When the crisp autumn air starts to swirl around and pumpkin spice everything becomes a thing, I can’t help but dive headfirst into the cozy world of pumpkin whoopie pies. These delightful treats are like a warm hug from grandma, wrapped in soft, cakey goodness with a sweet cream cheese filling that melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into one and feeling that perfect balance of spice and sweetness combined with the fluffiness of the cake—pure bliss, I tell you!

I remember the first time I made these pumpkin whoopie pies for my family; we were all gathered around for Thanksgiving, and I thought it would be fun to surprise them. Let’s just say their reactions were priceless! The moment they took a bite, eyes widened in delight, and smiles erupted across the room. They were a hit, and since then, these little gems have become our family tradition during fall festivities.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Pumpkin whoopie pies are incredibly easy to make; even novice bakers can whip them up without breaking a sweat
- The flavor is a perfect blend of spices that will transport you straight to autumn
- Their vibrant orange hue makes them visually stunning on any dessert table
- These treats are versatile enough to be enjoyed at parties or cozy nights at home
I still chuckle when I think about how my cousin tried to eat two at once—classic! Turns out these whoopie pies can be addictive!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the structure of your pies; sift it well for lightness.
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Canned Pumpkin Puree: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best flavor.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens without overshadowing the pumpkin flavor; adjust based on personal preference.
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Baking Soda: Helps your whoopie pies rise beautifully; don’t forget this crucial ingredient!
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Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; feel free to sprinkle in some nutmeg for extra spice!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all flavors; it’s an essential ingredient in baking.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives moisture; make sure it’s at room temperature before using.
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Eggs: Bind everything together perfectly; use large eggs for consistency.
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Cream Cheese: For that luscious filling, keep it softened so it blends easily!
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Powdered Sugar: Sweetens your cream cheese filling without grit; sift before mixing for smoothness.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds incredible flavor depth to both your cookies and cream filling.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper because nobody wants sticky cookies!
Mixing Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and any other spices you enjoy until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors!
Creaming Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—about 3 minutes should do the trick. You want that creamy texture that’s begging to be mixed with pumpkin!
Add Eggs and Pumpkin Puree : Blend in eggs one at a time followed by pumpkin puree until fully combined. Your mixture should look like autumn itself—a lovely orange hue!
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures : Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix unless you fancy dense whoopie pies.
Scoop Batter onto Baking Sheets : Using a cookie scoop or spoon (let’s get messy!), dollop mounds of batter onto prepared sheets about 2 inches apart since they spread during baking.
Bake Until Perfectly Puffing : Bake for 10-12 minutes or until they spring back when gently pressed. Keep an eye on those beauties as they bake—the aroma will drive you wild!
While those are cooling down (and trust me—patience is key), let’s whip up that delightful cream cheese filling!
Create Cream Cheese Filling : In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. It should be creamy like clouds on a sunny day.
Once your whoopie pie halves are cool enough (don’t rush this part unless you want melted filling!), spread or pipe some of that heavenly cream cheese mixture onto one half before gently pressing another half on top.
Now take a moment to admire your work—those pumpkin whoopie pies are truly works of art! Serve them at gatherings or keep them all for yourself (no judgment here!). Trust me when I say each bite will bring joy reminiscent of childhood memories.
So there you have it: delicious homemade pumpkin whoopie pies ready to delight friends and family alike! Enjoy every crumb while basking in compliments—the secret recipe is now yours!
You Must Know
- Pumpkin whoopie pies are the perfect blend of soft, cake-like cookies filled with creamy frosting
- They bring warmth and joy to any gathering, especially during fall
- The aroma of spices and pumpkin will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by baking the cookies until they’re just firm, then cool completely before filling to avoid a gooey mess.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for an extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Keep your pumpkin whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Don’t overmix; it keeps your pies tender
- Allowing the filling to set enhances flavor and texture significantly
I still remember the first time I made these delightful treats for my family. Their smiles turned into delighted giggles as they devoured them, solidifying pumpkin whoopie pies as a family favorite.
FAQ
What is the best way to store pumpkin whoopie pies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for freshness.
Can I freeze pumpkin whoopie pies?
Yes, freeze them unfilled; thaw before adding frosting for better texture.
How long do pumpkin whoopie pies last?
They typically last about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Pumpkin whoopie pies are the ultimate fall treat, blending the warmth of pumpkin spice with a creamy, luscious filling. Soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a delightful cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth, making these sweet delights perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights at home. With their vibrant orange hue and comforting flavors, they’re sure to become a beloved tradition in your household.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by pumpkin puree.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
- Scoop mounds of batter onto baking sheets about 2 inches apart and bake for 10–12 minutes until springy.
- To make the filling, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe cream cheese filling on half of the cookies and top with the remaining halves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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