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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350° F and position the rack in the middle. Cover two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, whisking until no flour streaks remain.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop uniform portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Verify doneness with a toothpick test – it should come out clean.
- Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
- Beat butter in an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add cream cheese and continue mixing.
- Incorporate powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until frosting reaches a consistent texture. Refrigerate for 30 minutes if too soft.
- Flip half the cooled cookies bottom-side up. Pipe frosting generously onto each cookie base.
- Top each frosted cookie with another cookie, pressing gently to distribute filling evenly.
- Optional: Sprinkle edges with decorative jimmies or sprinkles for extra flair.
- 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