Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With their rich chocolate base and fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting, they provide the nostalgic taste of Hostess Cupcakes in cookie form. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies will impress everyone. Topped with smooth chocolate ganache and the iconic white squiggle, they are as fun to make as they are to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together quickly using a boxed cake mix, making them perfect for last-minute baking.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and ganache creates an indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Great for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers, these cookies are sure to please guests of all ages.
• Vegan-Friendly: Made with vegan marshmallow creme and butter alternatives, they cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
• Nostalgic Appeal: The familiar flavors reminiscent of childhood favorites make them a hit for those looking to relive sweet memories.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience is seamless and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools and equipment before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium cookie scoop
• Whisk
• Piping bag with small round tip
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Cookie sheets: These provide an even baking surface for your cookies, ensuring they bake uniformly.
• Parchment paper: Lining your sheets prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Piping bag: This tool helps you create that iconic squiggle on the cookies with ease.

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Ingredients

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies combine the classic flavors of a Hostess Cupcake into a soft, frosted cookie. With a rich chocolate base, fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting, and smooth chocolate ganache, they’re topped off with the iconic white squiggle for a nostalgic touch.

For the Cookie Base

• 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 Topping

• 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 prepare for baking.

Step 2: Mix Cookie Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil.
2. Mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Using a medium scoop, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set. Allow cooling on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a large bowl:
1. Beat the room-temperature butter until creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until combined.
3. Fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth.
4. Reserve 1/2 cup of frosting for piping later.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl:
1. Pour heavy cream over chocolate chips.
2. Microwave for 45 seconds; let rest for 1 minute.
3. Whisk until smooth and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Spread a generous layer of your marshmallow frosting on each cooled cookie. Chill in the refrigerator for around 10 minutes to help set.

Step 7: Apply Ganache Topping

Spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie. Allow it to set before proceeding.

Step 8: Pipe Final Touches

Using your piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe reserved frosting in a squiggle pattern across each cookie top. Enjoy these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

For a Sweet Treat

• Coffee Pairing: Serve with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a classic combination that enhances the chocolate flavors.
• Milk & Cookies: Pair with a glass of cold almond or oat milk for that nostalgic milk-and-cookie experience.

At Parties

• Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter alongside fresh fruits and other treats to create an inviting dessert table.
• Cookie Bar: Set up a cookie bar with toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or extra chocolate chips for guests to customize their cookies.

Family Gatherings

• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite non-dairy ice cream for a fun twist.
• Picnic Treats: Pack these cookies in a picnic basket for an easy and delicious dessert option outdoors.

How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies

To ensure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies while they bake; they should be soft and slightly underbaked when removed from the oven.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother frosting.
• Customize Frosting Texture: Adjust the consistency of your frosting by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or a splash of plant-based milk for creaminess.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Complement your Hostess Cupcake Cookies with these delightful side dishes. They enhance the overall dessert experience and satisfy various tastes.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vegan Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy vegan whipped cream makes an excellent topping or dip alongside the cookies.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats bring an elegant touch and pair beautifully with chocolate flavors.
4. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons provide a contrasting texture and add tropical flair to your dessert spread.
5. Nut Butter Platter: Offer almond or cashew butter as a dipping option for those who enjoy creamy spreads with their sweets.
6. Mini Cheesecakes: Individual mini cheesecakes provide variety and can be made vegan-friendly using cashews or coconut cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Hostess Cupcake Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately. Too much or too little can affect the texture and taste of your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Don’t skip chilling the cookies after frosting. This helps set the frosting and ganache for a perfect finish.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven. Baking at the right temperature ensures even cooking and prevents underbaked cookies.
• Not allowing cookies to cool properly: Letting your cookies cool completely before adding frosting is crucial. Warm cookies can melt your frosting.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

How do you make Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

You can use vegan marshmallows cream as directed in the recipe. The other ingredients are already suitable for a vegan diet.

Can I customize my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or different flavored extracts for variety.

What’s the best way to store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I use gluten-free cake mix for these cookies?

Yes! Substitute with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the same instructions for delicious gluten-free Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Their nostalgic flavors make them perfect for any occasion. Customize them with your favorite toppings or fillings, and enjoy this delightful treat with friends and family!