If you're obsessed with all things pumpkin, you'll fall for these spiced pumpkin whoopie pies. With ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove, these pies feature the best flavors of the season. The batter also calls for pumpkin puree, which makes the cookies wonderfully moist. Top it off with maple cream cheese frosting and you have the ultimate fall dessert. If you're feeling extra festive, you can even mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling. Let's get baking!
Spiced Pumpkin Cookies
Things You’ll Need
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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2 teaspoons ground ginger
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2 teaspoons ground cloves
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 cup vegetable oil
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2 cups brown sugar (light or dark)
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2 eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree
Step 1
Pre-heat the oven to 375° Fahrenheit.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Feel free to add more or less spices, depending on your taste buds. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2
In another large bowl, combine the brown sugar and oil. Stir until combined.
Step 3
Add the pumpkin puree, eggs and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Step 4
To the wet ingredients, add 1/3 of the flour mixture. Stir until fully combined. Repeat with the second and last third.
Once you have added all the dry ingredients, the batter should be tacky and thick.
Step 5
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. With an ice cream scoop, drop the batter about two inches apart. You'll get about 24 cookies for a total of 12 whoopie pies. If you prefer smaller pies, use a smaller scoop.
Tip
To shape each pie, dip your finger in water and smooth out the tops.
Step 6
Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the tops spring back to touch. Set aside to cool.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Things You’ll Need
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8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 teaspoon maple extract
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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3 cups powdered sugar
Step 1
Add the cream cheese and melted butter to a large bowl. With a hand mixer, beat until combined and smooth.
Step 2
Add the maple extract, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Continue beating the mixture while slowly adding the powdered sugar.
When the cookies are completely cool, it's time to add the frosting. Flip half the cookies upside down. Spread a tablespoon of frosting onto each cookie and add another cookie on top. Repeat with the remaining cookies and enjoy.