor: Use a different cake mix flavor, like vanilla or red velvet, for a unique twist.
• Go for Extra Decadence: Drizzle caramel sauce on top along with the ganache for an extra sweet treat.
• Make It Mini: Shape smaller cookie versions for bite-sized delights that are perfect for parties.

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 helps ensure that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick!

Step 2: Mix Your 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 them to spread without touching each other while baking.

Step 3: Bake

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set but still soft in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling is essential as it helps firm up their shape.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

To create your fluffy frosting, beat the room temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, then mix until fully combined. Finally, fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside half of this delightful frosting for later use.

Step 5: Prepare Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave for about 45 seconds and let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Allow this luscious ganache to cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie. Pop them into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that frosting sets nicely—this adds an extra special touch!

Step 7: Drizzle Ganache

Once chilled, spoon cooled ganache over each cookie so they get that dreamy chocolate topping we all love! Let it set before moving forward.

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or just cut off the corner of a plastic bag), pipe reserved frosting in squiggles across each cookie’s top. This final touch makes them look just like those classic Hostess treats!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these sweet bites of nostalgia!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter and eggs to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, leading to tender cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven. You want them to be set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet.

• Let the frosting chill: Chilling your frosted cookies for a short period allows the frosting to firm up a bit, making it easier to spoon on the ganache without disturbing the frosting underneath.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of espresso powder to your chocolate ganache for an extra depth of flavor or swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate if you prefer a richer taste.

• Storage matters: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you need them to last longer, consider freezing them without frosting and adding it later!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies not only taste fantastic but also look beautiful on any dessert table. Presenting them well can elevate their appeal even further!

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Adding chocolate shavings on top of the ganache gives an elegant finish and enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
• Sprinkles: A sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or confetti sprinkles adds a festive touch, perfect for parties or celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, creating a classic dessert experience that everyone loves.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
• Chocolate Milkshake: A thick, creamy chocolate milkshake complements the flavors of the cookies and creates a nostalgic treat reminiscent of childhood sweets.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers brightness and balances the richness of the cookies beautifully.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy sharing them with friends and family—or keep them all for yourself!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time and store them, ensuring a sweet treat is always on hand when you need it.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For optimal freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

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 frozen for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

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

Yes! You can substitute any chocolate cake mix you prefer, but keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly from the original recipe.

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

To ensure your frosting is fluffy yet spreadable, make sure your butter is at room temperature. Beating it well with powdered sugar will help achieve that creamy texture.

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of traditional cake mix, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last after baking?

These cookies can last up to 5 days at room temperature if stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings back sweet memories while also creating new ones! These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not just delicious; they’re also fun to make and share with friends and family. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors or toppings. Happy baking!