Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back fond memories of childhood snacks, then these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the ticket! Combining the classic flavors of a Hostess Cupcake into soft, frosted cookies, they are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dessert or sharing them at family gatherings, these cookies will surely put a smile on everyone’s face.

What makes this recipe truly special is how simple it is to create something so delicious and nostalgic. You’ll love the rich chocolate base topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and smooth chocolate ganache. The best part? They’re as fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a simple cake mix as the base, these cookies come together in no time.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves cookies, especially when they taste like a beloved snack!
• Make Ahead: You can bake these cookies in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a unique twist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies. You’ll find that most of these items are probably already in your kitchen!

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 you to get creative in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Flavor Twist: Substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a vanilla or red velvet mix for a different flavor profile.
• Sprinkle Some Fun: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles or crushed candies for an added festive touch.
• Mix-In Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for double chocolate goodness.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

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. Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing helps them spread without sticking together.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake your cookies for about 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Keep an eye on them; you want them soft yet firm enough to hold their shape! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another large bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while continuing to beat until fully combined. Fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth—this creates that fluffy texture we all love!

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

To make your ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds and let it rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth. Allow it to cool slightly; this will help it set nicely on top of your cookies.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. For best results, chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes; this helps set the frosting beautifully.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie. Let it set completely before moving on—trust me; this step is worth it!

Step 8: Pipe on That Squiggle

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved frosting in that iconic squiggle pattern across each cookie. It adds that perfect finishing touch and brings back all those nostalgic vibes!

And there you have it! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies—they’re sure to be your new favorite treat!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Creating the perfect batch of Hostess Cupcake Cookies can be a delightful experience, and a few tips can elevate your baking game!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps create a smoother dough and better texture in the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly.

• Don’t Overmix – When combining the frosting ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a less fluffy frosting, which won’t have that light and airy texture we love in Hostess treats.

• Chill the Dough – If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies with a chewy center.

• Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to get creative! Adding sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal of your cookies.

• Store Properly – To keep your cookies fresh longer, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them for more than a few days, consider freezing them for up to two months. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy afternoon treat, presenting them well can make all the difference!

Garnishes

• Chocolate Shavings – A sprinkle of chocolate shavings adds an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Colored Sprinkles – Adding colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache gives your cookies a fun and festive look, perfect for celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate cookies beautifully, creating a delightful contrast.
• Fresh Berries – A side of mixed fresh berries adds a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
• Coffee or Tea – Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea enhances their flavors and makes for a cozy treat time.
• Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides a healthy contrast to these indulgent cookies while adding brightness to your dessert table.

Enjoy crafting these delectable Hostess Cupcake Cookies and sharing them with friends and family! They’re sure to bring smiles and nostalgic memories with every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep and can easily be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy them whenever the craving strikes. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with any chocolate or vanilla cake mix of your choice. Just remember that it may change the flavor profile slightly.

How do I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

To make these cookies vegan, simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg). The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based!

Can I use a different type of frosting on my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! Feel free to get creative with your frosting. Cream cheese frosting or buttercream would also be delightful options if you’re looking for something different.

How long does it take to make Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick dessert option!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They’re not just nostalgic treats; they’re also a fun way to bring people together over something sweet. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy baking!