Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there's a certain magic that autumn brings, particularly when it comes to seasonal flavors. One treat that perfectly encapsulates this delightful season is the Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pie. These cookies are not only a feast for the eyes with their inviting orange hue, but they also deliver a comforting blend of flavors that evoke the essence of fall. With their soft, cake-like texture and a luscious creamy filling, Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies are a nostalgic dessert that can elevate any gathering, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday parties.

Discover the magic of autumn with Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies! These delightful treats feature soft, cake-like cookies infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin spice, sandwiched around a creamy filling. Perfect for cozy gatherings, these whoopie pies are easy to make and a delight to share. Learn how to create this seasonal favorite that captures the essence of fall, with a step-by-step guide to crafting, baking, and assembling these irresistible desserts.

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix the Cookie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a whisk to mix until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until fully incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until no flour is visible; be careful not to overmix.

Scoop and Shape the Cookies: Utilize a cookie scoop or two spoons to drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread a bit while baking, so leave enough room!

Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You'll know they're ready when the tops bounce back lightly when touched and the edges appear set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: While your cookies cool, make the cream cheese filling. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and, if desired, the maple syrup for an added touch of fall sweetness.

Assemble the Whoopie Pies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, match them into pairs by size. Take one cookie from each pair and spread 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling on the flat side. Top with the other cookie, pressing gently together to create a delightful sandwich.

Serve and Enjoy: For the best experience, serve your whoopie pies right away, or chill them for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors better meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 whoopie pies

Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, place the assembled whoopie pies on a decorative platter and sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a touch of elegance. Enjoy your cozy fall treat!