Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chocolatey cookie topped with fluffy frosting and rich ganache. They are not only delicious but also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering. Everyone will love the nostalgic flavors of these cookies!

These delightful treats are easy to make and can even be prepared ahead of time. You’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to prepare: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have these cookies ready in no time.
• Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights at home with loved ones.
• Decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate cookie, marshmallow frosting, and ganache is simply irresistible.
• Kid-friendly: These cookies will delight kids and adults alike, making them a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for these Hostess Cupcake Cookies is a breeze! You likely have many of these simple and wholesome items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll 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

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add sprinkles: Top your cookies with colorful sprinkles before serving for an extra festive touch.
• Mix in nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for a delightful crunch.
• Try different frosting flavors: Experiment with different flavored frosting like peanut butter or vanilla to change things up!
• Make mini versions: Use a smaller scoop to create bite-sized cookies that are perfect for snacking.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This ensures that your cookies 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. This mixture will give your cookies that rich chocolate flavor we all love! Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto lined cookie sheets about 2 inches apart. This spacing helps them bake evenly without sticking together.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes until their edges are set. They might look slightly underbaked when you take them out—that’s okay! Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up while keeping them soft in the center.

Step 4: Make Your Frosting

While your cookies cool, beat the room temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is combined and smooth. Finally, fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until it’s beautifully fluffy. Set aside half of this frosting for later; you’ll use it for that iconic squiggle on top!

Step 5: Prepare Your Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips. Microwave it for about 45 seconds then let it rest for another minute before whisking until smooth. Allow this ganache to cool for about 10 minutes—it’ll thicken up nicely!

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, spread on a generous layer of that delicious vegan marshmallows frosting! Pop them into the refrigerator for about 10 minutes—this helps set the frosting perfectly.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Now comes the fun part! Spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie. Let it set before moving on to decorating.

Step 8: Pipe the Final Touch

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in that classic squiggle pattern across each cookie. It adds such a nostalgic flair!

And there you have it—your very own batch of Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every last bite of these delightful treats with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your butter and eggs to reach room temperature helps create a smoother batter and results in cookies that are soft and chewy.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center for that perfect chewy texture; they’ll continue to set as they cool.

• Chill the frosting: Chilling the vegan marshmallow frosting before piping not only makes it easier to work with, but it also ensures clean, defined squiggles on your cookies.

• Microwave ganache carefully: When melting chocolate chips with cream, do so in short bursts of 15 seconds to avoid overheating. This will help you achieve a luscious, smooth ganache without burning the chocolate.

• Customize your toppings: Feel free to add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for an extra touch of color and texture—this is your creation, so make it uniquely yours!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Presentation can elevate any dessert, and these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are no exception! Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with family, here are some fun ways to present these sweet treats.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top of the ganache adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall chocolate flavor.

• Colorful sprinkles: Adding colorful sprinkles not only makes the cookies visually appealing but also brings a fun element that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these cookies, balancing their richness with a cool, sweet flavor.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the indulgent cookies and adds a burst of color on your plate.

• Coffee or tea: Serving these cookies alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea creates a perfect pairing for an afternoon treat or dessert after dinner.

These serving suggestions will surely impress your guests and make your Hostess Cupcake Cookies the star of any occasion! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for longer freshness, where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Layer cookies between parchment paper in an airtight freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy!

Reheating

• If you’d like to enjoy your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe. Just combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg, or use 1/4 cup of applesauce per egg.

How should I decorate my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

For decoration, use the reserved vegan marshmallows frosting to create the classic squiggle design on top of each cookie after adding the chocolate ganache.

How do I store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

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

Can I freeze Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just ensure they are completely cooled and stored properly in a freezer-safe container.

What is the best way to thaw frozen Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

The best way to thaw frozen cookies is to let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. This will keep them soft and delicious!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re just as excited as I am about these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They blend nostalgia with deliciousness and make any day feel special. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with friends and family—it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!