Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Cream Cheese Filling Recipe

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 06/3/22
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Chill Time: 30 mins
Total: 72 mins
Servings: 26 servings
Yield: 26 pies
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
304 Calories
16g Fat
39g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 26
Amount per serving
Calories 304
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 20%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 187mg 8%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 14%
Dietary Fiber 1g 3%
Total Sugars 27g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 1mg 3%
Calcium 43mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 85mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

A whoopie pie is a unique treat made from two round mound-shaped cake-like cookies sandwiched with a creamy filling inside. They can come in any variety of colors and flavors, but this version has a festive Fall twist. The cookies are made with pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, and they are sandwiched with a rich cream cheese filling.

There is much debate as to the origin of these uniquely named treats. Some say the name comes from a product of a musical entitled Whoopee! in Boston over 100 years ago where chocolate pies were tossed into the audience during the song "Makin' Whoopee." Others say the recipe comes from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country where when the women made them for their family everyone exclaimed, "Whoopie!"

No matter the origin, these treats are fun to make and even more exciting to eat. If you are preparing this recipe for a holiday event, the filling can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate the filling, but then allow it to stand at room temperature to soften before using to fill the pies. If you are taking them to a party, they can be easily transported in a single layer in a 9x13-inch pan with a lid. Just don't stack the pumpkin whoopie pies for transport because they tend to stick to each other.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies:

  • 2 cups brown sugar (packed)

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

  • 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. In a large bowl, mix together the brown sugar and vegetable oil.

    mix together the brown sugar and vegetable oil

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract and beat well.

    Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. In another large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

    combine dry ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.

    combine wet and dry ingredients

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Using a small ice cream scoop, drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350 F for 10 to 12 minutes until springy to the touch.

    bake the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Remove from the baking sheets and cool completely on a wire rack.

    cool whoopie pies on wire rack

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. In a large bowl, beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla until smooth.

    beat the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.

    Gradually add the powdered sugar

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  10. Spread the filling on half of the cookies and top with remaining cookies to form a sandwich. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    Spread the filling on half of the cookies and top with remaining cookies

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  11. Enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.