Amelia, Author at Recipesure

Hostess Cupcake Cookies stand out because they blend nostalgia with fun. They remind us of our childhood while being easy to make. Each cookie has a rich chocolate flavor and a soft, creamy filling. This recipe gives you that Hostess-inspired dessert vibe right at home.

Hostess Cupcake Cookies Tempting and Easy Recipe

Craving something sweet that brings back memories? I’ve got just the treat for you: Hostess Cupcake Cookies! These easy-to-make cookies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup crushed pretzels - ½ cup caramel sauce - Sea salt flakes The main ingredients for these brownies create a rich chocolate base. The butter adds a creamy texture. Both sugars give sweetness and depth. Eggs make the brownies fluffy and moist. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. Flour and cocoa powder provide structure. Baking powder helps the brownies rise. Salt balances the sweetness. Chocolate chips add melty goodness, while crushed pretzels give a nice crunch. - Homemade caramel sauce vs. store-bought - Additional toppings and garnishes You can use either homemade or store-bought caramel sauce. Homemade sauce can be fresher and richer. Store-bought is quick and easy. Think about adding toppings like nuts or extra chocolate chips. These can add more flavor and texture. You can also garnish the brownies with more crushed pretzels. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet and salty mix. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Once it melts, remove it from heat. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until well mixed. - Add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually stir this dry mix into the wet mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing! - Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the ½ cup of caramel sauce over this layer. - Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and smooth it out. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel slightly into the batter. - Sprinkle extra crushed pretzels on top and add a generous pinch of sea salt flakes. This gives a sweet and salty taste. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. - Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out. Let them cool completely on a wire rack. To make the best salted caramel pretzel brownies, follow these tips. First, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make brownies tough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. This keeps the texture soft and gooey. The key is to fold in the chocolate chips and pretzels gently. Next, achieve the ideal texture. You want your brownies to be fudgy, not cake-like. Bake them just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, they may be overbaked. Trust me, you want that rich, gooey bite. To plate brownies attractively, cut them into neat squares. Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a glossy finish. This adds a nice touch and extra flavor. You can also serve with a sprinkle of crushed pretzels on the side. This adds crunch and looks great. Place them on a colorful plate to make your brownies pop. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside your brownie for a fun twist. For gluten-free brownies, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This keeps the taste and texture similar. If you need a vegan option, swap the butter for coconut oil. Replace the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. These changes keep the brownies delicious while meeting dietary needs. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and butter to room temperature helps them mix more easily, creating a smoother batter and resulting in fudgier brownies. Don’t Overmix: To keep your brownies tender and fudgy, mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Swirl the Caramel Wisely: When swirling the caramel into the brownie batter, use a gentle hand to create beautiful patterns without fully mixing it in, ensuring pockets of caramel in each bite. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts. {{image_2}} You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans to boost flavor and crunch. Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. You might even mix in some mint or orange-flavored caramel for a twist. These small changes can make your brownies unique. Each bite will surprise your taste buds with new flavors. To cut down on sugar, use less granulated sugar and brown sugar. You can also try alternative sweeteners like agave syrup or stevia. These options help make your dessert a bit healthier without losing taste. Just keep in mind that they may change the texture slightly. If you want smaller treats, make brownie bites or bars. Use a mini muffin tin to bake bite-sized versions. This way, you can enjoy a sweet snack without feeling guilty. For bars, simply cut your brownies into smaller squares after baking. They’re perfect for parties or lunchboxes! To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, follow these tips: - Cool completely: Let the brownies cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan. - Use airtight containers: Store them in a tightly sealed container. This keeps them soft and moist. - Separate layers: If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. - Room temperature: Brownies stay best at room temperature for up to 4 days. Freezing brownies is a great way to save some for later. Here’s how to do it: 1. Cool completely: Make sure the brownies are cool before freezing. 2. Cut into squares: Slice them into squares for easy thawing. 3. Wrap tightly: Use plastic wrap to cover each piece well. 4. Use freezer bags: Place wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air. 5. Label and date: Mark the bag with the date for your reference. When you're ready to enjoy them: - Thawing tips: Take brownies out of the freezer. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them taste fresh again. Enjoy your sweet treat! To cut brownies with clean edges, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water, then wipe it dry. This helps cut through the chocolate and pretzels smoothly. For best results, wait until the brownies cool completely. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze them. These brownies last for about three days at room temperature. Make sure to keep them in a cool and dry place. If you want them to last longer, store them in the fridge. Yes, flavored pretzels can add a fun twist! Try cheese or chocolate pretzels for different tastes. Just remember that the flavors will change the overall taste of the brownies. If your brownies are too cakey, you may have overmixed the batter. Mix just until combined to keep them fudgy. Adding a bit more butter can help, too. To check if brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Bake for 25-30 minutes for the best results. These brownies combine rich flavors and fun textures. By mixing butter, sugars, and chocolate with pretzels and caramel, you get a unique treat. I shared steps to bake perfectly moist brownies and tips to present them beautifully. Remember, you can customize and store them easily, too. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and variations. Brownies can be both delicious and creative. Don’t hesitate to explore your own ideas in the kitchen!$