Spooky-Good Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe for Fall Treats

Creamy pumpkin whoopie pies spark memories of cozy autumn afternoons spent in grandmother’s kitchen.

Sweet aromas drift through warm spaces, promising delectable treats.

Soft, cake-like cookies sandwich rich cream filling with delightful spices.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this nostalgic dessert.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg whisper comfort in each tender bite.

Simple ingredients and quick assembly make these treats perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.

You can whip up these delightful pies faster than brewing a pot of coffee.

Indulge in this classic fall confection that turns ordinary moments into sweet celebrations.

Fall Favorite Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Bake with Seasonal Joy: Celebrate autumn's warmth with these delightful pumpkin-packed treats that capture the essence of fall's most beloved flavor.
• Create Memorable Moments: Perfect for family gatherings, school parties, or cozy afternoon snacks that bring everyone together with their irresistible charm.
• Master Baker's Delight: Discover a recipe that balances complexity and approachability, making it an exciting challenge for home bakers looking to elevate their skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Wow friends and family with a classic dessert that combines soft, spiced cookies with creamy maple-infused filling, guaranteed to earn rave reviews.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the whoopie pie cookies.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of spices that adds classic autumn flavor to the pumpkin cookies.

• Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that contribute to the moisture and caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cookies remain soft and moist throughout baking.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and signature pumpkin flavor to the cookies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to complement the pumpkin spice.

• Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a creamy, smooth base for the filling with rich tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a complementary sweet and complex flavor to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the frosting.

• Sprinkles, Jimmies: Decorative toppings that add a festive touch to the whoopie pies.

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Surface

Set the oven rack in the middle position. Warm the oven to 350° F.

Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another big bowl, whisk granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add chilled pumpkin puree and mix thoroughly.

Crack in eggs and splash vanilla extract, whisking until everything looks uniform.

Step 4: Create Cookie Batter

Softly sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture.

Gently whisk until the batter looks completely smooth with no flour streaks.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Drops

Use a cookie scoop to drop uniform dollops of dough onto prepared baking sheets.

Space each cookie about an inch apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Slide sheets into the oven.

Bake for 10-12 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cookie Bases

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and allow complete cooling.

Step 8: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat butter in an electric mixer until silky smooth. Add cream cheese and continue mixing.

Step 9: Finish Frosting

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients until creamy. Chill briefly if too soft.

Step 10: Assemble Whoopie Pies

Flip half the cookies over. Pipe frosting onto cookie bottoms.

Step 11: Create Sandwich Cookies

Top frosted cookies with remaining cookies. Press gently so filling reaches edges.

Step 12: Decorate Optional

Sprinkle edges with jimmies or decorative sprinkles if desired.

Step 13: Final Chill

Refrigerate whoopie pies for one hour before serving to let flavors develop and frosting set.

Pro Tips for Soft Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Choose room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better texture in your pumpkin whoopie pies.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough cookies by gently folding dry and wet ingredients together.
• Chill the frosting briefly if it becomes too soft, ensuring a perfect piping consistency for your sandwich filling.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, creating perfectly matched whoopie pie halves.
• Store whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Variations of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor profile for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Autumn Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and select dairy-free maple syrup to create a completely plant-based dessert.
• Nutty Pumpkin Spin: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie batter for added crunch and depth of flavor, enhancing the seasonal autumn feeling.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the whoopie pie's classic taste.

Pairing Ideas for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Complement the pumpkin's earthy sweetness with a spiced, heated apple cider that echoes the pie spice notes and provides a cozy autumn beverage experience.
• Match the whoopie pie's richness with a creamy latte featuring cinnamon and vanilla undertones that beautifully mirror the dessert's warm flavor profile.
• Create a decadent pairing by adding a scoop of maple pecan ice cream, which amplifies the dessert's seasonal maple frosting and provides a delightful temperature contrast.

Proper Storage for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Refrigerate: Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled to maintain frosting's firmness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze Whole: Wrap individual whoopie pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Freeze Components: Separately freeze unfilled cookies and frosting in sealed containers. Thaw cookies at room temperature and frosting in refrigerator, then assemble when ready to enjoy.
• Countertop Storage: For short-term storage, keep whoopie pies in covered container at cool room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight and warm areas to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make the whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookies and frosting a day in advance. Store the cookies in an airtight container and refrigerate the frosting. Assemble the whoopie pies just before serving for the best texture.

• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Ensure your baking sheet is cool and use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. This helps maintain the shape of the whoopie pie cookies.

• What if my frosting is too runny?

If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to firm up. Alternatively, add a bit more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Spiced pumpkin whoopie pies bring autumn’s warmth to classic sandwich cookies. Creamy marshmallow filling nestles between tender cake-like cookies, offering a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chilled pumpkin puree
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar (firmly packed)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 tbsps pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 3 tbsps maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: sprinkles or jimmies for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350° F and position the rack in the middle. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.

1. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly and set aside.

1. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well blended. Add chilled pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until completely smooth.

1. Gently fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, whisking until no flour streaks remain.

1. Use a cookie scoop to drop uniform portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.

1. Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Verify doneness with a toothpick test – it should come out clean.

1. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.

1. Beat butter in an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add cream cheese and continue mixing.

1. Incorporate powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until frosting reaches a consistent texture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes if too soft.

1. Flip half the cooled cookies bottom-side up. Pipe frosting generously onto each cookie base.

1. Top each frosted cookie with another cookie, pressing gently to distribute filling evenly.

1. Optional: Sprinkle edges with decorative jimmies or sprinkles for extra flair.

1. Chill whoopie pies for one hour to allow flavors to develop and frosting to set before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh pumpkin puree to enhance the authentic, rich flavor and avoid watery consistency.
• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and maintain a perfect round shape.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smoother, lump-free frosting that blends seamlessly.
• Customize the spice blend by adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg for a more intense autumn-inspired taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 254
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 214 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg