Whoopie pies are an iconic treat and a staple in American baking. This pumpkin version brings a seasonal twist to the classic recipe. The sweet and spicy pumpkin whoopie pies with their rich cream cheese filling are perfect for fall gatherings or cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
The recipe calls for pumpkin puree, which is a common ingredient in fall recipes but may not be readily available in all supermarkets year-round. You can either buy canned pumpkin puree or make it at home using fresh pumpkin. Also, ground cloves and ground ginger are used, which are part of the traditional pumpkin spice blend and can be found in the spice aisle.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
All-purpose flour: This is used as the base for the whoopie pie dough.
Salt: Salt helps to balance the sweetness in desserts.
Baking powder and baking soda: Both are leavening agents that help the whoopie pies rise.
Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: These are the spices that give the pies a warm, autumnal flavor.
Dark-brown sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture to the pies.
Vegetable oil: This helps to keep the pies moist.
Pumpkin puree: This gives the pies their distinctive pumpkin flavor.
Eggs: Eggs are used as a binding agent in the dough.
Vanilla: Vanilla enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Confectioners’ sugar: This is used in the cream cheese filling for sweetness.
Unsalted butter: This adds richness to the cream cheese filling.
Cream cheese: This is the base for the filling, and gives it a tangy flavor.
One reader, Herculie Menchaca says:
This pumpkin whoopie pies recipe is a game-changer! The pies turned out moist and flavorful, and the cream cheese filling was the perfect balance of sweetness. It's a definite crowd-pleaser and a must-try for any fall gathering. I highly recommend giving it a go!
Techniques Required for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
How to prepare the whoopie pie batter: Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another, then combine the two mixtures until fully incorporated.
How to bake the whoopie pies: Use a small ice cream scoop to drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto prepared baking sheets, then bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes until the cookies are just starting to crack on top.
How to make the cream cheese filling: Beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth, then add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat just until smooth.
How to assemble the whoopie pies: Pipe the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then place another cookie on top and gently press until the filling spreads to the edge of the cookie.
How to store the whoopie pies: Refrigerate the assembled cookies for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How To Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Whoopie pies are soft, cake-like cookie rounds sandwiched together with a cream filling. This fall version has pumpkin puree infused in the cookie dough.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Whoopie Pie:
- 3cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspbaking powder
- 1tspbaking soda
- 2tbspground cinnamon
- 1tbspground ginger
- 1tbspground cloves
- 2cupsdark-brown sugar,firmly packed
- 1cupvegetable oil
- 3cupspumpkin puree,chilled
- 2eggs,large
- 1tsp.vanilla
For Cream Cheese Filling:
- 3cupsconfectioners’ sugar
- ½cupunsalted butter,softened
- 8ozcream cheese,softened
- 1tspvanilla
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat; set aside.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves; set aside. In another bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined.
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Add pumpkin puree and whisk until combined. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined. Sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
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Using a small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, about 1-inch apart.
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Transfer to oven and bake for about 15 minutes until cookies are just starting to crack on top and toothpick inserted into the center of cookie comes out clean. Let cool completely on pan.
Cream Cheese Filling:
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Sift confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla, beat just until smooth.
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Transfer filling to a pastry bag and pipe onto whoopie pie (turned over, the flat side facing up) and pipe almost to the edge; filling the surface area.
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Place second whoopie pie (flat side facing down towards filling) and gently press until the filling spreads to the edge of the cookie.
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Place cookies on baking sheet with parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate cookies at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 659.18kcal
- Fat: 34.07g
- Saturated Fat: 10.12g
- Trans Fat: 0.46g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.05g
- Carbohydrates: 85.16g
- Fiber: 3.56g
- Sugar: 55.68g
- Protein: 6.16g
- Cholesterol: 67.79mg
- Sodium: 421.99mg
- Calcium: 111.14mg
- Potassium: 248.54mg
- Iron: 2.99mg
- Vitamin A: 622.11µg
- Vitamin C: 2.63mg
Helpful Technique for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
To ensure your pumpkin whoopie pies have a consistent size and shape, use a small ice cream scoop to portion out the dough. This will not only make your pies look more professional, but it will also ensure they bake evenly. Additionally, when preparing the cream cheese filling, make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will make them easier to blend and result in a smoother, creamier filling.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep ahead: Make the pumpkin whoopie pie batter in advance and refrigerate it. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a scoop: Use a small ice cream scoop to portion out the batter onto the baking sheets. This ensures uniform size and shape for the whoopie pies.
Bake in batches: If your oven space is limited, bake the whoopie pies in batches to ensure even cooking.
Chill for efficiency: After assembling the whoopie pies, chill them in the refrigerator to help the filling set faster.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and measure all the ingredients to streamline the baking process.
Cleanup as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls while the whoopie pies are baking to minimize post-baking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitute is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It provides a similar texture and structure to the baked goods.
dark-brown sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar with molasses: This substitute can be used to achieve a similar depth of flavor and moisture in the baked goods.
vegetable oil - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a healthier alternative to oil, reducing the fat content while adding moisture to the whoopie pies.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a lower-fat alternative to cream cheese while still providing a creamy and tangy flavor for the filling.
Presenting Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Elevate the whoopie pies: Place the whoopie pies on a beautiful cake stand to showcase their deliciousness and make them the focal point of the presentation.
Garnish with edible flowers: Add a touch of elegance by garnishing the plate with delicate edible flowers that complement the flavors of the pumpkin whoopie pies.
Incorporate seasonal elements: Integrate seasonal pumpkin-shaped cookies or fall-themed decorations to enhance the visual appeal and create a festive atmosphere.
Utilize a variety of textures: Pair the whoopie pies with a crunchy caramelized nut brittle or a smooth cinnamon whipped cream to add contrast and depth to the dessert.
Present on individual serving plates: Serve each pumpkin whoopie pie on a chic, modern plate to give a refined and sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Create a drizzle design: Use a caramel or chocolate drizzle to create an artistic design on the plate, adding a visually appealing element to the dessert.
Incorporate seasonal colors: Integrate autumnal hues such as deep oranges, rich browns, and warm golds in the plating to evoke the essence of fall.
Add a touch of gold leaf: Elevate the presentation by delicately placing edible gold leaf on the whoopie pies for a luxurious and extravagant touch.
Serve with a side of spiced whipped cream: Accompany the whoopie pies with a dollop of spiced whipped cream to add a touch of elegance and enhance the overall flavor profile.
Use elegant plating techniques: Employ swooshing or stacking techniques to create visually stunning and Instagram-worthy presentations that will impress the judges.
Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry and wet ingredients and mixing the batter for the whoopie pies.
- Whisk: A whisk is used to combine the dry ingredients and to mix the wet ingredients together thoroughly.
- Baking sheets: Baking sheets are used to line the whoopie pies and ensure they bake evenly in the oven.
- Parchment paper or nonstick baking mat: These are used to line the baking sheets to prevent the whoopie pies from sticking.
- Small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism: This tool is used to portion out the whoopie pie batter onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Pastry bag: A pastry bag is used to pipe the cream cheese filling onto the whoopie pies.
- Electric mixer with paddle attachment: An electric mixer with a paddle attachment is used to beat the butter and cream cheese for the filling until smooth.
- Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the whoopie pies before refrigerating them.
Storing and Freezing Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Once the whoopie pies have been assembled, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
To store leftover whoopie pies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese filling will help keep the pumpkin cookies soft and moist.
If you want to freeze the whoopie pies for later enjoyment, follow these steps:
- Wrap each whoopie pie individually in plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped whoopie pies in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze the whoopie pies for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen whoopie pies, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost for 2-3 hours or overnight. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the texture and prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the cookies.
For best results, enjoy the whoopie pies within a day or two of thawing. If you find that the filling has softened too much, you can refrigerate the thawed whoopie pies for an hour or so to help the filling set up again before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
To reheat leftover pumpkin whoopie pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the whoopie pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the filling is slightly melted. This method will help restore the texture of the cake and make the filling creamy again.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the whoopie pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking after each interval to avoid overheating. The microwave method is quicker but may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.
If you prefer a crispy exterior, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the whoopie pie directly on the rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the outside is crispy and the filling is warm.
For a more indulgent treat, cut the whoopie pie in half and place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between the two halves. The contrast of the warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful sensation.
If you have multiple whoopie pies to reheat, you can wrap them individually in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. This method helps to retain moisture and ensures even heating.
Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
The pumpkin whoopie pies recipe is a delightful treat that originated in the United States. These sweet, cake-like sandwiches are a popular autumn dessert and are often enjoyed during Halloween and Thanksgiving. The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cream cheese filling creates a perfect balance of flavors, making them a beloved seasonal indulgence. Whether served at gatherings or enjoyed as a special treat, pumpkin whoopie pies are a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Is Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies at Home Cost-Effective?
This pumpkin whoopie pies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a large batch, making it suitable for a family. The use of pumpkin puree and spices adds depth of flavor without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable and delightful treat. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pumpkin whoopie pie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content: The recipe calls for 2 cups of dark brown sugar in the cookies and 3 cups of confectioners' sugar in the filling, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- Refined flour: All-purpose flour is used, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- Saturated fat: The cream cheese filling contains a significant amount of butter and cream cheese, both high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.
- Lack of nutrients: While pumpkin puree does provide some vitamins and minerals, the overall recipe is not nutrient-dense.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the sugar content by using less brown sugar in the cookies and less confectioners' sugar in the filling. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value.
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt or avocado to lower the saturated fat content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Incorporate additional nutrient-dense ingredients, such as finely grated carrots or zucchini, into the cookie batter to boost the vitamin and mineral content.
- Reduce the portion size of the whoopie pies to encourage mindful indulgence.
Editor's Opinion on This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
The pumpkin whoopie pies recipe is a delightful combination of warm spices and creamy filling. The use of pumpkin puree and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a rich and flavorful cookie. The cream cheese filling adds a luscious and tangy contrast, elevating the overall experience. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The result is a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion.
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Why trust this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its perfect balance of spices and pumpkin puree. The cream cheese filling is a luscious addition, providing a creamy and indulgent texture. The meticulous instructions ensure that each step is clear and easy to follow, resulting in a flawless batch of whoopie pies. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and you'll be rewarded with a delectable treat that will surely impress your taste buds.
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