Deliciously soft and spiced pumpkin whoopie pies filled with a creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall or any festive occasion.
Servings 12servings
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Ingredients
For the Whoopie Pie Cookies
1cupcanned pumpkin pureeUse 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
1cupgranulated sugarFor sweetness.
½cupbrown sugarPacked, for moisture and flavor.
½cupvegetable oilCan substitute with melted coconut oil.
2largeeggsRoom temperature for better emulsification.
2cupsall-purpose flourSifted for lightness.
1teaspoonbaking sodaFor leavening.
1teaspoonbaking powderFor leavening.
1teaspoonground cinnamonFor warmth and flavor.
½teaspoonground gingerFor spice.
¼teaspoonground nutmegFor depth of flavor.
¼teaspoonsaltTo balance sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Filling
8ozcream cheeseSoftened to room temperature.
½cupunsalted butterSoftened to room temperature.
2cupspowdered sugarSifted for smoothness.
1teaspoonvanilla extractFor flavor.
Method
Make the Whoopie Pie Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps the batter emulsify.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up by size. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, flat side down, creating a sandwich.
Repeat until all cookies are filled. For a decorative touch, you can roll the edges of the filling in sprinkles or chopped nuts if desired.
Store the whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin whoopie pies!
These whoopie pies are best enjoyed chilled, as the filling firms up in the refrigerator. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a sweet treat any time of the year!