Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is just the ticket. I absolutely love how these soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling — they’re like a little hug in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a chilly afternoon snack, or just because pumpkin season feels magical, these whoopie pies never disappoint.

When I first tried this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe, I was amazed at how the warm spices and pumpkin puree come together to create such tender, flavorful cakes. You’ll find that the cream cheese filling adds the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, making each bite utterly irresistible. Plus, this recipe comes together without any complicated steps, so even if you’re not a baking pro, you’ll have success (and tasty treats) in no time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The combination of simple pantry staples with just the right spices is what makes this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing flavor, moisture, and texture.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the soft whoopie pies—make sure to measure it properly by spooning into the measuring cup.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice: These warm spices bring out that unmistakable pumpkin pie vibe.
• Baking soda: Helps the cakes rise and stay light.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
• Large eggs: Add richness and help bind everything together.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cakes just right without overpowering.
• Canned pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for best taste and texture.
• Unsalted butter (for batter): Melted and cooled to mix into the batter smoothly.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Unsalted butter (for filling): Softened for a creamy texture in the frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• Cream cheese: Softened for smooth incorporation, giving the filling a tangy richness.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Feel free to swap spices, fillings, or even add-ins depending on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

• Spice it Up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or cardamom for a subtle kick that surprises everyone.
• Dairy-Free Version: Try coconut cream or a vegan butter substitute in the filling for a dairy-free twist that’s still dreamy.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips into the batter or spread a thin layer of chocolate ganache inside for extra indulgence.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap pumpkin for sweet potato puree for a slightly different but just as tender whoopie pie.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by heating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and setting the racks to the upper-middle and lower-middle positions. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your whoopie pies don’t stick and bake evenly. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend here—it makes cleanup so much easier!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend of spices is what gives these whoopie pies their warm, nostalgic flavor, so don’t skip the step of blending them well for an even spice distribution.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step adds air to the batter, which helps the whoopie pies end up light and tender. Don’t rush it; that fluffiness makes a big difference!

Step 4: Add Pumpkin, Butter, and Vanilla

Next, add the pumpkin puree, melted cooled butter, and vanilla extract to your egg and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed just until combined—about 30 seconds. I’ve found that overmixing here can make the batter too dense, so keep it gentle and quick.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Switch to low speed and slowly add the dry flour-spice mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, about 30 seconds. The batter should be smooth but don’t overbeat or it could toughen the texture. A gentle hand really pays off with pumpkin-based batters.

Step 6: Pipe the Batter onto Sheets

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (I recommend size 806). Pipe about 1-tablespoon portions (approximately 1 ½ inch circles) spaced about 1 inch apart onto your parchment-lined baking sheets. This method helps keep the shapes uniform and makes baking even. If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works fine too, but I like the consistency piping gives.

Step 7: Bake and Cool the Cakes

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating the baking sheets and switching rack positions halfway through to ensure even baking. The cakes should be set but still soft to the touch. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this makes them easier to transfer without breaking—then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat softened butter and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Then add the cream cheese one piece at a time, continuing to mix until smooth and creamy. Finish by mixing in the cinnamon, which gives that extra touch of spice to the frosting. I always make sure my cream cheese and butter are at room temperature—it mixes up so much smoother that way.

Step 9: Assemble Your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Spread about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cake, then sandwich it with another. Press gently so the filling reaches the edges but doesn’t squish out too much. These assemble quickly but store perfectly, so you can make them ahead if needed.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I often like to dust a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of the finished whoopie pies for a simple, elegant look. For a special touch, sometimes I sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted pecans on the filling before sandwiching—adds a nice crunch and nutty flavor that my family adores.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, spiced coffee, or even a glass of cold milk for the little ones. If you’re serving at a party, I like to put out a platter of fresh fruit and nuts alongside them to offer a little balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged these whoopie pies in a layered dessert tower with autumn leaves and small pumpkins as decoration. Another fun trick is to individually wrap them in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine—a charming way to make them into edible gifts for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover whoopie pies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the cream cheese filling fresh and firm. In my experience, they stay perfectly soft and tasty for up to 5 days, which makes it easy to enjoy them over several sittings (if you can resist eating them all at once!).

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead for a party, these pumpkin whoopie pies freeze wonderfully. I let them cool completely, freeze them on a tray individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed cool or at room temperature to preserve the cream cheese filling’s texture, I usually just let frozen whoopie pies thaw naturally. If you want to warm the cakes slightly, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works but keep it minimal to avoid melting the filling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the perfect mix of comfort and sweet spice that reminds me of crisp fall days with family. I know you’ll enjoy making it because it’s straightforward and yields so many smiles. Give it a try next time you want to brighten up your kitchen and treat yourself and your loved ones to something deliciously seasonal—and trust me, they’ll be asking for these again and again!

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