Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling – Soft, Spiced & Irresistible

When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s nothing better than baking a batch of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling. These little cake-like cookies sandwich a luscious cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced flavors. They’re ideal for holiday parties, cozy family gatherings, or even a midweek treat when you’re craving something seasonal. Best of all, they store beautifully and can be customized with your favorite spices or decorative touches. Looking for inspiration? Try our pumpkin spice cupcakes with tangy frosting for another fall dessert hit.

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Why Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Are the Perfect Fall Treat

The irresistible combination of pumpkin spice and cream cheese

Pumpkin has a naturally rich, moist texture that pairs beautifully with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. When baked into a soft whoopie pie, it becomes a fluffy, tender base for tangy cream cheese filling. The spice mix enhances the pumpkin’s natural sweetness, while the cream cheese adds a cool, velvety contrast.

A brief history of whoopie pies in American baking

Whoopie pies have a long-standing tradition in American kitchens, believed to have originated in Amish communities in Pennsylvania. The original chocolate version was a beloved lunchbox treat, but creative bakers have since reimagined the recipe using seasonal flavors like pumpkin, making them an autumn favorite.

How this pumpkin version elevates the classic

While chocolate whoopie pies are undeniably delicious, pumpkin brings a seasonal twist that feels warm and inviting. The moist crumb, spiced aroma, and creamy filling create a dessert that’s just as nostalgic as it is fresh. Plus, pumpkin whoopie pies stay soft longer than many other cookies, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

Before you start baking, gather your ingredients to ensure a smooth process. You’ll need both dry and wet components for the pumpkin cookies, plus a simple cream cheese frosting that’s sturdy enough to hold the pies together.

Essential dry ingredients for soft pumpkin cookies

Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a rich spice blend form the backbone of the cookie batter. Using a mix of leaveners helps the pies rise evenly while maintaining a soft, cake-like texture.

The secret to a perfectly balanced spice blend

Cinnamon provides warmth, ginger adds a zesty kick, and nutmeg and cloves round out the flavor profile. If you like extra spice, a pinch of allspice can deepen the aroma without overpowering the pumpkin.

Cream cheese filling components for maximum flavor

For the filling, you’ll need softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract. This combination whips up into a silky, tangy frosting that holds its shape inside the cookies.

Pumpkin Cookie Ingredients	Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour	8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp baking powder	1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp baking soda	3 cups powdered sugar
1/2 tsp salt	1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Don’t miss our easy pumpkin bread with crumb topping if you want another cozy pumpkin treat for fall.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Preparing the pumpkin batter for soft, fluffy cookies

1. Preheat & prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Bring it together: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of fluffy.

Baking tips to ensure even texture and shape

Use a cookie scoop to portion out even mounds of batter—this helps every pie match in size. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed. Let the cookies cool completely before filling; warm cookies will melt the frosting.

Making the cream cheese filling smooth and spreadable

In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract. For a thicker filling, chill it for 15 minutes before piping.

Assembling and storing whoopie pies without mess

Pair cookies of similar size, piping or spreading filling onto the flat side of one, then topping with another cookie. Gently press to spread the filling evenly. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Discover great ideas like soft pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting if you love this flavor combo in a simpler form.

Tips & Variations for Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Swapping spices and fillings for different flavor profiles

• Replace traditional pumpkin pie spice with chai spice for a fragrant twist.
• Fill with maple buttercream or cinnamon whipped cream instead of cream cheese for a different sweetness.

Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for baking.
• Swap dairy butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives. Ensure they’re room temperature for easy blending.

Decorating ideas for Halloween and Thanksgiving

Roll the edges in festive sprinkles, drizzle with white chocolate, or pipe jack-o’-lantern faces on top using black icing.
Looking for inspiration? Try pumpkin s’mores cookies for another fun seasonal bake.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Hot drinks that complement pumpkin whoopie pies

A hot chai latte, pumpkin spice coffee, or rich hot chocolate perfectly enhances the flavors of these spiced treats. The creamy filling balances bold beverages, making each bite more indulgent.

Creative presentation tips for dessert tables

Arrange whoopie pies on a tiered stand with small decorative pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. For individual servings, wrap each pie in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic touch.
Don’t miss our easy pumpkin delight if you want a no-bake addition to your fall dessert table.

FAQ – Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cream Cheese Filling combine the best flavors of fall into a soft, pillowy cookie sandwich that’s perfect for entertaining or everyday indulgence. With a balanced blend of spices, a tangy cream cheese center, and endless decoration possibilities, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Check out crustless pumpkin pie for another comforting autumn dessert.

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