Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall right to your kitchen. These soft, cake-like cookies are filled with creamy frosting, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings, holiday parties, or simply enjoying at home. The unique combination of pumpkin and spices creates an irresistible dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these whoopie pies come together quickly.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.
• Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin create a comforting, seasonal taste that is hard to resist.
• Creamy Filling: The vanilla bean cream cheese frosting adds a rich and smooth texture that complements the cookies perfectly.
• Fun for Kids: Get the whole family involved in preparing and decorating these tasty treats!

Tools and Preparation

To make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your baking process and ensure consistent results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes is helpful for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Electric mixer: This tool makes whipping cream cheese and butter together easy and quick, resulting in a smooth frosting.

Ingredients

To create your delicious Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cookies

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (substitute 3 3/4 c Pamela’s Baking Mix for gluten-free)
• 1 Tbs cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie seasoning
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup canola oil
• 3 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese (at room temp)
• 4 oz unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 3 tsp vanilla paste or extract

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Cinnamon
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Salt
6. Pumpkin pie seasoning

Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together:
1. White sugar
2. Light brown sugar
3. Canola oil
4. Pumpkin puree
5. Eggs
6. Vanilla extract

Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing at low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and allow cooling on wire racks.

Step 7: Make Frosting

In a clean bowl, combine:
1. Cream cheese
2. Unsalted butter

Beat until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla paste/extract until smooth.

Step 8: Assemble Whoopie Pies

Once cookies have cooled completely, spread frosting on the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon snack, these whoopie pies can satisfy any sweet tooth.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair your pumpkin whoopie pies with a warm cup of coffee for a comforting treat. The rich flavors of the coffee complement the spices in the pies beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create an inviting dessert platter by serving pumpkin whoopie pies alongside other fall-inspired treats like apple cider donuts or pecan bars. This adds variety and color to your table.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each whoopie pie with a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of sweetness and creaminess. This simple addition elevates the dessert experience.

During Fall Gatherings

• Serve these delicious pies at autumn gatherings or Halloween parties. They make excellent conversation starters and are sure to impress your guests.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

To achieve the best Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, consider these tips. They will help you create soft, flavorful treats every time.

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Homemade pumpkin puree enhances flavor and moisture compared to canned options.

• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting ensures even distribution of flour and spices, leading to a lighter texture in your whoopie pies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and cake-like. Overmixing can lead to tougher textures.

• Cool completely before frosting: Let your cookies cool fully on a wire rack before adding frosting. This prevents melting and slipping.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

While Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are delicious on their own, you might enjoy complementing them with some tasty side dishes. Here are some great ideas:

1. Cinnamon Apples: Warm cinnamon-spiced apples bring out the fall flavors that pair nicely with the whoopie pies.

2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over your whoopie pies for an indulgent touch that enhances their sweetness.

3. Chai Tea: Serve with chai tea for a delightful beverage pairing that echoes the spices in your dessert.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy varieties, contrasts well with the sweetness of the pies and provides variety.

5. Pumpkin Soup: A small cup of warm pumpkin soup can be an unexpected yet complementary side that continues the pumpkin theme.

6. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and savory notes, balancing out the sweetness of the whoopie pies perfectly.

7. Autumn Salad: A light salad featuring mixed greens, dried cranberries, and nuts offers freshness and balances richer flavors from the desserts.

8. Hot Chocolate: For those cooler days, serve with hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy treat combo!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating Pumpkin Whoopie Pies can be easy, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use the right measuring cups and spoons to ensure your batter is perfect.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense cookies. Combine just until the ingredients are incorporated for a light texture.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cookies to cool properly before assembling. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a better sandwich.
• Using cold cream cheese: Always use room-temperature cream cheese for your frosting. Cold cream cheese won’t mix well and will result in lumps.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated correctly. Using an oven thermometer can help maintain the right baking temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds at a time until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 2 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Whoopie Pies come out soft?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and bake just until they are set but still soft in the center.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour and use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.

What should I serve with Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

These pies pair well with coffee or tea, making them a delightful treat at any gathering.

How long do Pumpkin Whoopie Pies last?

If stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I customize the frosting?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or even mix in some orange zest for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with their soft texture and rich flavors. You can easily customize them by adding different spices or adjusting the sweetness of the frosting. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delicious treats at home!