Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 15 oz can pumpkin purée; 1⅓ cups brown sugar (light or dark); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature); 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature); 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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There’s something incredibly special about making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in the fall. The air gets crisp, and the vibrant colors of the leaves remind me that it’s that time of year when pumpkin takes center stage. I remember the first time I tried a whoopie pie at a local harvest festival. It was love at first bite! Soft, cake-like cookies filled with creamy goodness—what’s not to adore? As the aroma of pumpkin and warm spices fills the kitchen, my family gathers around, eager to help with the mixing and baking. It’s a delightful way to bond and create lasting memories while indulging in a treat that feels both comforting and festive. Every bite of these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies brings back those sweet memories, making them a staple in my autumn baking repertoire.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
9 g

Tools Used:
Baking sheets

Why This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Works

They’re Perfectly Soft and Chewy

When you bite into a Pumpkin Whoopie Pie, the texture is simply divine! The cookies are soft and chewy, making them a comforting treat. I love how they stay moist thanks to the pumpkin purée, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy filling.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in these whoopie pies sends my taste buds on a journey. Each bite is packed with flavors that scream fall. It’s like autumn in a cookie!

Versatile Filling Options

While the classic cream cheese filling is my favorite, there’s so much potential to customize! You could try adding a hint of maple or even a dash of caramel. It’s fun to experiment and find the perfect pairing!

Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a Halloween party, or just an afternoon treat, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies fit right in. They’re easy to transport and always a hit, making them an ideal choice for sharing.

Perfect for Kids

These whoopie pies are excellent for kids, both to make and to eat! My children love helping mix the batter and scoop it onto the baking sheets. Plus, what kid can resist a cookie filled with sweet cream?

Beautiful Presentation

Who can resist the sight of these lovely orange cookies peeking out from a platter? They’re not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect dessert for any festive occasion.

Ingredient List for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Each component plays a vital role in the overall flavor and texture. The key players here are pumpkin purée, which provides moisture and richness, and a blend of spices that brings warmth to the cookies. Together, they create a harmony of flavors that truly embodies the essence of fall.

1½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our cookies, giving them structure.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Adds leavening for a perfect texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant mix that adds warmth and fall vibes.
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that keeps the cookies moist.
1⅓ cups brown sugar: Brings sweetness and a slight caramel flavor.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together for a cohesive dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Contributes richness and flavor.
4 oz cream cheese (room temperature): Essential for a rich and creamy filling.
1 cup confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the filling and adds a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the filling flavor.

Recipe Steps for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the warm scents of fall. It’s simple and rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious whoopie pies in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup easy!
In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients, making your cookies light and fluffy.
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to mix until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and have a lovely orange color.
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix or your cookies might turn out dense.
Using a medium ice cream scoop or a large spoon, drop about 1½ to 2 tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 1 inch between each scoop to allow for spreading.
With a spoon, gently spread the dough into about a 2-inch diameter round. Repeat with the remaining batter until the sheets are filled.
Place the baking sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. Switch the sheets halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking pans for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set before transferring them to a cooling rack.
After cooling, carefully peel the cookies from the parchment paper and place them on wire racks to cool completely, which will take about another 10 to 15 minutes.
While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. This base will create a rich and delicious filling.
Add in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed, gradually increasing until everything is well combined and fluffy.
Once the cookies are cool, match them in pairs. Turn half of the cookies over and pipe in the cream cheese filling, or you can spread it on with a spatula. Top with the other half of the cookies, making a delightful sandwich.

Things Worth Knowing

Keep it Moist: Adding pumpkin purée not only gives flavor but also keeps the cookies moist. Ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Chill the Cookie Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 20 to 30 minutes before scooping to make it easier to handle.
Filling Consistency: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, fluffy filling.

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

If you’re looking to put your own spin on Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, here are some great ideas to consider:

Storage: Store your whoopie pies in an air-tight container at room temperature for several days. They also keep well in the fridge for up to one week.
Freezing: You can freeze the whoopie pies for later consumption, but note that the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Variations: Experiment with different fillings like chocolate ganache or flavored buttercream for a creative twist.
Spice It Up: Add a touch of ginger or allspice along with the pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth in flavor.
Make Them Mini: For bite-sized treats, scoop smaller portions of the batter and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serve This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With

Coffee or Tea: These whoopie pies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, enhancing the cozy experience.
Autumn Gatherings: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween parties, they’re a festive addition to any dessert table.
Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. The creaminess complements the flavors beautifully.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the richness of the whoopie pies, making it a refreshing pairing.
Seasonal Festivals: Bring these treats to fall festivals or harvest gatherings for a delightful homemade touch.

FAQ

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are delightful desserts made of soft, cake-like cookies filled with a creamy filling. The main ingredient, pumpkin purée, ensures they are moist and flavorful, while a blend of warm spices adds a seasonal twist. These treats are perfect for fall festivities!

Absolutely! In fact, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze the individual cookies and fill them just before serving for the best texture and taste.

If you can’t find pumpkin purée, you can make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin. Alternatively, butternut squash purée works well as a substitute, and it also adds a slightly different flavor profile that is equally delicious.

To store your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for several months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are truly a celebration of fall flavors, combining soft cookies with creamy filling in a way that delights the senses. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; they’re perfect for gatherings or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee at home. Your taste buds will thank you for making this cozy treat a part of your autumn traditions!