Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: A Classic Fall Dessert
As the seasons change and the air grows crisp, the taste of pumpkin becomes a staple of many fall treats. Among these, pumpkin whoopie pies stand out as a delightful combination of soft, cake-like cookies and a sweet, fluffy marshmallow creme filling. This recipe, inspired by The Pioneer Woman, is perfect for those looking to indulge in the flavors of autumn.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp. baking powder
– 1/4 tsp. baking soda
– 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
– 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (see
Creating Pumpkin Pie Spice)
– 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 1/2 cups canned pure pumpkin puree
– 1 large egg
– 3/4 tsp. vanilla extract
For the Filling:
– 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
– 1 (8-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
Directions
Step 1: Preparing the Cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar and vegetable oil. Add the pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract, and whisk until combined.
4. Add the dry flour mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture and whisk until just fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and feel set to the touch.
6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Making the Filling
1. While the cookies are cooling, prepare the filling. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature butter and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth.
2. Add the marshmallow creme and beat again until light, fluffy, and combined.
Step 3: Assembling the Whoopie Pies
1. Scrape the filling into a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag and snip off a corner.
2. Pipe a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of half of the cooled cookies.
3. Gently press the remaining cookies on top to create sandwiches.
4. Refrigerate the assembled whoopie pies for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
5. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.
Creating Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of spices that can be easily made at home. It typically includes ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This blend is essential for capturing the warm, aromatic flavors of fall in your whoopie pies.
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe
– 2 tbsp. ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp. ground ginger
– 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
– 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1. Simply mix these spices together in a small bowl.
2. Store any leftover spice blend in an airtight container for future use.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
– Use a Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookies that match up perfectly.
– Cool Cookies Completely: Essential to prevent the marshmallow creme from melting.
– Chill the Filling: If the filling seems too soft before piping, refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to firm up.
Storing the Whoopie Pies
Store the finished whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept fresh for several days, allowing you to enjoy them throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do pumpkin whoopie pies last?
A: They can last for several days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume them within a week for optimal freshness.
Q: Can I make the whoopie pie filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, the filling can be made ahead of time. Simply refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the whoopie pies.
Q: How do I ensure the cookies are evenly sized?
A: Using a cookie scoop is the best way to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which helps them match up perfectly for the whoopie pies.
