Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are like autumn in cookie form, inviting you to experience the cozy embrace of fluffy pumpkin goodness sandwiched between sweet cream cheese filling. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, making your heart sing as you anticipate that first heavenly bite. These delightful treats are perfect for crisp fall days, Halloween parties, or simply when you want to indulge in something deliciously pumpkin-spiced.
Growing up, my grandma used to whip up these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies every Halloween. With flour dusted across her cheeks and laughter echoing through the house, each bite took us right to flavor town. So gather your friends or family around and get ready for a baking adventure that promises to deliver not only amazing flavor but also warm memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a delightful treat for any occasion
- The sweet and spicy flavor profile will have everyone coming back for more
- Their beautiful orange color adds a festive touch to your dessert table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round, not just in fall!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned or fresh puree; just ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin for the best texture and flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your whoopie pies; make sure it’s sifted for lightness.
Brown Sugar: Adds richness and moisture; dark brown sugar will give an extra depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements pumpkin beautifully; feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for extra zing.
Baking Soda: Helps your whoopie pies rise; double-check its freshness for optimal fluffiness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
Cream Cheese: Softened and ready to whip into a creamy filling; use full-fat for the best texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling without adding graininess; adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown hue.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth and silky, filling your kitchen with that irresistible pumpkin aroma.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well blended. This mix will create the fluffy structure of your whoopie pies.
Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense cookies!
Scoop Batter onto Baking Sheets: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop mounds of batter onto lined baking sheets. Leave space between each mound so they can spread beautifully while baking.
Bake Those Beauties: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until they spring back when lightly pressed. The scent of spices should fill your home—trust me; it’s heavenly!
Cool Down: Allow the whoopie pies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. Patience is key here—avoid burning those eager fingers!
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: While cooling, whip together cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. You want it fluffy enough to hold its shape but soft enough to spread easily.
Assemble Your Masterpieces: Take one cooled pie half and slather on a generous dollop of cream cheese filling before topping it with another pie half. Gently press down—no one likes a filling explosion!
Chill Before Serving: For optimal flavor fusion, refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for at least an hour before serving. Trust me; this makes all the difference in taste!
Enjoy Your Creation: Finally, dig in! Each bite should transport you straight to autumn bliss with those perfect flavors harmonizing together.
And there you have it! Deliciously soft Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ready to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy these delightful treats during gatherings or as a cozy evening snack while binge-watching your favorite shows!
You Must Know
- These delightful Pumpkin Whoopie Pies combine a soft, spiced pumpkin cookie with rich cream cheese filling
- They’re perfect for fall gatherings or when you want to impress your friends with something sweet and seasonal
- Plus, they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, whip up the pumpkin batter while preheating your oven. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, then bake until fluffy and just set. While they cool, beat together the cream cheese filling for a perfectly balanced sweet treat.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique flavor twist that suits your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. If you need to reheat them, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds to restore their softness without losing any flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing
- Avoid overbaking to keep them soft and chewy
- Finally, allow them to cool completely before adding the filling for the best results
Sometimes I think my Pumpkin Whoopie Pies could win a family bake-off. They disappeared so quickly at our last gathering that I barely got one myself!
FAQs:
What Are Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are delightful sandwich cookies made with soft, spiced pumpkin cakes filled with a creamy frosting. These treats often combine traditional autumn flavors, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy and comforting dessert perfect for fall gatherings. The pumpkin adds moisture and richness to the cookies, making them irresistibly soft and chewy.
How Do I Store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
To keep your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the pies individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer.
Can I Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ahead of time! Prepare the cookie halves and store them in an airtight container for up to three days before filling with frosting. Alternatively, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing their taste when served.
What Variations Can I Try for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
There are countless variations to explore with Pumpkin Whoopie Pies! You might experiment with different fillings like cream cheese or maple frosting for a unique twist. Adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter can also elevate the flavor profile. Another idea is to incorporate spices like ginger or cloves for an additional kick.
Conclusion for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:
In conclusion, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a scrumptious treat that embodies the essence of fall flavors. With their soft pumpkin cakes and creamy filling, they make an excellent addition to any dessert table or festive gathering. Storing them properly ensures you can enjoy these delicious cookies longer. Don’t hesitate to try various fillings and modifications to customize your whoopie pies even further. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 12 whoopie pies 1x
Description
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are the ultimate fall treat, combining soft, spiced pumpkin cookies with a luscious cream cheese filling. These delightful sandwich cookies evoke the cozy flavors of autumn and are perfect for gatherings, Halloween festivities, or simply enjoying at home. With a warm aroma and delightful taste, they promise to bring comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto lined baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until fluffy and lightly golden.
- Allow to cool before preparing the filling by whipping cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Spread filling on one cookie half and sandwich with another.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
