Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories. With their rich chocolate base, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and smooth ganache, they’re perfect for any gathering or occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cookies will surely impress your guests with their nostalgic flavors and gorgeous appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, anyone can whip up these delicious cookies.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate cake mix, creamy frosting, and rich ganache offers an irresistible taste experience.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect as a dessert for various occasions such as parties, picnics, or cozy nights at home.
• Nostalgic Appeal: These cookies capture the essence of classic Hostess cupcakes in a fun new format.
• Vegan-Friendly Options: With vegan marshmallows and easy substitutions, this recipe can cater to different dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Hostess Cupcake Cookies, gather essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Medium scoop
• Electric mixer
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Piping bag with small round tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is vital for combining ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Electric Mixer: This tool makes it easy to achieve a creamy texture for both the frosting and batter quickly.
• Piping Bag: Using a piping bag allows for precise decoration of the iconic squiggle on top of each cookie.

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 to prevent sticking.

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. Use a medium scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

In another large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; beat until well combined. Fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of frosting for decoration.

Step 5: Prepare the Ganache

Pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds and let it rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes so that frosting sets properly.

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

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

Step 8: Pipe the Squiggle

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

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Serving Hostess Cupcake Cookies is a delightful experience, perfect for any occasion. These cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor and adds creaminess to each bite.

At a Birthday Party

• These cookies can be a fun addition to any birthday celebration, especially with their nostalgic look reminiscent of childhood treats.

As a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruits, nuts, or other sweet treats for a colorful spread that impresses guests.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying these cookies with a cup of coffee or tea provides a comforting balance of flavors, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies

To ensure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies are as delicious as possible, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing butter and eggs to room temperature helps create a smoother dough, resulting in better texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the Dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill for 30 minutes before baking can help them maintain shape and improve flavor.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; slight differences in oven temperatures can affect how quickly they cook.

Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Pair your Hostess Cupcake Cookies with some delightful side dishes to enhance your dessert experience. Here’s a selection of tasty options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream
   The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors in the cookies beautifully.

3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   Offer an elegant touch by serving chocolate-dipped strawberries alongside for an indulgent treat.

4. Nutty Trail Mix
   A crunchy mix of nuts and dried fruits provides a satisfying contrast to the soft textures of the cookies.

5. Whipped Coconut Cream
   Light and fluffy coconut cream makes for a delicious dip that enhances the flavors without overpowering them.

6. Mocha Coffee Cake
   A slice of mocha coffee cake brings together rich chocolate and coffee flavors, making it a great companion for dessert lovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hostess Cupcake Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing cookies to cool on the baking sheet is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to mushy cookies that fall apart.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements ensure the right texture and taste. Use dry measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a soft, chewy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Each oven can vary. Always preheat your oven and check with an oven thermometer if needed for accurate baking.
• Underestimating chilling time: Chilling the frosted cookies helps set the frosting. Don’t rush this step for best results.

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

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes. This restores their softness.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. This keeps them moist.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1 minute, covered. This warms them gently without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Hostess Cupcake Cookies are delightful treats that mimic the classic Hostess cupcake flavors in cookie form, featuring chocolate, marshmallow frosting, and ganache.

Can I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies vegan?

Yes! The recipe uses vegan marshmallows crème and can easily be adapted by using plant-based butter alternatives.

How do I store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

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

Can I freeze Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze well when stored properly in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Final Thoughts

Hostess Cupcake Cookies offer a nostalgic taste wrapped in a soft cookie form. Their rich chocolate flavor paired with fluffy frosting makes them perfect for any dessert table or special occasion. Feel free to customize these cookies by experimenting with different toppings or fillings!