Spiced Pumpkin Cream Whoopie Cookies
These delightful Spiced Pumpkin Cream Whoopie Cookies are a seasonal twist on the classic whoopie pie, featuring a moist, cake-like cookie infused with warm spices and pumpkin flavor. Originally inspired by a beloved bakery recipe, these cookies are perfect for autumn festivities, including Halloween parties or Thanksgiving gatherings. With a luscious cream cheese filling that balances sweetness and tang, they are sure to be a hit with friends and family. For an extra festive touch, consider adding a few drops of orange food coloring to the icing or decorating the edges with colorful sugar. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and texture!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (whisked together with other dry ingredients)
salt
1 teaspoon (added to the dry ingredients)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (added to the dry ingredients)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (added to the dry ingredients)
cinnamon
2 tablespoons (added to the dry ingredients)
ground ginger
1 tablespoon (added to the dry ingredients)
ground cloves
1 tablespoon (added to the dry ingredients)
dark brown sugar
2 cups (whisked with oil)
vegetable oil
1 cup (whisked with dark brown sugar)
chilled pumpkin puree
3 cups (added to sugar and oil mixture)
eggs
2 large (added to the wet mixture)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (added to the wet mixture)
confectioners' sugar
3 cups (sifted for filling)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (softened for filling)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened for filling)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (added to the filling)
Instructions
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1. Start by preparing the cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Set this mixture aside.
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3. In a separate bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and vegetable oil, whisking until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
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4. To the sugar and oil mixture, add the chilled pumpkin puree and whisk thoroughly until fully incorporated.
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5. Next, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. You may want to use a spatula if your whisk is not large enough.
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6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture in half-cup increments, whisking continuously until all the dry ingredients are fully combined and you achieve a thick batter.
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7. Using a small ice cream scoop or a large spoon, drop generous heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about one inch apart.
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8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The cookies are done when they start to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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9. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheets, or transfer them to a wire rack to cool quickly while you prepare the filling.
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10. For the filling, sift the confectioners' sugar into a medium bowl and set it aside.
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11. In another mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter until smooth and free of lumps.
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12. Add the softened cream cheese to the butter and beat until fully incorporated.
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13. Gradually mix in the sifted confectioners' sugar and the vanilla extract until the filling is smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
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14. To assemble the whoopie pies, take one cooled cookie and turn it upside down so that the flat side faces up.
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15. Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to place a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of the cookie.
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16. Take another cookie, placing it flat side down on top of the filling, and gently press down to spread the filling to the edges.
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17. Repeat this assembly process until all cookies are used.
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18. For best results, chill the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator for around 30 minutes to allow the filling to firm up. Enjoy them fresh, and store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Pumpkin Cream Whoopie Cookies?
They are a seasonal twist on the classic whoopie pie, featuring moist, cake-like pumpkin cookies and a luscious cream cheese filling.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Which spices are included in the dough?
The recipe uses cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves to create a warm autumn flavor.
How much pumpkin puree is needed?
You will need 3 cups of chilled pumpkin puree for the cookie batter.
What type of sugar is used for the cookies?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of dark brown sugar.
How long do these whoopie cookies take to bake?
They should bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
What kind of oil should I use for the batter?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of vegetable oil.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when they start to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What ingredients are used to make the filling?
The filling is made from confectioners' sugar, unsalted butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract.
How much all-purpose flour is required?
The recipe uses 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
How should I prepare the baking sheets?
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper before placing the dough.
Do the butter and cream cheese need to be softened for the filling?
Yes, both the unsalted butter and the cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
How much vanilla extract is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon in the cookie batter and 1 teaspoon in the cream cheese filling.
Why is it recommended to sift the confectioners' sugar?
Sifting prevents lumps and ensures the filling has a smooth texture.
How do I assemble the whoopie pies?
Place a dollop of filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie and press gently.
How long should the assembled cookies be chilled?
They should be chilled in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes.
Why should the whoopie pies be chilled after assembly?
Chilling allows the cream cheese filling to firm up so the cookies hold together better.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each cookie?
Each cookie provides 2.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
Each serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What occasions are these cookies best for?
They are perfect for autumn festivities, Halloween parties, or Thanksgiving gatherings.
How can I make the cookies look more festive for Halloween?
You can add orange food coloring to the filling or decorate the edges with colorful sugar.
How should leftover whoopie pies be stored?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days.
When is the best time to eat these cookies?
They are best enjoyed fresh for the optimal flavor and texture.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total.
Should I use a mixer for the filling?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth.
How do I incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients?
Gradually add the flour mixture in half-cup increments while whisking continuously to achieve a thick batter.
What size should the cookie dough balls be?
Use a scoop or spoon to drop generous heaping tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets.
How far apart should the cookies be spaced on the tray?
They should be spaced about one inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.