Sweet and Spiced: Homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies to Celebrate the Season

Photo byAngie Bright

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: A Perfect Autumn Treat

As the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s no better time to embrace the rich, warm flavors of pumpkin. One delightful way to celebrate the season is by making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. This sweet treat is a combination of soft, spiced pumpkin cookies sandwiched around a smooth and tangy cream cheese filling. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

The beauty of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies lies in their texture and taste. The cookies themselves are soft and moist, with the perfect balance of fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Paired with a light and creamy filling made from cream cheese and butter, these little pies pack a flavorful punch that's sure to impress family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or for a festive gathering, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Recipe: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the Pumpkin Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.
6. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the cookies are set.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue beating until the filling is light and fluffy.

To Assemble the Whoopie Pies:

1. Once the pumpkin cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half the cookies.
2. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwich-style whoopie pies.
3. Chill the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

The Finishing Touch

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of everything that makes fall special. The blend of aromatic spices in the cookies, combined with the creamy, slightly tangy filling, makes each bite a comforting reminder of the season. Whether you’re savoring them with a cup of hot cider or sharing them with loved ones, these whoopie pies are sure to bring warmth and joy to any autumn occasion.

Here are some excellent sources for making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:

1. AllRecipes provides a classic Pumpkin Whoopie Pie recipe with soft, spiced cookies and a traditional cream cheese filling. They also include tips on how to prevent cookie spreading and suggestions for perfecting the shape​(Allrecipes).
2. Taste of Home offers an alternative version with added spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the fall flavors. This site also provides useful tips for storage and freezing, allowing you to prepare the pies ahead of time​(Taste of Home).
3. King Arthur Baking gives a slightly different take, suggesting the addition of candied ginger in the cream cheese filling for a unique twist​(King Arthur Baking).
4. Southern Living emphasizes the importance of using the right type of canned pumpkin (puree, not pie filling) and provides detailed instructions for achieving perfectly spiced cookies with a rich cream cheese frosting​(Southern Living).