Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the ticket! They capture all the classic flavors of the beloved snack cake, transforming them into soft and chewy cookies that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a busy weeknight dessert or making a batch for a family gathering, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make!

Baking these cookies is not only fun but also incredibly satisfying. You get to enjoy warm chocolatey goodness topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and rich chocolate ganache. It’s a sweet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious cookies ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults alike—perfect for any age!
• Make Ahead: Bake them in advance and store them for later; they taste amazing even after a couple of days.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or flavors to make these cookies your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

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 mix things up to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Swap the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different twist on flavor.
• Try Different Frosting: Experiment with other frosting options like peanut butter or coconut cream.
• Incorporate Sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles for an extra festive touch!

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 turn out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until you form a soft dough. Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives each cookie room to spread while baking!

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until the edges are set. This short baking time keeps them soft and chewy—just how we want them! After baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

For an irresistible frosting, beat the room-temperature butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until fully combined. Fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Set aside some frosting (about 1/2 cup) for decorating later.

Step 5: Make the Ganache

To make your decadent ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it briefly then let it rest before whisking until smooth. Let it cool down so it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of your vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Then chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes—this helps set the frosting beautifully.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Once chilled, spoon your cooled chocolate ganache over each cookie. Allow it to set before moving on.

Step 8: Pipe on the Squiggle

Finally, using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe that reserved vegan marshmallows frosting into a charming squiggle on top of each cookie. And there you have it—delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies ready to be devoured!

Enjoy every last bite of these nostalgic treats!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Baking is always a joyful adventure, and with these tips, you can make your Hostess Cupcake Cookies even more delightful!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Using precise measurements ensures the right texture and flavor balance. Baking is a science, so a little extra or less can change the outcome!

• Chill your dough: If you find your dough is too sticky to scoop, chilling it for 30 minutes can help. This makes it easier to handle and results in thicker cookies that hold their shape better.

• Use room temperature butter: Softened butter mixes better into the batter, resulting in cookies that are fluffy and have a light texture. It also helps incorporate air into the dough for that perfect rise!

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should still look slightly underbaked when you take them out; they will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of espresso powder to your cookie mix or some chopped nuts for added texture. Small tweaks can create new tastes that might surprise you!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Serving these cookies is just as fun as baking them! Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, here are some ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate over the frosted cookies for an elegant touch and an extra chocolatey flavor.
• Sprinkles: Adding colorful sprinkles not only enhances their visual appeal but also adds a fun crunch and festive element.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies perfectly, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Their tartness balances out the flavors beautifully.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs wonderfully with these cookies, making for an ideal afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad brings freshness to your plate and offers a healthy balance alongside these indulgent cookies.

Enjoy making and sharing your Hostess Cupcake Cookies with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes. You can bake them ahead of time and store or freeze them for later enjoyment!

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay good for about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and enjoy within 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature and microwave each one for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Hostess Cupcake Cookies that may help you!

Can I use any cake mix for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! While this recipe uses Devil’s Food cake mix, you can experiment with other chocolate or even vanilla cake mixes for different flavors.

What makes these Hostess Cupcake Cookies special?

These cookies combine nostalgic flavors with a fun twist—rich chocolate base topped with fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting and smooth chocolate ganache, all finished with that iconic squiggle!

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to create gluten-free Hostess Cupcake Cookies that everyone can enjoy!

Can I replace the vegan marshmallows creme?

Absolutely! If you can’t find vegan marshmallows creme, you could use whipped coconut cream or any other plant-based frosting as an alternative.

How long does it take to make Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

The total time from prep to finish is approximately 35 minutes, making these cookies quick and easy to whip up!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to dive into making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They’re not only simple but also bring back fond memories of childhood treats. Whether it’s for a party or just a cozy night in, I’m sure these will be a hit. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!