Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe: Irresistible Fall Treats

Pumpkin whoopie pies reinvent ordinary dessert moments into magical autumn experiences.

Soft, pillowy pastries dance with warm spices that capture seasonal comfort perfectly.

Nostalgic bakers and sweet-loving families adore these delectable sandwich-style treats that blend traditional bakery techniques with creative culinary charm.

Each whoopie pie represents a miniature celebration of fall’s rich, comforting flavors and textures.

Creamy fillings nestled between tender cookies create an irresistible contrast that delights taste buds and warms hearts.

Rich, indulgent, and remarkably simple to prepare, these treats connect generations through shared culinary memories.

Get ready to elevate your baking game with a recipe that promises pure deliciousness.

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Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Capture Autumn's Essence: These pumpkin whoopie pies burst with warm, cozy fall flavors that instantly transport you to crisp autumn afternoons with their rich pumpkin spice profile.
  • Fool-Proof Baking Adventure: Perfect for beginner bakers, this recipe offers simple steps and forgiving techniques that guarantee delicious results without complicated skills or expensive equipment.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Treat: Cute handheld desserts that combine soft cookie-like cakes with decadent cream cheese filling make these whoopie pies ideal for potlucks, birthday parties, and casual gatherings where everyone wants a sweet bite.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Easily prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, these treats allow stress-free entertaining with maximum deliciousness and minimal last-minute kitchen chaos.

The Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Essential base for the cookies structure and texture, with a neutral flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the whoopie pies.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Key leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Classic blend that adds warm, autumnal flavor and aroma to the pumpkin cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a soft, moist texture in the cookies.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender crumb in the whoopie pie cookies.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds rich pumpkin flavor, moisture, and beautiful orange color to the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Butter, Cream Cheese: Create a rich, smooth base for the creamy filling with tangy undertones.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle, distinctive sweetness and complementary flavor to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cream cheese frosting.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure consistent texture and flavor in every whoopie pie.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes before scooping to prevent spreading and create perfectly shaped cookies.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature for smoother mixing and better incorporation.
  • Pipe with Precision: Use a piping bag or cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes that bake evenly and look professionally made.
  • Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for at least an hour to let flavors meld and filling set perfectly.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Refrigeration: Store whoopie pies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Carefully stack them, making sure the cream cheese filling doesn't squish out. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual whoopie pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve their quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying to prevent moisture buildup and maintain the soft cookie texture.
  • Reheating: Let chilled whoopie pies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Best Pairings for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Brew Spiced Chai Latte: Complement the warm, autumnal flavors of pumpkin whoopie pies with a creamy, spiced chai latte that echoes the dessert's rich, comforting profile.
  • Pour Caramel Apple Cider: Enhance the sweet-spicy notes by serving a crisp, warm caramel apple cider that highlights the pumpkin pie spices and adds a cozy seasonal touch.
  • Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Create a delightful contrast by serving a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the whoopie pies, balancing their soft, warm texture.
  • Serve Mulled Red Wine: For adult gatherings, offer a glass of mulled red wine with cinnamon and orange zest that complements the dessert's warm, sweet undertones.

Flavor Variations of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: Fold semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a rich, decadent flavor that complements the warm pumpkin spice notes.
  • Nutty Pecan Version: Sprinkle chopped pecans into the cookie batter or mix them directly into the cream cheese filling for an added crunch and nutty undertone.
  • Maple Caramel Fusion: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the cream cheese filling or mix a touch of caramel extract into the frosting for an extra layer of sweet complexity.
  • Spiced Cream Cheese Alternative: Incorporate additional warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger into the cream cheese filling to intensify the seasonal flavor profile of the whoopie pies.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Crank the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper for perfect cookie placement.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Gather in a bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Blend these ingredients and set aside for later magic.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Stir in pumpkin puree until creamy. Crack in eggs and splash vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each scoop for spreading.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide one sheet at a time into the oven. Bake 10-12 minutes until edges turn light golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Cookie Bases

Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 9: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Butter
  • Cream cheese

Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until silky smooth.

Step 10: Assemble Whoopie Pies

Flip half the cookies upside down. Pipe generous cream cheese filling on flat sides.

Step 11: Sandwich the Cookies

Gently press another cookie on top, creating a delicious sandwich.

Step 12: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate whoopie pies for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld. Enjoy your homemade treat!

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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Rich, spiced pumpkin whoopie pies embody autumn’s warmth with creamy mascarpone filling nestled between two tender cakes. Sweet memories of seasonal comfort melt together, inviting you to savor delightful moments of homemade indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (709 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (680 grams) chilled pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (237 milliliters) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners:

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (220 grams) dark brown sugar
  • 3 cups (340 grams) powdered sugar

Spices, Leavening Agents, and Flavorings:

  • 2.5 tablespoons (37.5 milliliters) pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract (for cookies)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract (for filling)
  • 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring smooth surface coverage.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and slightly fluffy.
  4. Introduce pumpkin puree to the sugar mixture, blending until completely integrated, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until a smooth, consistent texture emerges.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Deploy a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion uniform dollops of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Slide baking sheets into the preheated oven, baking for 11-13 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers appear set but soft.
  8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For the cream cheese filling, beat softened butter and cream cheese in a clean bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  10. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture, whipping until achieving a light, spreadable consistency.
  11. Once cookies have cooled, flip half of them flat-side up and pipe or spread a generous layer of cream cheese filling onto each.
  12. Gently sandwich the remaining cookies on top, pressing lightly to distribute filling evenly without causing overflow.
  13. Refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for 45-60 minutes to allow filling to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling these delectable treats helps set the cream cheese filling, creating a more stable and enjoyable texture for your whoopie pies.
  • Assembling the pies requires a gentle touch, ensuring the filling stays perfectly centered between two soft pumpkin cookies.
  • Cooling cookies completely prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and maintains the structural integrity of your dessert.
  • Baking one sheet at a time ensures even cooking and prevents potential burning or uneven browning of the delicate pumpkin cookies.
  • Combining wet and dry ingredients thoroughly creates a smooth, consistent batter that guarantees perfectly textured whoopie pie cookies.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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