Ready in: 30 minutes · Serves: 24 cookies · Technique: Baking · Storage: Airtight for a week.
Quick Answer
These Hostess Cupcake Cookies are an easy to make, nostalgic treat that will have your loved ones reaching for more.
When the air in New York City turns crisp and the vibrant colors of fall foliage begin to swirl in the winds, my thoughts inevitably drift toward creating warm, comforting treats. As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, I yearn for recipes that not only taste divine but also evoke nostalgia. Recently, I rediscovered a treasure from my childhood: Hostess Cupcake Cookies. These delightful cookies pay homage to my favorite childhood snack, and they're perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons spent with loved ones.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
These cookies not only bring back fond memories but also fill your home with an irresistible aroma, making them a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Brings back childhood memories with every bite.
- Easy to make, perfect for baking sessions with family.
- Decadent chocolate and creamy marshmallow filling create a delightful flavor combination.
- Ideal for gatherings, making everyone reach for seconds.
- Versatile recipe that allows for tasty variations.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Hostess Cupcake Cookies:
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
For the Filling and Topping
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- ½ cup chocolate frosting (for drizzling)
How to Make Hostess Cupcake Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your delectable cookies, filled with nostalgia and flavor.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds as the smell of baked goodies will soon fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy-this step is crucial for adding air and lightness to your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. It's amazing how these simple ingredients can create a hypnotizing aroma that transports me back to my kitchen as a child.
Step 4: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. The dry ingredients should be evenly blended to avoid clumping.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture. The dough will come together into a thick and luscious texture. Don't overmix!
Step 6: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, savoring the sight of them speckled throughout the dough-it's a chocolate lover's dream.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. The aroma wafting through your home will be absolutely irresistible.
Step 8: Add the Filling
Once cooled, create a small well in the center of each cookie. Fill it generously with marshmallow fluff, swirling it for a whimsical effect.
Step 9: Drizzle with Chocolate Frosting
Finally, melt the chocolate frosting in a microwave-safe bowl and drizzle it artfully over the cookies. These cookies not only provide a visual treat, but their rich flavors will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Butter: Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the perfect creaminess.
- Overmixing the Dough: Too much mixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix just until combined.
- Not Chilling the Dough: If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate drizzle to enhance the flavor.
- Try substituting half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips for a delightful variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations
- Substitute half the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
- Add crushed nuts for extra texture.
- Incorporate coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a different flavor.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a glass of milk for a classic treat.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
- Present on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
- Garnish with additional chocolate drizzle and a sprinkle of sea salt.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm cookies in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Baking these cookies transported me back to simpler times, where pleasure came from the first bite of something sweet. I discovered that the combination of texture and flavor truly captures the nostalgia of childhood favorites, making them even more special for gathering around the table during the holidays.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 cookies · Serving Size: 1 cookie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~150 calories · 2g protein · 20g carbs · 7g fat
Recipe by:
Nostalgic Hostess Cupcake Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mixture.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Create a small well in the center of each cookie and fill it generously with marshmallow fluff.
- Drizzle melted chocolate frosting artfully over the cookies.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for the cookies?
While you can substitute margarine for butter, it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. For the best results, stick to unsalted butter.
How do I store the cookies to keep them fresh?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them; just allow them to thaw naturally when you're ready to enjoy them.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
