Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling, these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are the perfect autumn treat. They combine the warmth of pumpkin spice with the indulgence of a light, sweet cream center, making them ideal for gatherings, bake sales, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly soft and moist cookies with rich pumpkin flavor

• A creamy, luscious filling that complements the spices

• Festive and seasonal treat for autumn and winter holidays

• Easy to prepare and assemble

• Great for sharing or making ahead for events

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Ground cinnamon

• Ground ginger

• Ground cloves

• Ground nutmeg

• Salt

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

• Vegetable oil (or neutral oil)

• Pumpkin purée

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Cream cheese

• Unsalted butter

• Powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.

3. In a large bowl, beat together sugars and oil until combined. Add pumpkin purée, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

5. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and spring back when lightly touched. Let cool completely.

7. To prepare the filling, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract until creamy.

8. Spread or pipe filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another to form a sandwich.

9. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 whoopie pies

• Preparation time: 20 minutes

• Baking time: 12 minutes

• Assembly time: 10 minutes

• Total time: Around 45 minutes

Variations

• Add chocolate chips to the pumpkin cookies for extra sweetness.

• Substitute the cream cheese filling with marshmallow fluff filling for a different flavor.

• Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie batter for added texture.

• Dust the finished pies with a light coating of powdered sugar for decoration.

Storage/Reheating

• Store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

• For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée, but ensure it is thick and not watery to prevent the cookies from becoming too soft.

Can I make these whoopie pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookies a day ahead and store them covered. Assemble with filling just before serving for the freshest result.

Do Pumpkin Whoopie Pies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, they should be stored in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

Mascarpone or a buttercream filling can be substituted for cream cheese.

Why did my whoopie pies turn out flat?

This may happen if the batter is overmixed or if the leavening agents (baking powder/baking soda) are not fresh.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How do I keep the filling from oozing out?

Chill the filling slightly before piping or spreading it to make it firmer.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, but reducing too much may affect the texture and sweetness balance.

Are whoopie pies the same as macarons?

No, whoopie pies are soft cake-like cookies with cream filling, while macarons are delicate almond meringue cookies with ganache or buttercream filling.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful seasonal dessert that captures the essence of fall with their spiced pumpkin flavor and creamy filling. Whether served at a holiday gathering, enjoyed as a sweet snack, or gifted to friends, these treats are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they make an excellent

Print