Hostess Cupcake Cookies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could capture the magic of a classic Hostess Cupcake in cookie form, your dream just came true with these delightful Hostess Cupcake Cookies. They’re everything you love about that iconic treat—the moist, chocolatey base, the fluffy, marshmallow cream frosting, and the glossy chocolate ganache—reimagined as perfect, handheld cookies that are easy to share (or keep all to yourself). These cookies combine nostalgic charm with irresistible textures, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or simply a sweet solo indulgence. Prepare to fall in love bite after bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays a starring role in bringing out the rich, nostalgic flavor and irresistible texture of your Hostess Cupcake Cookies. Together, they create the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate, creamy sweetness, and that classic marshmallow touch.

• Devil’s Food cake mix: The foundation for ultra-moist, chocolate-packed cookie dough.
• Large eggs: Helping to bind the dough while adding richness and tenderness.
• Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies soft and tender without overpowering flavors.
• Unsalted butter (room temperature): For creating a creamy, fluffy frosting with the perfect mouthfeel.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors in the frosting.
• Salt: A tiny pinch to balance and deepen the sweetness.
• Marshmallow creme: Essential for that iconic, fluffy cupcake filling recreated in frosting form.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The key to making a silky ganache topping that’s rich but not too sweet.
• Heavy cream: Smooths out the chocolate to a luscious, glossy finish perfect for topping.

How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and helps achieve perfect bottoms. Then, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. Mix until it comes together into a soft dough that’s easy to scoop but still holds its shape. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops onto your prepared sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cookies

Bake your cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges set but the centers remain slightly soft—that perfect balance of tender and chewy. Let them cool right on the baking sheet for five minutes to avoid breakage, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooler cookies mean the frosting and ganache won’t melt on contact, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Step 3: Whip Up the Marshmallow Frosting

Beat your unsalted butter in a large bowl until it’s creamy and smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until everything is well combined. Fold in the marshmallow creme gently, mixing just until smooth and fluffy. Reserve about half a cup of this frosting to use later for the signature squiggle topping—it’ll add that authentic Hostess Cupcake flair.

Step 4: Make the Chocolate Ganache

In a small microwave-safe bowl, pour the heavy cream over the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave for 45 seconds, then let the mixture rest for a minute to allow heat to soften the chocolate before whisking to a smooth, glossy ganache. Let it cool for about 10 minutes until it’s thickened but still pourable—this will be your rich chocolate glaze.

Step 5: Assemble Your Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Spread a generous layer of the marshmallow frosting on each cooled cookie. Pop the cookies in the fridge for about 10 minutes so the frosting firms up nicely. When ready, spoon the cooled ganache over the frosted cookies, spreading it evenly. Let the ganache set completely before moving on.

Step 6: Pipe on the Final Touch

Fill a piping bag fitted with a small round tip with the reserved marshmallow frosting. Pipe a playful squiggle across the top of each cookie—the look and flavors of a classic Hostess Cupcake, perfected in cookie form! Now you’re ready to enjoy your creations or impress your guests with these delightful treats.

How to Serve Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Garnishes

While these cookies are delightful on their own, feel free to add a little extra to tailor them for any occasion. A light dusting of powdered sugar can give a snowy look that’s perfect for winter gatherings. Crushed chocolate sprinkles or mini chocolate chips sprinkled around the ganache add texture and a bit of whimsy. Even a few fresh berries on the side make an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Hostess Cupcake Cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk—you can never go wrong with this classic combo! For a grown-up twist, try serving them alongside a rich coffee or a sweet dessert wine like a ruby port. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side elevates the experience into full-on dessert heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn these cookies into the star of any party spread. Arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a bake sale vibe, or place them in festive cupcake liners to echo their cupcake inspiration. Gift them in cute boxes tied with ribbon for an irresistible edible gift. Even lining them up on a long platter under some fairy lights can make these cookies shine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Hostess Cupcake Cookies left (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them out of direct sunlight and heat to maintain the ganache’s glossy finish and the frosting’s fluffy texture.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze for about an hour so they don’t stick together. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving so you enjoy the full, creamy texture of the frosting and ganache.

Reheating

There’s no need to heat these cookies—you want to savor the contrast of cool, fluffy marshmallow frosting with the slightly firm ganache. However, if you prefer a softer ganache, pop them in the microwave for 5-7 seconds, watching carefully to avoid melting the frosting completely.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of boxed Devil’s Food mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite Devil’s Food cake recipe, go ahead and use it to make your cookie dough. Just make sure the mix is dry and well blended so it holds together like the box mix does. The key is that fudgy chocolate flavor and texture.

Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting and ganache?

You can substitute dairy-free butter and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the ganache. Marshmallow creme is usually dairy-free, but double-check your brand. Keep in mind that textures and flavors may shift slightly, but the end result will still be delicious.

How do I get the perfect squiggle on top?

Use a small round piping tip and steady hands! Practice on parchment paper if you like before tackling the cookies. The squiggle doesn’t have to be perfect; a little imperfection adds charm, making your Hostess Cupcake Cookies look homemade and delightful.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You could try a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix, but the dough consistency and baking times may vary. It’s best to test a small batch first to adjust as needed. The frosting and ganache are naturally gluten-free, which is a bonus!

What’s the best way to transport these cookies without ruining the ganache?

Place them in a single layer in a sturdy container. If stacking is necessary, separate layers with parchment paper. Keep them cool during transport to prevent the ganache from melting or smudging.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try making these Hostess Cupcake Cookies—they’re hands down one of my favorite nostalgic treats reimagined into a fun, easy-to-share form. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy night in, or just because, these cookies bring that perfect balance of rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and creamy ganache that’s impossible to resist. Dive in and watch them disappear fast!

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