Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies – The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Autumn brings a certain kind of magic — crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the unmistakable scent of pumpkin spice wafting through kitchens. Few desserts capture that feeling better than Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies. Imagine two soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies sandwiched around a creamy filling that’s just sweet enough to make you close your eyes with every bite. It’s like a pumpkin pie, a chocolate chip cookie, and a cupcake all rolled into one irresistible treat.
What makes these whoopie pies so special is their perfect balance. The pumpkin gives them a soft, moist texture and that warm seasonal flavor, while chocolate chips add delightful little bursts of sweetness. When paired with a rich cream cheese or marshmallow filling, every bite feels like a celebration of fall. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a cozy weekend at home, or prepping a dessert table for Thanksgiving, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies are guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | 2 |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Ground ginger | ½ tsp | 4 |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | 2 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Canned pumpkin puree | 1 cup | 83 |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | 720 |
| Vegetable oil | ½ cup | 480 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Mini chocolate chips | ¾ cup | 450 |
| Filling: Cream cheese (softened) | 8 oz | 800 |
| Butter (softened) | ½ cup | 400 |
| Powdered sugar | 1½ cups | 720 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Bring It Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until combined, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
5. Scoop and Bake
Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and spring back lightly when touched.
6. Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
7. Make the Creamy Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
8. Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat for the rest.
9. Chill and Enjoy
For the best texture, chill the assembled whoopie pies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add a Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for texture.
- Go Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Switch the Filling: Try marshmallow fluff filling for a sweeter twist or a chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.
- Add Spice: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cloves to intensify the pumpkin spice flavor.
- Mini Whoopie Pies: Use a smaller scoop for bite-sized treats — perfect for parties!
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them (unfilled) for later.
Nutritional Information (Per Whoopie Pie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of spiced chai latte, hot cocoa, or pumpkin-flavored coffee.
- Dessert Table Star: Arrange on a tiered platter and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive presentation.
- Gifting Idea: Wrap individually in parchment paper or place in small boxes tied with rustic twine — ideal for homemade fall gifts!
- After-Dinner Dessert: Serve chilled with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies – The Ultimate Fall Dessert
12 Whoopie Pies
servings20
minutes12
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Cookies:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup mini chocolate chips
For the Filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup butter, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until combined — do not overmix. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Scoop the Batter:
- Drop tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops are set and spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Whoopie Pies:
- Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Repeat until all are filled.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Always use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added sugar and spices that can alter the flavor and texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients just until combined to keep your whoopie pies soft and fluffy. Overmixing can make them dense or tough.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure the fresh pumpkin is cooked and puréed until smooth. Strain it through a cheesecloth or fine sieve to remove excess water — too much moisture can make your whoopie pies soft and sticky instead of fluffy.
2. How do I keep my whoopie pies from getting soggy?
Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the filling. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you’re making them ahead of time, it’s best to store the cookies and filling separately, assembling them just before serving.
3. Can I freeze Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies?
Absolutely! Freeze the cookies (without filling) in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and fill with the cream cheese frosting. Filled whoopie pies can also be frozen, but allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.
4. What type of filling works best for whoopie pies?
A classic cream cheese filling is the most popular choice for pumpkin whoopie pies because it balances the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the spices. However, you can experiment with marshmallow buttercream, chocolate ganache, or even maple frosting for something different.
5. Can I make these whoopie pies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder, baking soda, and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well. The texture stays soft and delicious!
Conclusion
When the leaves start turning golden and pumpkin spice fills the air, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies are the dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Soft, fluffy, and filled with creamy sweetness, they’re a treat that brings comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for your family, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a fall-inspired indulgence, these whoopie pies will quickly become a favorite.
