Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! They capture all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite childhood snack in a soft and chewy cookie format. The rich chocolate base is complemented by fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and smooth chocolate ganache, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these cookies are perfect to whip up and share with loved ones.

I love making these cookies because they are so easy and always a hit! You can bake them for birthday parties, after-school snacks, or even just as a little treat for yourself. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these nostalgic flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for a sweet surprise later.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow is irresistible!
• Fun to Decorate: Engage your creative side by piping the iconic squiggle on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Hostess Cupcake Cookies is straightforward. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store—simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully!

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 its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own.

• Try Different Cake Mixes: Swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for other flavors like red velvet or vanilla for a unique twist.
• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crushed candy bars into the dough for extra texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs while still enjoying delicious cookies.
• Change Up the Frosting: Try different types of frosting—like peanut butter or cream cheese—for an exciting flavor change.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures even baking of your cookies. Also, don’t forget to line two cookie sheets with parchment paper; it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier!

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. This dough will be rich and chocolatey! Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.

Step 3: Bake Your Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Make sure not to overbake—they should still be soft in the middle! Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While those cookies cool down, let’s make our fluffy frosting! In another bowl, beat your room-temperature butter until creamy. Then add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until everything is well combined and smooth. Finally, fold in the vegan marshmallows creme—it’s this ingredient that makes our frosting so fluffy!

Step 5: Prepare Your Ganache

To make that delicious 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. This step adds that decadent layer we all love!

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of that delightful vegan marshmallows frosting over each cooled cookie. To let it set properly, chill your frosted cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Once chilled, spoon that luscious ganache over each cookie! Allow it to set before moving on to decorating.

Step 8: Pipe on the Squiggle

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting over each cookie in an adorable squiggle pattern. It’s what makes these cookies instantly recognizable!

Now you’re ready to enjoy some scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They are sure to bring joy whether you’re sharing them or indulging solo!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Baking these delightful cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Measure ingredients accurately – Using precise measurements helps maintain the right texture and flavor of your cookies, preventing them from becoming too dry or too gooey.

• Don’t skip chilling the frosting – Chilling the cookies after spreading on the frosting allows it to set properly, ensuring that each bite has that perfect marshmallow creaminess without it melting into the ganache.

• Use quality chocolate chips – Opting for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips enhances the flavor of your ganache and overall cookie experience, making each bite more indulgent.

• Experiment with flavors – Feel free to add a pinch of espresso powder or a dash of peppermint extract to the frosting for an unexpected twist on classic flavors; it can really elevate your cookies!

• Store properly – To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This maintains their soft texture and prevents them from drying out.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting them well can make your dessert table shine. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Shaved chocolate or cocoa powder – A light dusting of shaved chocolate or cocoa powder can add an elegant touch and enhance the chocolaty goodness.

• Sprinkles – Colorful sprinkles can bring a fun, festive vibe to your cookies, making them perfect for parties or celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with these cookies, balancing their richness with its smooth texture.

• Fresh Berries – Serving a side of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a refreshing contrast that complements the sweetness of the cookies.

• Whipped Coconut Cream – For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a luscious topping that matches beautifully with the chocolate flavors.

• Coffee or Tea – Offering a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside these cookies rounds out the experience beautifully and makes for a cozy treat time.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Hostess Cupcake Cookies in style!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or a special snack throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• To freeze, individually wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To enjoy your cookies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for an egg-free version.

How do I store my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store your Hostess Cupcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

What can I use instead of chocolate ganache?

If you’re looking for an alternative to chocolate ganache, try using a simple chocolate frosting made from powdered sugar and cocoa powder mixed with non-dairy milk until smooth!

Can I use different cake mixes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other flavors of cake mix, such as vanilla or red velvet, to create your own unique version of Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They bring back fond memories while being an easy and fun treat to prepare. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them all by yourself, each bite is sure to bring a smile. Enjoy baking and let these cookies inspire sweet moments in your kitchen!