Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve come to the right place! These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a heartwarming twist on the classic snack cake we all know and love. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft cookie filled with a rich chocolate flavor, fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache—pure bliss! Whether it’s a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet addition to family gatherings, these cookies are sure to impress everyone.

The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious treats; they come together quickly with simple ingredients. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep time, these cookies are perfect for when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these cookies! The fun flavors and cute squiggle on top make them irresistible for little ones (and big ones too!).
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container. They taste just as good even after a day or two!
• Endless Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and ganache creates an explosion of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add your favorite sprinkles or use different chocolate varieties for the ganache.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies. You probably have most of them in your pantry already!

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, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures! Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Swap Chocolate Types: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch.
• Change Up the Base: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a different cake mix like yellow or red velvet.
• Make It Minty: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting for a refreshing twist!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect soft texture we all crave.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until you have a soft dough. Using a medium scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This step is crucial because it prevents them from merging into one giant cookie!

Step 3: Bake Them Up

Bake your cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps maintain their soft texture while making frosting easier later on.

Step 4: Whip Up the Frosting

In another bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while mixing until everything is well combined. Finally, fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside half of this fluffy goodness for decorating later!

Step 5: Make the Ganache

For the ganache, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds, then let it rest before whisking until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly; this will make drizzling much easier.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of frosting on each one. Pop them in the fridge for about 10 minutes so that frosting sets nicely.

Step 7: Drizzle That Ganache

Now it’s time to spoon that luscious ganache over each chilled cookie! Let it set fully before moving on to decoration.

Step 8: Add The Iconic Squiggle

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip (or just a zip-top bag with one corner snipped), pipe the reserved vegan marshmallows frosting into delightful squiggles across each cookie. This final touch makes all the difference!

Enjoy these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies with friends and family—they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making cookies can be a breeze with the right techniques, so here are some tips to ensure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing the butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps create a smooth dough and better texture in your cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re in the oven. They should have set edges while remaining soft in the center; this will give you a chewy, delightful cookie.

• Chill your frosting: After spreading the vegan marshmallows frosting, chilling the cookies helps it firm up. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect ganache layer.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings! Add sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and visual appeal.

• Make ahead and freeze: These cookies can be frozen after baking. Just store them in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw and frost them as desired!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These scrumptious Hostess Cupcake Cookies not only taste incredible but also look delightful on any dessert table. Here are some fun ideas for presenting them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for an elegant touch that enhances both flavor and presentation.
• Mini marshmallows: Add a few mini vegan marshmallows on top of each cookie for a fun, nostalgic look that echoes their cupcake inspiration.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or espresso: The rich flavors of coffee or espresso make a perfect pairing with these sweet cookies, balancing their sweetness with a robust taste.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements these cookies wonderfully, creating a delightful contrast between warm and cold.
• Fresh berries: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of the cookies.
• Almond milk: For those looking for a non-dairy beverage option, chilled almond milk pairs nicely with these cookies, providing a light and nutty complement.

Now that you have all the tips and serving ideas, it’s time to get baking! Enjoy these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies with friends and family—there’s nothing quite like sharing sweet treats together!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat whenever the craving strikes. They store well, making them an excellent option for parties or just to have on hand!

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, consider refrigerating them.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Have questions about these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies? Here are some common queries!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute any chocolate cake mix you prefer, but make sure it is similar in texture for best results.

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

To get the right consistency, beat your butter until creamy before adding powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash of non-dairy milk or water until you reach your desired texture.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will last up to 5 days. If refrigerated, they may last even longer!

Are these Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

Yes! With the use of vegan marshmallows and non-dairy ingredients, these cookies cater to vegans while still delivering that classic taste we all love.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I do! They’re a nostalgic treat that brings back sweet memories while being easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction. Happy baking!