Love Hostess Cupcakes? Now imagine that same rich chocolate flavor, the creamy filling, and that iconic squiggle—all baked into a soft, chewy cookie. That’s exactly what Hostess Cupcake Cookies are all about.
These indulgent treats take everything you crave about the classic snack cake and turn it into a bite-sized, homemade cookie version you won’t be able to stop eating.
Table of Contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love Hostess Cupcake Cookies
These cookies are the perfect mash-up of nostalgia and indulgence. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your recipe rotation:
- ✅ Soft, chocolatey, and ultra-moist
- ✅ Filled with sweet vanilla cream
- ✅ Topped with glossy chocolate ganache
- ✅ Adorably decorated with the signature squiggle
- ✅ Fun to make and even more fun to eat
🧁 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break this recipe into three layers: cookie base, filling, and topping.
🍪 For the Cookies:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 1/3 cup |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
🧁 For the Cream Filling:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Marshmallow fluff | 1/2 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 2 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp |
🍫 For the Chocolate Ganache:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup |
✏️ For the White Squiggle:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1–2 tsp (as needed) |
| Vanilla extract | A drop (optional) |
👩🍳 How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Step 1: Mix the Cookie Dough
- Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes for best results.
Step 2: Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Scoop dough into 1.5 tbsp balls and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until just set.
- Cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling
- Beat all filling ingredients until fluffy.
- Scoop into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the tip snipped.
- Pipe a dollop of cream onto the flat side of half the cookies.
- Top with another cookie to create sandwiches.
Step 4: Dip in Ganache
- Microwave chocolate chips and cream in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
- Dip the top of each sandwich cookie into the ganache.
- Place on parchment paper to set.
Step 5: Add the Iconic Squiggle
- Mix powdered sugar and milk to make thick white icing.
- Pipe squiggles across the top using a piping bag or fine-tipped bottle.
- Let set completely before serving.
🎉 Hostess Cupcake Cookies: Tips for Success
- Chill your dough to prevent spreading
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking
- Let ganache cool slightly before dipping to avoid runny tops
- Don’t overfill the cream—you want a balanced bite
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
🧁 Fun Variations
Make these cookies your own with a few creative twists:
- Peanut Butter Cream: Swap the marshmallow for peanut butter fluff
- Mint Chocolate: Add mint extract to the filling
- Mini Version: Make bite-sized sandwich cookies for parties
- Sprinkle Topping: Add crushed Oreos or sprinkles before the ganache sets
❓ FAQ: Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can chill it overnight or freeze the dough balls for up to 2 months.
Do I have to pipe the cream?
Nope. You can spoon it in if you’re not worried about the look. But piping is easier than it sounds!
Can I use store-bought frosting?
Sure, but the homemade marshmallow version is closer to the real Hostess taste.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
🧾 Nutritional Snapshot (Per Cookie Sandwich)
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~22g
- Fat: ~14g
- Protein: ~2g
🎯 Final Thoughts
Hostess Cupcake Cookies are more than a nostalgic treat—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and fun. You get the softness of a cookie, the creaminess of the filling, and that iconic chocolate topping—all in one joyful bite.
Whether you’re making these for a party, a bake sale, or just to satisfy your cravings, they’re guaranteed to wow.