As the leaves turn golden and the air begins to crisp, the allure of baking fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. There's something truly irresistible about the combination of pumpkin and spice, especially when it transforms into a delightful dessert like these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Picture two soft, fluffy cookie layers sandwiched around a luscious cream cheese frosting that captures the essence of autumn.

When I first baked these Whoopie Pies, I never anticipated how quickly they'd become a family favorite. They're not just easy to make; they're a sweet escape from the mundane, a homemade treat that brings smiles during gatherings or simple cozy nights in. Whether you're preparing for a fall festivity or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these delightful cookies are sure to impress and satisfy. So, roll up your sleeves and let's dive into this enchanting seasonal treat that's ready to steal the spotlight!

Why are Pumpkin Whoopie Pies the Ultimate Treat?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a nostalgic experience that captures the essence of autumn.

Effortlessly Easy: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create these delightful treats in no time.

Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, these whoopie pies will leave everyone asking for more.

Versatile Options: Feel free to mix things up! Experiment with different fillings or add nuts for a personalized touch.

Sweet Nostalgia: These whoopie pies aren't just dessert; they evoke cherished fall memories, bringing warmth to your table.

Indulge in the magic of baking with these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, and they'll become a cherished go-to recipe in your collection!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Ingredients

Get ready to create an autumn masterpiece!

For the Cookie Layers
• 1 cup butter, softened - Provides moisture and richness; coconut oil works as a dairy-free alternative.
• ½ cup granulated sugar - Adds sweetness and crunch; brown sugar will give a more caramel flavor.
• ½ cup brown sugar - Contributes to a deeper flavor and moist texture; consider pure maple syrup for a healthier option.
• 1 egg - Binds ingredients and adds structure; swap for a flax egg for a vegan twist.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree - The core ingredient for flavor and texture; ensure it's pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• 2 cups flour - Forms the base of the cookie; whole wheat flour can also be used for added health benefits.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder - Helps the cookies rise; baking soda is an option, but adjust the acidity.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda - Works beautifully with pumpkin's acids to create the perfect crumb.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - Adds signature autumn warmth; a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works as a substitute.
• ½ teaspoon salt - Enhances all the flavors; opt for a lower sodium version if needed.

For the Cream Cheese Filling
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - Brings creaminess and tang; vegan cream cheese is a great substitution.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Adds a delicious depth of flavor; almond extract offers a unique twist.
• 2-3 cups powdered sugar - Sweetens the filling; adjust to reach your desired sweetness level.

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies will enchant your gatherings and cozy nights in, wrapping you in the warm aromas of autumn!

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your whoopie pies bake evenly without sticking!
Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes-trust me, this step is essential for a delightful texture!
Blend in the egg and pumpkin puree until everything is well combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy, infusing your kitchen with that wonderful pumpkin aroma.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt to your butter mixture, mixing gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; we want these to stay fluffy!
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving an inch between each mound. This will allow enough space for the cookies to spread while they bake.
Bake in the preheated oven for 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack after removing them from the oven.
For the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
Assemble the whoopie pies by spreading or piping the cream cheese frosting onto the bottom of half of the cookies, then gently sandwich with the other halves.

Optional: Dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of autumn warmth.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days. You can prepare the cookie layers up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. The cream cheese filling can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just give it a quick stir before using to ensure it's smooth and spreadable. When you're ready to serve, assemble the whoopie pies by spreading the filling between the cookie layers, and you'll have a delightful treat that tastes just as fresh as if it were made that day!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

Embrace the warmth of autumn by complementing these delightful treats with the perfect pairings.

Spiced Chai Latte: The creamy spices in chai echo the flavors of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend of warmth and sweetness.
Caramel Apple Slices: Crisp apples dipped in caramel add a crunchy contrast, enhancing the pumpkin's softness while introducing a seasonal classic.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, fresh cranberry sauce provides a bright flavor contrast that balances the sweetness of the whoopie pies beautifully.
Pecan Pie Bars: The nutty richness of pecan pie bars pairs perfectly, offering a robust flavor alongside the light texture of the whoopie pies.
Ginger Snap Cookies: A crunchy ginger snap alongside the fluffy whoopie pies introduces a lovely spice kick that enhances the overall experience.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm whoopie pies, creating a scrumptious dessert experience everyone will love.
Dark Chocolate Hot Cocoa: Rich cocoa with dark chocolate brings a luxurious element to your spread, contrasting beautifully with the pumpkin flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For a truly festive touch, serve with pumpkin spice muffins for an all-pumpkin delight that will warm any gathering.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Variations

Get ready to explore delightful twists that will make these treats uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to enjoy the same fluffy texture without the gluten.
Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter, a flax egg for binding, and replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative for a delicious vegan treat.
Choco-Pumpkin Delight: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a rich chocolatey contrast that complements the pumpkin flavor.
Spiced Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños into the batter for a surprising kick of heat amidst the sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a wonderful texture and added warmth in every bite.
Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl in cinnamon before baking for those who adore a hint of spice that reminds them of their favorite cinnamon rolls.
Maple Cream Filling: Swap regular frosting for a maple cream filling by combining cream cheese with maple syrup for a delightful fall twist.
Matcha Pumpkin Fusion: Add a tablespoon of matcha powder into the dough to create a beautiful green contrast alongside the pumpkin, perfect for a flavorful experiment!

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Room Temperature: If stored correctly in an airtight container, these delicious Pumpkin Whoopie Pies can last for up to 3 days at room temperature, keeping their soft texture intact.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 days. This helps maintain the cream cheese filling's consistency and ensures every bite is indulgently creamy.
Freezer: Want to enjoy them later? Freeze your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies for up to 3 months. Just wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for added protection from freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to indulge again, thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the warm, fluffy goodness of your favorite autumn treat!

Expert Tips for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Use Softened Butter: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, to achieve that perfect fluffy texture in your cookies.
Don't Overmix: Avoid overmixing the dough; this keeps your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies light and airy rather than dense.
Uniform Cookies: Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing, ensuring even baking and beautiful presentation.
Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent the filling from melting and losing its shape.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the pumpkin pie spice; a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can turn up the warm flavors even more!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! When selecting pumpkin puree, look for a can marked "pure" pumpkin, which means it contains only pumpkin without added ingredients or sugars. The texture should be smooth and slightly thick. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it has added spices and sugar which can alter your recipe.

What's the best way to store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
To maintain their delightful texture, store your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to 7 days. Just ensure they're well sealed to prevent them from drying out.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Whoopie Pies? How?
Absolutely! You can freeze these delightful treats for up to 3 months. Start by wrapping each whoopie pie tightly in plastic wrap to protect them from freezer burn. Then, place them in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave them for a few seconds to bring back that fresh, fluffy texture.

What should I do if my cookies are too flat?
Very! If your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies turn out too flat, it might be due to over-creaming butter or not using enough flour. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. Measure flour accurately, using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing it too tightly. Additionally, check the freshness of your baking powder and baking soda, as they need to be active to help the cookies rise.

Are Pumpkin Whoopie Pies suitable for those with allergies?
Of course! You can easily adjust the recipe for dietary needs: for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free and vegan variant, switch to coconut oil and vegan cream cheese, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Just be mindful of any specific allergies related to the ingredients you choose. Always check labels if you're using packaged items.

How can I make these whoopie pies even sweeter?
If you're looking to elevate the sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the cream cheese filling to suit your personal taste. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra cozy flavor kick, or drizzle honey or maple syrup on each pie before sandwiching them together!