Oh my goodness, friends! If there’s one treat that screams fall to me, it’s definitely Pumpkin Whoopie Pies! These little delights are like a warm hug on a chilly day, with their soft, spiced pumpkin cookies and creamy, dreamy filling. Let me tell you, nothing warms up a gathering like a tray of these beauties! I remember the first time I made them; my kitchen was filled with the cozy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg, and as I took that very first bite, I knew I was onto something special.
What makes these whoopie pies so unique is not just the flavors but also the nostalgic vibes they give off. Growing up, we always celebrated the changing seasons with fun baking sessions, and pumpkin spice was our ultimate favorite. Who knew I’d still be making these treats in my adult life? So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to it! You won’t want to miss this recipe!
What’s in Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! It not only adds fall flavor but also keeps the cookies moist and tender. I love using pure pumpkin puree without any added sugars or fillers for the best taste.
Granulated Sugar: A must for sweetness! It balances the earthiness of the pumpkin perfectly. Feel free to swap some of it with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Brown Sugar: This gives our cookies that lovely caramel-y taste—yum! It also helps keep them soft and chewy.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): The holy trinity of pumpkin spice! They make your cookies taste like a cozy autumn day.
Baking Powder: This helps the cookies rise and get that lovely fluffy texture.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cookie! I recommend using unbleached flour for a nice texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to bring all those flavors to life and balance the sweetness.
Cream Cheese: This is the creamy goodness that makes the filling luxurious and rich. Make sure it’s softened for easier mixing!
Unsalted Butter: Adds a creamy, buttery richness to that filling.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla takes the filling to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Is Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Good for You?
Well, let’s be honest, Pumpkin Whoopie Pies aren’t exactly health food, but they do come with a few perks!
Pumpkin: Packed with vitamins like A and C, this squishy superfood is actually pretty nutritious. It’s wonderful for eye health and a boost to the immune system.
Spices: Those sweet spices aren’t just for flavor; they also have anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon, for example, is known to help regulate blood sugar levels—bonus!
Now, as delicious as they are, they are still a treat. Consuming them in moderation is key if you’re watching your sugar intake. But honestly, with a cup of coffee or tea, can you resist having just one more?
Ingredients List
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 2 teaspoons cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ginger
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This recipe yields about 12 whoopie pies (24 cookies total).
How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spaced apart about 2 inches.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are soft and set. They should spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
7. While the cookies are cooling, you can prepare your filling! In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
8. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread about a tablespoon of the filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie to create a sandwich.
9. Enjoy your delightful Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!
Pumpkin Perfection: Tips for the Best Whoopie Pies!
– **Make it Ahead:** The cookies can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Just make the filling fresh before serving to keep it creamy!
– **Flavor Variations:** Add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of caramel into the filling for a fun twist.
– **Serving Suggestions:** These are perfect for dessert after a cozy fall dinner or as a snack with your coffee.
I can’t wait for you to try making these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies! They’ll be a hit at your next gathering, and trust me, everyone will be requesting the recipe. Share how they turned out or any fun twists you added; I’d love to hear about your baking adventures! Happy baking!
