If you have a soft spot for all things fall and a craving for something that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine pillowy, cake-like pumpkin cookies with warm spices, sandwiched around a luscious, creamy marshmallow frosting that just melts in your mouth. It’s festive, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the cooler months or any time you want to brighten up your day with a slice of autumn magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, each playing a crucial role to bring the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe. From the rich pumpkin purée that keeps the cookies moist to the spices that add that unmistakable fall aroma, it all comes together seamlessly.
- Pumpkin purée: Provides moisture and that iconic pumpkin flavor that defines the cookies.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle molasses depth to complement the spices.
- Oil: Keeps the cookies tender and soft without overpowering the flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients while adding richness to the batter.
- Flour: The structure base for those cake-like cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Cinnamon: The cornerstone spice that adds warmth and a hint of sweetness.
- Ginger: Gives a mild kick and bright aroma to the cookie mix.
- Nutmeg: Adds subtle earthiness and complexity.
- Cloves: Brings a rich, spicy depth in just a small amount.
- Butter: Essential for the creamy filling, providing richness and smoothness.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for just the right consistency.
- Marshmallow fluff: The star of the filling with its light, airy sweetness.
- Vanilla: Enhances every flavor note and adds a lovely fragrance to the frosting.
How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Batter
Start by combining the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, oil, and egg in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until everything comes together into a thick batter that’s ready for scooping.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop dollops of the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them out evenly to allow room for spreading. Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them – they should be soft and springy to the touch but fully set once cooled. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Make the Frosting
While the cookies cool, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Fold in the marshmallow fluff and vanilla extract for a creamy, dreamy texture that’s sweet but balanced. This filling will be the perfect contrast to the spiced pumpkin cookies.
Step 4: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Pair up the cooled cookies according to similar sizes, then spread or pipe a generous dollop of frosting onto the flat side of one cookie. Gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. For clean edges, chilling the filled pies in the fridge for a bit before serving works wonderfully.
How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These pies are beautiful on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a charming touch. For extra fun, consider decorating the edges of the filling with mini chocolate chips or crushed toasted pecans for a little texture and contrast.
Side Dishes
Serve these alongside a cup of hot apple cider or your favorite spiced latte for a cozy fall-themed snack. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully if you want to turn these into a festive dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe stand out by stacking them in a pretty tower on a decorative plate or arranging them in individual mini boxes tied with rustic twine as delightful edible gifts. You can also sandwich in different flavored fillings like cream cheese frosting or even a layer of salted caramel for a surprising twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These whoopie pies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their freshness, store them in the fridge where they can last up to a week, but be aware this might slightly firm up the frosting.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled whoopie pies by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight for perfectly soft and indulgent treats.
Reheating
Since these are best served cool or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmed whoopie pie, unwrap it and microwave it briefly for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the filling a little without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée is convenient and works perfectly here. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
What can I substitute for marshmallow fluff in the filling?
You can replace marshmallow fluff with an equal amount of cream cheese frosting or a homemade buttercream for a different but equally delicious twist on the filling.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour, and the texture will still be wonderfully soft and tender.
How long does it take to make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe from start to finish?
The entire process, from mixing the batter to assembling the pies, should take about 30 minutes plus cooling time, making it a speedy but rewarding treat to whip up anytime.
Can I add mix-ins to the cookie batter?
Definitely! Mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overload so the cookies remain soft and cakey.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade treat that feels like a celebration of the season. This Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe is a fantastic way to bring warmth, sweetness, and that perfect fall spice combo together in a charming, handheld dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just because, these pies are sure to make you smile and maybe even inspire a few happy dance moves in your kitchen. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 whoopie pies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies sandwiched with a creamy, sweet marshmallow frosting—perfectly festive and irresistibly delicious for the fall season or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 1 egg
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
Filling:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cookie batter: In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, oil, and egg until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Scoop onto baking sheet: Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, marshmallow fluff, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy and smooth.
- Assemble the whoopie pies: Pair similar-sized cooled cookies. Spread a generous dollop of the filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie, gently pressing together to spread the filling evenly.
Notes
- Chill the assembled whoopie pies before serving to help the filling set and create cleaner sandwiches.
- For added texture and flavor, mix mini chocolate chips into the batter.
- Ensure cookies are completely cooled before filling to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can substitute butter with margarine to make a dairy-free version of the filling, though taste will vary slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
