Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 42 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed; 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 cups canned pumpkin puree, chilled; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 cups confectioners sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles or jimmies for garnish (optional)

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Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a creamy filling. They are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy day at home. These pies are soft, sweet, and a fun twist on traditional cookies. Whether you are making them for a party or just because, they are sure to impress.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 1/2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 cup vegetable oil
3 cups canned pumpkin puree, chilled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles or jimmies for garnish (optional)

Directions

Make Pumpkin Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.
In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well. Add the chilled pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Then, add the eggs and the teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Gradually sprinkle the flour mixture over the pumpkin mixture. Whisk until combined to form a dough.
Using a scoop, place dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat the unsalted butter until smooth. Add the cream cheese and mix until combined. Then, gradually add the confectioners sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. If the filling is too loose, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
Assemble: Flip half of the cookies upside down. Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of these cookies. Take another cookie and place it flat-side down on top of the filling. Press down slightly to sandwich the filling.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Enjoy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies as a sweet snack or dessert. They go great with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a cold glass of milk. You can sprinkle some extra jimmies or sprinkles on top for a fun touch.

How to Store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-friendly container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to get a smooth filling.
If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can adjust the amount of confectioners sugar.
Try adding a bit of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra tasty twist.

Variation

You can add different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for more flavor. For a chocolate version, you can swap half of the flour for cocoa powder to make rich chocolate whoopie pies.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it, making sure it is well-drained.
Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookies and the filling in advance, then assemble them when you’re ready to serve.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure the dough is chilled before baking, and do not overmix once the flour is added. This will help them keep their shape.