Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic treat we all know and love. They combine the rich flavors of chocolate cake with fluffy frosting and smooth ganache, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back fond memories. With easy preparation and a nostalgic flavor profile, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious cookies in no time.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and marshmallow creates an indulgent taste experience that everyone loves.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, casual get-togethers, or as a special dessert at home.
• Fun to Decorate: The piping of the white squiggle adds an artistic touch that makes these cookies visually appealing.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These cookies are sure to impress family and friends with their nostalgic charm.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, ensure you have the right tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Cookie sheets
• Parchment paper
• Piping bag with round tip

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Electric mixer: Makes beating butter and mixing batter quick and easy.
• Piping bag with round tip: Allows for precise decoration of the frosting squiggle on each cookie.

Ingredients

To create these delectable Hostess Cupcake Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

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. While it heats up, 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. Using a medium scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow them to 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 in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt while mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in the vegan marshmallows creme until smooth. Reserve 1/2 cup of this frosting for later use.

Step 5: Prepare Ganache

Pour heavy cream over chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about 45 seconds; then let it rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth. Allow ganache to cool for approximately 10 minutes before using.

Step 6: Frost the Cookies

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

Step 7: Add Ganache Topping

Once chilled, spoon cooled chocolate ganache over each cookie evenly. Let it set before proceeding with decoration.

Step 8: Pipe on Squiggles

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

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

These delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies are perfect for any gathering or celebration. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a birthday party, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

For a Casual Snack

• With Milk: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk for a classic pairing that complements their rich chocolate flavor.
• Coffee Break Treat: Serve alongside your favorite coffee or espresso for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.

For Special Occasions

• Party Platter: Arrange cookies on a decorative platter and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for an eye-catching display.
• Dessert Table Feature: Include them as part of a dessert table at celebrations, alongside other sweets like brownies and cupcakes.

For Gift Giving

• Cookie Jars: Package cookies in clear jars tied with ribbon for thoughtful gifts during holidays or special occasions.
• Personalized Boxes: Create custom boxes filled with these cookies to share with friends and family, adding a personal touch.

How to Perfect Hostess Cupcake Cookies

To ensure your Hostess Cupcake Cookies turn out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to scoop, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; remove them as soon as the edges are set to prevent overbaking.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting doesn’t melt off.
• Store Properly: Keep uneaten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Pairing side dishes with your Hostess Cupcake Cookies can enhance the overall dessert experience. Here are some tasty options you might consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that melts in your mouth.
3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats add an extra layer of chocolate flavor that complements the cookie’s richness.
4. Whipped Cream Parfait: Layer whipped cream and fruit in cups for a light yet satisfying accompaniment.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy blend of nuts and dried fruits offers a satisfying contrast in texture alongside sweet cookies.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness while providing savory notes to your dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Hostess Cupcake Cookies, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your baking game. Here are some mistakes to look out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the dough to not combine well, resulting in uneven cookies.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements for ingredients like flour and sugar. A kitchen scale can help achieve accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of a tender texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow cookies to cool before frosting. Frosting warm cookies can cause it to melt and slide off, ruining your presentation.
• Not chilling the frosting: Chilling the frosting helps it set better. If you skip this step, you may end up with runny frosting that doesn’t hold its shape.
• Ignoring the ganache consistency: Make sure your ganache has cooled properly before pouring over the cookies. If it’s too hot, it will melt the frosting underneath.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Hostess Cupcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat cookies for about 5-7 minutes for best results.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet for a few minutes, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Hostess Cupcake Cookies:

Can I use different cake mixes for Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute other flavors of cake mix like vanilla or red velvet to create unique variations of these delicious cookies.

How do I make vegan marshmallows frosting?

To make vegan marshmallows frosting, simply use vegan butter and fold in vegan marshmallow crème as detailed in the recipe.

What if I don’t have chocolate chips?

You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips based on your preference.

Can I customize my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, sprinkles, or even flavored extracts to personalize your cookies further.

How long do Hostess Cupcake Cookies last?

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

What is the best way to decorate my Hostess Cupcake Cookies?

Use a piping bag fitted with a small round tip for precise squiggles on top of each cookie, adding a fun touch!

Final Thoughts

Hostess Cupcake Cookies bring nostalgia with their rich flavors and delightful textures. They are perfect for any occasion and offer plenty of room for customization. Experiment with different toppings or fillings to make them uniquely yours!