These Hostess Cupcake Cookies combine the classic flavors of a Hostess Cupcake into a soft, frosted cookie. Perfect for birthday parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, these cookies are rich in chocolate, topped with vegan marshmallows frosting, and finished with a silky chocolate ganache. The iconic white squiggle adds that nostalgic touch everyone loves!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies without any complicated techniques.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The Devil’s Food cake mix provides a sumptuous chocolate base that is sure to delight chocolate lovers.
- Versatile Treat: These cookies are perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.
- Vegan-Friendly Frosting: Using vegan marshmallows creme ensures that everyone can enjoy these delightful cookies!
- Nostalgic Touch: The white squiggle on top brings back memories of childhood treats that everyone will recognize.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delectable Hostess Cupcake Cookies, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Piping bag with round tip
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: An electric mixer speeds up the process of creaming butter and mixing ingredients evenly, ensuring a smooth frosting consistency.
- Piping bag: A piping bag allows for precision when decorating the cookies with the vegan marshmallows frosting squiggle, adding an appealing finish.
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 Dough
In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil. Mix until a soft dough forms. Using a medium scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set. 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 using an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully combined then fold in vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of frosting for later use.
Step 5: Prepare the Ganache
Pour heavy cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds; let it rest for one minute before whisking until smooth. Allow ganache to cool for around 10 minutes before using.
Step 6: Frost the Cookies
Spread a generous layer of vegan marshmallows frosting on each cooled cookie. Place cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to help set the frosting.
Step 7: Add Chocolate Ganache
Spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each chilled cookie evenly. Let it set before moving on to decoration.
Step 8: Pipe White Squiggles
Using your reserved vegan marshmallows frosting in a piping bag fitted with a small round tip, pipe squiggles across each cookie as desired. Enjoy these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies!
How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Serving Hostess Cupcake Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. These delightful cookies are not only tasty but also versatile in presentation. Here are some fun ways to serve them.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla bean ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate flavor of the cookies.
- Mint Chocolate Chip: This refreshing flavor adds a cool contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
As Party Favors
- Individually Wrapped: Wrap each cookie in clear cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a charming party favor.
- Decorative Boxes: Place several cookies in decorative boxes for an elegant touch at gatherings.
On a Dessert Platter
- Assorted Treats: Combine Hostess Cupcake Cookies with brownies, cupcakes, and fruit for a colorful dessert platter.
- Themed Displays: Match the cookies with themed decorations for holidays or special occasions.
With Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea offers a refreshing balance to these rich treats.
How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies
To achieve the best results when making your Hostess Cupcake Cookies, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a creamier frosting that spreads easily on each cookie.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the cookies to chill after frosting helps set everything nicely and enhances flavors.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in baking; use measuring cups and spoons for consistency in your dough and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies and keeps them soft and chewy.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding sprinkles or nuts on top of the ganache for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Hostess Cupcake Cookies can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some fantastic ideas that complement these sweet treats well.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cookies.
- Cheese Board: Offer a selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside crackers for a savory balance.
- Chocolate Fondue: A warm chocolate fondue station allows guests to dip fruit or pretzels, enhancing their dessert experience.
- Mini Cheesecakes: These creamy desserts add another layer of indulgence without overpowering the cookies’ flavor.
- Panna Cotta: This smooth Italian dessert can be infused with different flavors, providing an elegant touch next to your cookies.
- Coffee Cake: A light coffee cake offers a nice contrast in texture while keeping with the sweet theme.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, especially when trying to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Hostess Cupcake Cookies.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the cookies to cool properly before frosting is key. If you frost them too soon, the frosting will melt and run off.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision matters! Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you’re adding the right amounts, particularly for flour and sugar.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to maintain a soft texture.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure your butter is at room temperature for smooth blending. Cold butter can lead to uneven mixing and a less fluffy frosting.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven and check its accuracy. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cookie’s rise and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Hostess Cupcake Cookies
- Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- To prevent freezer burn, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.
Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Hostess Cupcake Cookies.
Can I use other cake mixes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different flavors like vanilla or red velvet cake mixes for unique variations.
How do I make Hostess Cupcake Cookies gluten-free?
To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the Devil’s Food cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What can I use instead of vegan marshmallow creme?
You can use whipped coconut cream or a homemade vegan frosting as an alternative if vegan marshmallow creme is unavailable.
How should I store leftover Hostess Cupcake Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
Can I customize toppings on my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even different types of chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Hostess Cupcake Cookies bring together nostalgic flavors in a delightful cookie format. Their rich chocolate base paired with fluffy frosting makes them irresistible. Plus, they are easy to customize with various toppings or fillings. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Indulge in the delightful charm of Hostess Cupcake Cookies, where nostalgic childhood flavors meet a soft, chewy cookie. These rich chocolate treats are perfect for any occasion—from birthday parties to cozy family gatherings. Topped with a creamy vegan marshmallows frosting and finished with a luxurious chocolate ganache, each cookie is a sweet escape into your favorite dessert memories. The playful white squiggle on top adds an iconic touch that will impress both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box Devil's Food cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup canola oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 jar vegan marshmallows creme
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix cake mix, eggs, and oil until a soft dough forms. Drop rounded balls of dough onto prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set; cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Fold in vegan marshmallows creme.
- For ganache, microwave heavy cream over chocolate chips until melted; whisk until smooth.
- Frost cooled cookies with marshmallows frosting and drizzle with ganache. Pipe decorative white squiggles on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: <5mg