Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat, perfect for any occasion. With their soft chocolate texture, fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting, and rich chocolate ganache, these cookies bring nostalgia and joy to the table. Ideal for parties, bake sales, or just a sweet indulgence at home, they are sure to impress friends and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Using a cake mix simplifies the preparation process while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Decadent Flavor – The combination of chocolate cookie, creamy frosting, and velvety ganache creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Versatile Treat – Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply as a sweet snack that satisfies cravings.
• Vegan-Friendly Frosting – The use of vegan marshmallows ensures everyone can enjoy this treat without compromising on taste.
• Nostalgic Presentation – The classic squiggle on top brings back fond memories of the original Hostess Cupcake.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Piping bag with small round tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl – Provides ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer – Saves time and effort when beating butter and mixing frosting until creamy.
• Parchment paper – Prevents cookies from sticking to baking sheets, making cleanup easier.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

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

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. Using a medium scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. After baking, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of frosting for decorating later.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave for about 45 seconds. Let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Allow ganache to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Spread a generous layer of marshmallow frosting on each cooled cookie. Place cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let frosting set slightly.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Ganache

Spoon cooled chocolate ganache generously over each chilled cookie. Let it set before proceeding with decoration.

Step 8: Decorate with Squiggles

Using a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved frosting in a squiggle pattern across each cookie’s top for that nostalgic touch. Enjoy your Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Hostess Cupcake Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk for a classic combination. The richness of the chocolate and sweetness of the frosting contrast beautifully with the creamy milk.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange Hostess Cupcake Cookies on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruits like strawberries and blueberries. This adds color and freshness to your presentation.

For Celebratory Occasions

• Serve these cookies at birthday parties or holiday gatherings. Their nostalgic flavors make them an instant hit among guests of all ages.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The warmth enhances the chocolate flavors while providing a comforting balance.

In Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Create delicious ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two Hostess Cupcake Cookies. This makes for an indulgent treat!

How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Making the perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies is about attention to detail and enjoying the process. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your butter and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother dough and better texture.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be soft in the center when you take them out, as they will continue to firm up while cooling.

• Chill the Frosting: Allowing your frosting to chill slightly before spreading it on the cookies helps it hold its shape better and makes application easier.

• Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the ganache. This enhances the flavor and richness of your finished cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies

While Hostess Cupcake Cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create an impressive dessert spread. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream complements the chocolate flavors perfectly, creating a delightful contrast.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These decadent treats pair well with the cookies and add an elegant touch to any dessert table.
4. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be served alongside for dipping, adding extra creaminess.
5. Chocolate Mousse: A small serving of rich chocolate mousse enhances the chocolate experience without overwhelming it.
6. Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of nutty granola provides crunch and texture, making each bite interesting.
7. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cookies for an extra layer of sweetness that works wonderfully with chocolate.
8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast that balances out the richness of the cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hostess Cupcake Cookies, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s what to watch out for.

• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool properly is crucial. If you skip this step, the frosting may melt and not set correctly.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision in measuring your cake mix and other components can lead to inconsistent texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter cookie.
• Using cold butter: Room temperature butter is necessary for creamy frosting. If your butter is too cold, it won’t blend well with the sugar and other ingredients.
• Ignoring ganache cooling time: Letting the ganache cool before pouring it over cookies ensures it sets properly without melting your frosting.
• Forgetting the squiggle: The iconic white squiggle adds nostalgia and appeal. Remember to reserve some frosting for this finishing touch!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers of cookies separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! You can substitute with chocolate or vanilla cake mixes based on your preference.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free cake mix instead of regular cake mix while keeping other ingredients unchanged.

What if I can’t find vegan marshmallow creme?

You can make your own using aquafaba (chickpea water) or look for similar alternatives at local stores.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

They last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Can I customize my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, sprinkles, or even swap chocolate chips for other types of chips like white or dark chocolate.

Final Thoughts

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings or flavors. Whether you enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or share them at a gathering, they’re sure to delight everyone. Give this recipe a try and enjoy these delightful cookies!