Fall is here, and it’s time to indulge in delicious Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies! These treats are soft, tasty, and easy to make, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a cozy snack. In this post, I’ll guide you through the steps to create these delightful pies, from selecting the right ingredients to assembling them perfectly. Get ready to embrace the flavors of autumn and impress everyone at your next gathering!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
– ½ teaspoon salt
These dry ingredients are the base of your whoopie pies. The all-purpose flour gives structure. Baking soda and powder help them rise. Pumpkin pie spice adds the warm, cozy flavor we love in fall. Salt brings balance to the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These wet ingredients create a rich and moist dough. The sugars provide sweetness and depth. Pumpkin puree adds flavor and moisture. Vegetable oil keeps the pies soft. Eggs bind everything together while adding richness. Vanilla extract boosts the overall taste.
Filling Ingredients
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
The filling is creamy and sweet, perfect for the whoopie pies. Cream cheese and butter create a rich base. Powdered sugar sweetens it and gives a smooth texture. Vanilla extract adds flavor, while a pinch of salt enhances all the tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheets
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the whoopie pies bake evenly. Next, prepare your baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper to stop the pies from sticking. This simple step makes cleanup easy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mixing these well ensures that the flavors blend nicely.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. You want a creamy mixture without lumps.
Combining Mixtures
Now, it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir just until they blend. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your whoopie pies light and fluffy.
Forming the Whoopie Pies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the lined baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the whoopie pie bases for 12-15 minutes. They should be set at the edges and spring back when pressed. Let them cool for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix until creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Continue mixing until smooth. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. This filling adds a rich taste to the pies.
Assembling the Whoopie Pies
Once the cookies are cool, it’s time to assemble. Take one cookie and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the cream cheese filling on the flat side. Place another cookie on top, flat side down, creating a sandwich. Repeat this until all cookies are filled. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice whoopie pies!
Tips & Tricks
How to Ensure Perfect Whoopie Pies
To make the best whoopie pies, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can make your pies tough. Mix the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. This keeps your pies light and fluffy.
The right texture is key for your whoopie pies. You want a soft, cake-like base. If the dough is too dry, add a splash more oil. If too wet, add a bit of flour. It’s all about balance.
Presentation Ideas
Serving your whoopie pies well makes them special. Use a rustic wooden platter to display them. This adds a cozy feel. Lightly dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
For an autumn theme, place cinnamon sticks or mini pumpkins around the pies. This makes your dessert table look inviting and festive.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch your baking times and temperatures closely. If you bake them too long, they can become dry. Check for doneness at 12 minutes. The edges should be set, and the tops should spring back.
Be careful with ingredient substitutions. Using too much pumpkin puree can make the pies soggy. Stick to the recipe for best results. Small tweaks can change the whole texture.
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can make your pumpkin spice whoopie pies even better. One way is to add chocolate chips or nuts. Chocolate chips give a sweet surprise. Nuts add a nice crunch. Another option is to use different spices. Try ginger or nutmeg for a unique twist. Each spice changes the taste and makes it special.
Alternative Fillings
The filling is key! You can use cream cheese or buttercream. Cream cheese gives a tangy flavor. Buttercream is sweet and fluffy. You can also try seasonal flavors like maple or caramel. These fillings add different tastes and keep things interesting.
Gluten-free or Dairy-free Options
If you need gluten-free whoopie pies, use gluten-free flour. Look for blends designed for baking. For dairy-free options, replace butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. Use a dairy-free cream cheese for the filling. These swaps still taste great and keep everyone happy.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Whoopie Pies
Store your whoopie pies at room temperature for the best taste. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and fresh. If your house is warm, you may want to refrigerate them. Just make sure to seal them tightly so they don’t dry out.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze whoopie pies, let them cool completely first. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Shelf Life
When stored properly, whoopie pies last about 5 days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can last about a week. Freezing extends their life, keeping them tasty for months. Always check for any changes in texture or smell before eating.
FAQs
What is the origin of whoopie pies?
Whoopie pies date back to the 1920s in New England. They are said to have started in Maine or Pennsylvania. These sweet treats were made by farmers’ wives. They would pack them in lunchboxes for their husbands. The husbands would shout “Whoopie!” when they found them. This fun story gives the pies their name. Over time, whoopie pies grew in popularity and became a favorite dessert across the U.S.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin gives a rich flavor. However, it does take more time to prepare. You need to cook, cool, and puree the pumpkin. Canned pumpkin is convenient and saves time. It offers consistent flavor and texture. Both options work well, so choose what fits your needs best!
How do I know when the whoopie pies are done baking?
Look for a few signs to know when they are done. The edges should be set, and the tops should bounce back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If they are too soft, they need more time. Usually, baking for 12 to 15 minutes is perfect.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the whoopie pies in advance. Bake the pie bases and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. You can make the cream cheese filling too. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to fill the pies. Assemble them on the day you plan to serve for the best taste.
What other flavors work well with pumpkin spice?
Pumpkin spice pairs well with many flavors. Consider adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. You can also use maple syrup for a unique taste. Try pairing pumpkin spice with caramel for a sweet touch. Each of these flavors enhances the pumpkin spice experience!
In this article, we explored how to make delicious pumpkin spice whoopie pies. We covered the needed ingredients, both dry and wet, along with the filling. You learned step-by-step instructions to mix, bake, and assemble these treats.
As you dive into this fun recipe, remember to keep an eye on your baking time and avoid overmixing. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and fillings for fresh twists. Happy baking!
