Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a delightful treat that capture the classic flavors of your favorite snack cake in a soft, frosted cookie. Perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these cookies offer a rich chocolate base topped with fluffy vegan marshmallows frosting and silky chocolate ganache. The finishing touch is the iconic white squiggle that adds nostalgia and charm to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies using a cake mix.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake and marshmallow frosting creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual gathering, these cookies will impress everyone.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: Using vegan marshmallows makes this recipe suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Customizable Topping: Feel free to get creative with the squiggle design on top!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Hostess Cupcake Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Piping bag

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients, making your frosting light and fluffy.
• Piping bag: Allows for precise decoration of the cookies with the iconic squiggle.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies, gather 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
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)

For the Frosting

• 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 for easy cleanup.

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.

1. Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
2. Space each cookie about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set.

1. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
2. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.

1. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; blend until fully combined.
2. Fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth.
3. Set aside 1/2 cup of frosting for decoration.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

Pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl.

1. Microwave for 45 seconds.
2. Let it rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth.
3. Allow ganache to cool for about 10 minutes before using.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Spread a generous layer of frosting on each cooled cookie.

1. Chill cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to set frosting.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie.

1. Allow ganache to set before proceeding.

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. Enjoy your delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or just indulging yourself, there are many ways to serve these sweet treats.

For Birthdays

• Celebrate with a platter of cookies decorated with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in clear bags tied with ribbons to give away as party favors that guests will love.

At a Bake Sale

• Present the cookies on an attractive stand at bake sales; they’ll attract attention and sell out quickly!

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea for an enjoyable afternoon treat.

How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies

To make sure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider the following tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Ensure all ingredients, especially baking powder and flour, are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to prevent tough cookies; overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Chill the Dough – After mixing, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape.
• Monitor Baking Time – Keep an eye on your cookies in the oven. They should be soft in the center when you take them out.
• Use Parchment Paper – Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
• Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to get creative with toppings like nuts or additional chocolate chips for varied flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies

When serving Hostess Cupcake Cookies, some side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to sweet flavors.
3. Chocolate Fondue – Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cookie pieces.
4. Nut Mix – A combination of roasted nuts adds crunch and complements the soft texture of the cookies.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a deliciously creamy side that pairs well with sweets.
6. Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini versions of cupcakes that match the flavor profile of your Hostess Cupcake Cookies for variety.
7. Coffee Cake – A slice of rich coffee cake adds warmth and pairs nicely with coffee during gatherings.
8. Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Create a DIY sundae bar where guests can top their ice cream with cookie crumbles!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hostess Cupcake Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your cookies turn out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature to achieve a creamy texture in your frosting. Cold butter won’t blend well and can lead to a lumpy frosting.

• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined when preparing the cookie dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft, chewy ones.

• Skipping the chilling step: Don’t skip chilling the cookies after frosting them. This helps the ganache set properly and keeps your cookies neat and delicious.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring techniques for both dry and wet ingredients. Incorrect measurements can alter the texture and flavor of your cookies significantly.

• Ignoring oven calibration: Every oven varies slightly in temperature. Always check that your oven is correctly calibrated to ensure even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Layer them with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure they are completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

What are Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Hostess Cupcake Cookies are soft, chocolatey cookies inspired by the classic Hostess snack cake, featuring marshmallow frosting and chocolate ganache.

Can I customize the frosting?

Yes! You can add flavors like mint or almond extract to the frosting or use different types of chocolate chips for variety.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

Stored in an airtight container, they last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free version to create delicious gluten-free Hostess Cupcake Cookies.

Final Thoughts

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize them with different frosting flavors or toppings. So why not give this recipe a try? Your friends and family will love these nostalgic treats!