Hostess Cupcake Cookies: Your Favorite Treat in Cookie Form!

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.


❤️ 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:

IngredientAmount
Unsalted butter (softened)1/2 cup
Brown sugar1/2 cup
Granulated sugar1/4 cup
Eggs1
Vanilla extract1 tsp
All-purpose flour1 cup
Unsweetened cocoa powder1/3 cup
Baking soda1/2 tsp
Salt1/4 tsp

🧁 For the Cream Filling:

IngredientAmount
Marshmallow fluff1/2 cup
Powdered sugar1/2 cup
Unsalted butter (softened)2 tbsp
Vanilla extract1/2 tsp

🍫 For the Chocolate Ganache:

IngredientAmount
Semi-sweet chocolate chips1/2 cup
Heavy cream1/4 cup

✏️ For the White Squiggle:

IngredientAmount
Powdered sugar1/2 cup
Milk1–2 tsp (as needed)
Vanilla extractA drop (optional)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies

  1. Cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Slowly combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients.
  5. Chill dough for 30 minutes for best results.

Step 2: Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Scoop dough into 1.5 tbsp balls and flatten slightly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until just set.
  4. Cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Filling

  1. Beat all filling ingredients until fluffy.
  2. Scoop into a piping bag or ziplock bag with the tip snipped.
  3. Pipe a dollop of cream onto the flat side of half the cookies.
  4. Top with another cookie to create sandwiches.

Step 4: Dip in Ganache

  1. Microwave chocolate chips and cream in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth.
  2. Dip the top of each sandwich cookie into the ganache.
  3. Place on parchment paper to set.

Step 5: Add the Iconic Squiggle

  1. Mix powdered sugar and milk to make thick white icing.
  2. Pipe squiggles across the top using a piping bag or fine-tipped bottle.
  3. 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.


  • 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.

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