Name: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tbsp ground cinnamon; 1 tbsp ground ginger; 1 tbsp ground cloves; 2 cups packed brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 cups chilled pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 tsp maple extract (or vanilla extract)

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

These whoopie pies are beloved because they’re:

Classic fall flavors with warm spices and pumpkin
Moist and fluffy cake-like cookies that pair perfectly with smooth, tangy filling
Great for parties, holidays, bake sales, or an afternoon treat
Easy to make with straightforward steps anyone can follow

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the whoopie pies
pumpkin puree
light brown sugar
neutral oil (like vegetable oil)
large eggs
all-purpose flour
baking soda
baking powder
ground cinnamon
ground ginger
ground cloves
ground nutmeg
salt

For the filling
cream cheese
unsalted butter
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
(optional) maple extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix oil and brown sugar together until well combined. Add pumpkin puree and eggs, stirring until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
Drop batter by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each mound.
Bake until the tops spring back when lightly touched (about 10–12 minutes). Let cool completely on wire racks.
Meanwhile, make the filling: beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add vanilla (and maple extract if using). Gradually beat in powdered sugar until fluffy.
Once the cookies have cooled, spread or pipe filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another to make sandwiches.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 12–16 whoopie pies (varies with scoop size)
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Bake time: ~10–12 minutes per batch
Total time: ~40–45 minutes

Variations

Cream Cheese Frosting Only: Use a simple cream cheese frosting instead of a maple or brown butter version.
Brown Butter Filling: Brown the butter first for a richer, nutty filling flavor.
Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives.
Spice Twist: Adjust spices for a stronger pumpkin spice flavor or mix in a bit of nutmeg or cardamom.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days.
You can also freeze them (wrapped well) for up to 2–3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
These are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

FAQs

What is a whoopie pie?

A whoopie pie is a classic American treat made of two soft cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cookie rounds ahead of time and fill them later. Store baked cookies in an airtight container until ready to assemble.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Yes, just make sure it’s not too watery. Pat out any excess moisture before using.

How should I store leftover whoopie pies?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to about a week.

Can I freeze whoopie pies?

Yes. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to a few months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why are my whoopie pies flat?

Flat whoopie pies could be caused by over-mixing the batter or using expired leavening agents.

Can I replace the filling?

Absolutely. You can try buttercream or other flavored frostings like maple or brown butter cream cheese.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, refrigeration is recommended.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Of course. You can increase or decrease spices like cinnamon, ginger, or add extras like cardamom.

Are these suitable for holiday baking?

Definitely. Their warm, spiced flavor makes them perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall or winter event.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a seasonally delightful dessert that brings together moist, spiced pumpkin cakes with a creamy, dreamy filling. They’re ideal for fall celebrations, cozy baking days, or sharing with friends and family. With simple variations and easy storage options, they’re a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat worth making again and again.