Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of fall to your table. They are soft, cake-like cookies filled with a creamy frosting that make for a perfect treat at any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday party or a simple afternoon snack, these whoopie pies are sure to impress family and friends with their delicious taste and fun appearance. Plus, they are easy to make, making them a great choice for both beginner bakers and experienced ones!

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree to the butter mixture, and beat until everything is combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
  6. Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, placing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden.
  8. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until fluffy. If desired, mix in a pinch of cinnamon.
  10. Spread or pipe 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.
  11. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies can be served as a delicious dessert at gatherings, or enjoyed as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They are perfect for fall celebrations, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving desserts. For an added touch, dust them with a little powdered sugar before serving.

How to Store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To keep them even longer, you can freeze the whoopie pies without the filling. Just make sure to wrap them securely in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw and then fill with the frosting.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
  • For extra flavor, add some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
  • Let the filling chill in the fridge for a while before spreading it to make it easier to work with.

Variation

You can switch things up by using different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin pie spice. Additionally, you could mix in some chocolate chips into the cookie batter for a chocolate twist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it is well-cooked and drained of excess moisture.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make them suitable for a gluten-free diet.

How can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for a couple of days. Make the filling fresh and spread it right before serving for the best taste!

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