Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour.; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar.; 1/2 cup granulated sugar.; 1/2 cup canola oil.; 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree.; 1 large egg.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened.; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened.; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar.; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are the ultimate fall treat! These soft, spiced pumpkin cookies are sandwiched with a creamy, fluffy filling, making them perfect for cool autumn days or Halloween parties. Easy to make, they bring the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in every bite, with a smooth filling of cream cheese and powdered sugar. Ideal for sharing with family or friends, this recipe takes only about 30 minutes of prep and is a delightful dessert to brighten any day. These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies will surely become your go-to seasonal dessert!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Creamy Filling are a beloved fall dessert, known for their soft, spiced pumpkin cookies and creamy filling. These delightful treats originated in the United States and have become a staple in seasonal baking. The cookies are infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, evoking the cozy flavors of autumn. The filling, made from cream cheese and powdered sugar, is smooth and fluffy, perfectly complementing the cookies' texture.

INGREDIENTS

All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, the base for the cookies' structure
Baking powder: 1/2 teaspoon, helps the cookies rise
Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon, for light, airy cookies
Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, adds warmth and spice
Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon, gives a subtle heat
Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon, enhances the fall flavor
Ground cloves: 1/4 teaspoon, adds depth
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, balances sweetness
Brown sugar: 1/2 cup, for a rich, molasses flavor
Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, sweetens the cookies
Canola oil: 1/2 cup, keeps the cookies moist
Canned pumpkin puree: 1 1/2 cups, adds moisture and flavor
Egg: 1 large, binds the ingredients together
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, enhances the overall flavor
Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, softened, used in the filling for creaminess
Cream cheese: 1/4 cup, softened, for the filling's tangy base
Powdered sugar: 1 1/2 cups, sweetens the filling
Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon, adds flavor to the filling

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
Step 3:: In another bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil. Add the pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
Step 4:: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined.
Step 5:: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6:: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are firm. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
Step 7:: For the filling, beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 8:: Spread the filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another to form a whoopie pie sandwich.

Serving and Storage Tips

Chill the cookies before assembling the whoopie pies for enhanced flavor.
Store the assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Helpful Notes

For a festive touch, dust the finished whoopie pies with powdered sugar.
You can use a piping bag to evenly distribute the filling on each cookie.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for an extra zing, suggested by Chef Anne Burrell.

Enjoy a Delicious Fall Treat

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a fantastic way to celebrate fall with their perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The soft cookies pair beautifully with the creamy filling, offering a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving, or as an everyday autumn snack.

Why Pumpkin is the Star Ingredient

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also adds moisture and richness to baked goods. It's a versatile ingredient that works well in both sweet and savory recipes, and these whoopie pies are a prime example of how pumpkin can elevate a simple dessert.

FAQs

Can I freeze the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to a month. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between each whoopie pie to prevent sticking.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure the fresh pumpkin puree is smooth and free of excess water.

What can I use as a filling alternative?

If you're not a fan of cream cheese, you can use a simple buttercream frosting as a filling alternative.

Do the cookies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, the assembled whoopie pies should be stored in the refrigerator.

Summary

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Creamy Filling are the perfect fall dessert to celebrate the season. Made from soft, spiced pumpkin cookies and a rich, fluffy filling, these whoopie pies offer a balance of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves paired with the sweetness of a creamy filling. The recipe uses canned pumpkin puree, making it quick and easy to prepare. The sandwich-style cookies are an ideal treat for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn gathering. With just 30 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you can create these delightful seasonal treats. A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the cookies depth of flavor, while the cream cheese filling adds a tangy sweetness that complements the spiced pumpkin. These pies are best enjoyed chilled for enhanced flavor. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive finish!