Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back childhood memories, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just what you need! They combine the nostalgic flavors of classic Hostess Cupcakes into a delightful cookie form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these cookies will make everyone smile. And let me tell you, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported back to simpler times.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up a batch. You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these delicious cookies. With rich chocolate, fluffy frosting, and that iconic squiggle on top, they are sure to impress your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the taste of chocolate, making these cookies a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake them in advance for parties or potlucks; they stay fresh and tasty!
• Deliciously Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors or toppings to suit your preferences.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of Hostess Cupcakes in an easy-to-eat cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies use simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we 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 quite flexible, allowing you to customize it to your liking! Here are some fun variations to consider:

• Add Some Crunch: Mix in chopped nuts or crushed cookies for added texture.
• Try Different Flavors: Use yellow cake mix instead of Devil’s Food for a lighter taste.
• Swap the Frosting: Experiment with different frostings like peanut butter or cream cheese for a twist.
• Decorate with Sprinkles: Add colorful sprinkles on top of the ganache for a festive touch!

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Make 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 the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing is crucial for even baking!

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling helps them firm up so they hold their shape nicely.

Step 4: Prepare the Frosting

To make the frosting, beat the room-temperature butter in a large bowl until creamy. Add in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fully combined, then fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Setting aside some frosting for later will give you that signature squiggle on top!

Step 5: Create the Ganache

Pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds, then let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Letting it cool slightly makes it easier to drizzle over your cookies.

Step 6: Frost Your Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Chill them in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes; this helps set the frosting perfectly so it doesn’t melt into your ganache.

Step 7: Drizzle with Ganache

Spoon cooled ganache over each chilled cookie. Allow it to set before moving forward; this will give that beautiful glossy finish we all love.

Step 8: Pipe on The Squiggle

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in a squiggle pattern across each cookie. This final touch not only looks adorable but adds that classic Hostess touch!

Enjoy every bite of these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Whether it’s an afternoon snack or dessert at dinner, they’re sure to bring joy all around!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is fun and rewarding, and with a few simple tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter, leading to a better texture in your cookies.

• Don’t overbake: Keeping an eye on your cookies while they bake will prevent them from becoming dry. They should be soft in the middle and slightly firm around the edges when you pull them out of the oven.

• Chill before frosting: Chilling your cookies after baking allows the frosting to adhere better and set nicely, giving you that perfect finish.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! You can add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top of the ganache for added texture and visual appeal.

• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last for several days without losing their deliciousness!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are sure to impress at any gathering! Whether it’s a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in, here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some finely shaved chocolate on top of the ganache for an elegant touch that enhances the chocolate flavor.

• Colorful sprinkles: Add a pop of color with rainbow or themed sprinkles that match your occasion, making them visually appealing and festive.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit platter: A selection of seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cookies.

• Vegan ice cream: Pair these cookies with your favorite vegan ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that’s both creamy and satisfying.

• Coffee or tea: Serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea. The warmth will complement the chocolatey goodness of the cookies while providing a comforting beverage option.

With these serving suggestions, your Hostess Cupcake Cookies will not only taste amazing but also look fantastic on any dessert table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time, store them, and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to keep your cookies fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you want your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 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 for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

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

Absolutely! While Devil’s Food cake mix is perfect for that rich chocolate flavor, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate fudge or even vanilla if you’re feeling adventurous.

How do I make my Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

You can easily make these cookies vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and using plant-based butter instead of regular butter.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these delicious cookies will last up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week!

Can I decorate my Hostess Cupcake Cookies differently?

Definitely! While the iconic squiggle is a classic touch, feel free to get creative with decorations such as sprinkles or different frosting designs that suit your taste!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies! They bring back so many wonderful memories while offering a fun twist on a beloved treat. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, I know they’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!