Hostess Cupcake Cookies

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings back warm memories and smiles, these Hostess Cupcake Cookies are just the thing! Each bite combines rich chocolate goodness with a fluffy, dreamy frosting that mirrors the classic Hostess Cupcake we all know and love. It’s like a little hug in cookie form, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply when you need a bit of indulgence in your day.

These cookies are not only fun to make but also delightful to share. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to brighten someone’s day, these cookies will surely do the trick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Using a cake mix makes preparation a breeze. You can whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the nostalgic flavors packed into each cookie.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake them in advance and store them for later—perfect for unexpected guests or lunchbox surprises.
• Customizable Frosting: The fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting allows you to get creative with flavors and colors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about making these Hostess Cupcake Cookies is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are! You probably already have many of them on hand, making this recipe even more accessible. 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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make these cookies your own. Here are some ideas:

• Add Some Crunch: Try folding in chopped nuts or crushed cookies into the dough before baking for added texture.
• Change Up the Flavor: Swap out the Devil’s Food cake mix for a vanilla or lemon cake mix for a fresh twist.
• Decorate Differently: Use colored frosting to create fun designs on top of your cookies—perfect for parties!
• Make Them Mini: Use a mini scoop to create bite-sized versions—great for sharing!

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 right from the start!

Step 2: Mix Your 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 spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing is important; it allows room for spreading while baking.

Step 3: Bake Away!

Bake those delicious cookies for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges are set. Letting them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes helps them firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up That Frosting

In another bowl, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well combined. The key here is to fold in that luscious vegan marshmallows creme until smooth—this gives your frosting its signature fluffiness!

Step 5: Make the Ganache

For that silky chocolate ganache, pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it for about 45 seconds, then let it rest before whisking until smooth. Allow this ganache to cool slightly before using.

Step 6: Frost Those Cookies

Spread a generous layer of that dreamy vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. A quick chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes will help set that frosting perfectly.

Step 7: Top with Ganache

Spoon that cooled ganache over each chilled cookie generously. Let it set so you can enjoy every gooey bite!

Step 8: Add Final Touches

Finally, pipe your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting into cute squiggles across each cookie. It adds such an adorable touch that’s sure to impress!

And there you have it—delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies you’ll want to share with everyone around you! Enjoy every moment of baking (and eating)!

Pro Tips for Making Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making these delightful cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you follow a few simple tips to ensure perfect results every time!

• Use room temperature butter: This helps create a creamy frosting that spreads easily and has a smooth texture, making your cookies look professional.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center when you take them out to ensure they stay chewy and delicious.

• Chill the frosting: After spreading the frosting, chilling the cookies allows the frosting to set properly, giving your cookies that classic Hostess look and feel.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add crushed nuts or sprinkles on top of the ganache for an extra crunch or color; it makes your cookies even more appealing!

• Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness. This helps maintain their softness and flavor.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative ideas on how to present them beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chocolate shavings: Add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top of the ganache for an elegant touch that enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Colored sprinkles: A dash of colorful sprinkles can bring a festive vibe to your cookies, making them ideal for parties or celebrations.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies, balancing out sweetness with natural tartness.
• Vanilla ice cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful combination of warm and cold, soft and creamy textures.
• Hot cocoa: Serve these cookies alongside a warm mug of hot cocoa for an indulgent treat that will surely please chocolate lovers.
• Coffee or tea: These cookies make an excellent accompaniment to a soothing cup of coffee or tea, enhancing your snack time with warmth and comfort.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to impress family and friends with your homemade Hostess Cupcake Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for an extended freshness, which can last up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1 hour.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• For best results, freeze without frosting. Frost after thawing for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Allow frosting to soften before enjoying!

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding these delightful cookies:

How do I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?

To make Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free chocolate cake mix. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.

Can I use another type of frosting for my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! While the vegan marshmallows frosting offers that classic taste, feel free to experiment with other frostings like cream cheese or whipped coconut cream if you prefer.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, Hostess Cupcake Cookies can last up to 5 days. Refrigeration extends their shelf life up to a week.

Can I customize the toppings on my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! You can add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even fresh fruits on top of the ganache. The possibilities are endless!

Are Hostess Cupcake Cookies suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! This recipe uses vegan marshmallows and substitutes traditional butter with plant-based alternatives, making these cookies ideal for vegan diets.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Hostess Cupcake Cookies as much as I did! They embody a nostalgic treat that brings comfort and sweetness into any day. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or indulging yourself, these cookies are bound to bring smiles all around. Enjoy the process, get creative with your decorations, and remember: every cookie is made better when shared!