Hostess Cupcake Cookies

Hostess Cupcake Cookies: A Nostalgic Treat with a Cookie Twist

by

Advertisement

The Ultimate Homemade Version of a Classic Snack

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies perfectly capture the magic of the iconic snack cakes we all love – but in soft, chewy cookie form! Each bite features:

🍪 Rich chocolate cookies – Soft-baked with deep cocoa flavor
☁️ Fluffy marshmallow meringue frosting – Just like the original filling
🍫 Silky chocolate ganache – For that signature chocolate coating
🎀 White chocolate loops – The nostalgic finishing touch

Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or when you’re craving that childhood favorite, these cookies are fun to make and even more delicious to eat!

Why This Recipe Works

✅ Authentic Hostess flavor – Tastes just like the real thing
✅ Perfect cookie texture – Soft centers with slightly crisp edges
✅ Make-ahead friendly – Cookies stay fresh for days
✅ Impressive presentation – Looks just like the packaged treat
✅ Customizable – Adjust frosting sweetness or chocolate intensity

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chocolate Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter – Must be softened for proper creaming
  • 1 cup brown sugar + 1 cup granulated sugar – For perfect chewiness
  • 2 large eggs – Room temperature blends better
  • 1½ tbsp corn syrup – Secret ingredient for soft texture
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla for best flavor
  • 2½ cups flour – Spoon and level to measure
  • 1 cup Dutch process cocoa – For rich chocolate flavor
  • 2 tsp cornstarch – Keeps cookies soft
  • 1½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp salt – For proper rise and flavor balance

For the Marshmallow Frosting:

  • 3/4 cup sugar – Superfine dissolves best
  • 3 egg whites – Fresh eggs whip best
  • 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff – For that authentic texture
  • 1 tsp vanilla – Balances sweetness

For the Ganache & Topping:

  • 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate – Chips or chopped bar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream – Don’t substitute for best texture
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate – Wafers melt smoother than chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Chocolate Cookies

  1. Preheat oven to 365°F (185°C) – This slightly lower temp prevents spreading
  2. Cream butter and sugars for 3 minutes until light and fluffy
  3. Add eggs one at a time, then corn syrup and vanilla
  4. Whisk dry ingredients separately, then gradually mix in
  5. Scoop ¼ cup portions, flatten slightly, and bake 10 minutes
  6. Cool completely before frosting

2. Prepare the Marshmallow Frosting

  1. Create a double boiler with simmering water
  2. Whisk sugar and egg whites until 160°F (71°C)
  3. Whip to stiff peaks (about 5 minutes)
  4. Fold in marshmallow fluff and vanilla

3. Make the Ganache & White Chocolate

  1. Heat cream until steaming (not boiling)
  2. Pour over chopped chocolate, wait 2 minutes, then stir
  3. Melt white chocolate carefully in microwave (stir every 15 seconds)

4. Assemble Like a Pro

  1. Pipe frosting in a spiral on each cookie
  2. Spread ganache over half the frosting
  3. Pipe white loops while ganache is still wet

Expert Baking Tips

🔹 Use a kitchen scale for most accurate measurements
🔹 Don’t overmix cookie dough – Just until flour disappears
🔹 Rotate pans halfway through baking for even cooking
🔹 Cool cookies completely before frosting to prevent melting
🔹 For perfect loops, practice on parchment first

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storage Instructions:

  • Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
  • Refrigerator: 1 week (bring to room temp before serving)
  • Freezer: Unfrosted cookies freeze well for 1 month

Make-Ahead Tips:

  • Bake cookies 1 day ahead
  • Frosting can be made 6 hours early
  • Assemble no more than 4 hours before serving

Nutrition Information

Per cookie (makes 18 large cookies):

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbs: 45g
  • Protein: 4g

Serving Suggestions

☕ With coffee – The perfect afternoon treat
🍦 As ice cream sandwiches – Use vanilla ice cream
🎁 Packaged as gifts – In clear bags with ribbon
🎂 For birthdays – Arrange in a cupcake tower

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use natural cocoa powder?
A: Yes, but cookies will be lighter in color and less rich

Q: What’s the best piping tip for frosting?
A: A large round tip (#1A) works perfectly

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use 1:1 GF flour and check cocoa is GF

Q: How do I prevent my white chocolate from seizing?
A: Melt slowly and stir constantly

Final Thoughts

These Hostess Cupcake Cookies bring back all the nostalgic joy of childhood while letting you enjoy the satisfaction of homemade baking. They’re sure to impress at any gathering and make wonderful edible gifts!

Tried this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Tag @LivelyDish on social media.

Prep Time: 30 mins | Bake Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 18

More Popular Cookie Recipes

Leave a Comment