Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
When you take a bite of these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite in my kitchen. The combination of soft, spiced pumpkin cakes and creamy filling creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
I love how they capture the essence of fall, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying solo with a cup of coffee.
The recipe is easy to follow, and I guarantee you’ll impress friends and family alike. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
When you’re ready to whip up some delightful Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, the first step is gathering your ingredients. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything ready to go because these little treats come together quickly and you won’t want to wait too long once the craving hits.
So, roll up your sleeves and let’s check out what you’ll need for this cozy fall recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened but still cool
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup marshmallow cream
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (yep, it shows up again)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (just a little extra for the filling)
- 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Now, before you start tossing everything into a bowl, let’s chat about a couple of things.
First off, using pure pumpkin puree is key. Don’t accidentally grab pumpkin pie filling—unless you want a super sweet pie rather than those classic whoopie pie flavors.
And speaking of flavors, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra surprise.
But do remember, the essence of these pies lies in that perfect balance of pumpkin and spices, which is what makes them such a fall favorite.
How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful process of making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 375 degrees.
While that’s warming up, grab your two large eggs and 1 (15-ounce) can of pumpkin puree. In a big mixing bowl, stir these together with 3/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. You’ll want to mix until everything is nice and smooth. It’s a bit like making a fall potion, don’t you think? A splash of vanilla here, a scoop of pumpkin there—what’s not to love?
Once your pumpkin mixture is all blended, it’s time to tackle the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
You might be wondering why all this mixing matters—well, it guarantees that your whoopie pies rise perfectly and have that soft, fluffy texture we all crave. Now, take this dry mix and gently fold it into your pumpkin concoction. Seriously, be gentle. We want to keep that airiness, not turn it into a dense brick.
Now comes the fun part—scooping! Using a small ice cream scoop (size #30 is a good choice) or a tablespoon, drop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Aim for nine scoops per sheet, giving them some room to spread out while baking.
As you do this, you might feel like a kid again, playing with cookie dough. Once your oven is ready, pop those trays in and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back when lightly touched.
Let them cool down a bit before you move on to the delicious filling—trust me, the anticipation makes the whoopie pies even tastier.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Substitutions & Variations
After those delicious Pumpkin Whoopie Pies come out of the oven, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
You can easily swap out the pumpkin puree for sweet potato or even mashed bananas for a unique twist. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
For the filling, cream cheese can be replaced with mascarpone for a richer taste, or add spices like ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
You can also experiment with different extracts, like almond or maple, to create a flavor profile that’s uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
To truly elevate your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies experience, consider pairing them with a warm beverage. A rich cup of spiced chai or a classic hot cocoa complements the flavors beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try a pumpkin spice latte for a double pumpkin delight!
On the side, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy contrast that’s hard to resist. For a touch of crunch, serve some candied pecans or walnuts; they enhance the texture and flavor.
These pairings not only highlight the whoopie pies but also create a cozy, festive atmosphere perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening.
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking Pumpkin Whoopie Pies can be a delight, a few additional tips can make the process even smoother.
First, make sure your pumpkin puree is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves.
For an extra special filling, mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Don’t forget to chill your filling for about 30 minutes before assembling; it makes spreading easier.
Finally, store the pies in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Enjoy every bite!