Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 4 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 56 reviews

If you love the warm, cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a delightful treat, then this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. These soft, cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese filling, creating the perfect balance of spiced pumpkin goodness and sweet creaminess that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these whoopie pies are irresistibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, light brown batter that has a smooth and creamy texture, with small lumps throughout. A wooden spatula with a beige blade decorated with green leaves and small flowers is partially submerged in the batter, resting on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a red cloth beneath it, adding contrast to the warm color of the batter. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing the perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the spices that bring warmth and depth, to the creamy filling that adds that dreamy texture.

All-purpose flour: Provides structure and softness to the cookies for that classic whoopie pie texture.
Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and stay fluffy.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Essential spices that deliver the quintessential pumpkin pie flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that infuses moisture, color, and that distinct pumpkin taste.
Granulated and brown sugars: Together they add sweetness and a slight molasses undertone essential for fall baking.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender without weighing them down.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the rich texture.
Vanilla extract: Brings a hint of warmth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter (softened): Creates the creamy, rich filling that contrasts the spiced cookies flawlessly.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for that perfect spreadable texture.
Cream cheese (softened): Adds tang and lusciousness to the filling, making every bite irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies bake evenly and won’t stick, giving you perfectly formed cookies every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Taking this time to evenly combine the spices and leavening agents means every cookie will have consistent flavor and rise beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture thoroughly so that it becomes smooth and well blended—this creates the moist base that makes these pies so soft and tender.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here, as that can make the cookies tough. This gentle folding keeps your whoopie pies delightfully soft and fluffy.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave a bit of space between each dollop to allow spreading. Bake them for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool briefly on the sheet before moving them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Filling

While the cookies cool completely, whip together softened butter and cream cheese until creamy, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and ready to be sandwiched between your pumpkin-spiced cookies.

Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Spread a generous dollop of this luscious filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them. Repeat with all cookies, creating those classic, irresistible whoopie pies everyone loves.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve your freshly assembled Pumpkin Whoopie Pies and prepare for compliments—they’re soft, flavorful, and undeniably delicious.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich cookie with two soft, textured light brown pumpkin-flavored cookie layers. Between them is a thick, smooth, and creamy white filling that looks fluffy and dense. The cookie on top has a bite taken out of it, revealing the moist crumb inside. The dessert rests on a white marbled surface, with some blurred cookies and a glass in the background, along with yellow flowers on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies instantly elevates their look and adds a lovely touch of extra flavor. For festive occasions, consider adding a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a decorative drizzle of melted white chocolate.

Side Dishes

These whoopie pies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai or a rich cup of hot cocoa. A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside can turn this treat into a decadent dessert experience, perfect for chilly evenings.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies the centerpiece of a seasonal dessert platter by arranging them alongside caramel apples, candied pecans, or mini pumpkin muffins. Wrapping each pie in parchment paper tied with twine is also a charming way to gift them to friends or family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge where they’ll last about a week without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead of time, whoopie pies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your whoopie pies like fresh out of the oven, warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds after thawing. This softens the filling and revives the cookies’ tender texture without making them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and remove any excess water for the best results in your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the filling?

If cream cheese is not an option, try mascarpone or a neutral-flavored cream cheese alternative. Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of butter and powdered sugar can also work in a pinch.

Are these whoopie pies suitable for freezing?

Yes, they freeze really well! Just follow the freezing instructions above to keep them tasting fresh and delicious after thawing.

How long do Pumpkin Whoopie Pies last after baking?

Stored properly, they last up to two days at room temperature or about a week refrigerated. For longer keeping, freezing is your best bet.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking, and make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe and tasty variation.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is a delightful way to welcome the flavors of the season into your kitchen with ease and joy. Soft, spiced, and creamy, these pies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a little pumpkin perfection. Give them a try—you’ll soon understand why they’re a beloved classic that deserves a place in your fall baking rotation.