Irresistible Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies in Under 30 Minutes
Oh, fall baking—there’s nothing quite like it, is there? The moment that first crisp breeze hits, I start dreaming of warm spices, cozy kitchens, and of course, pumpkin everything. And let me tell you, these pumpkin patch whoopie pies? They’re my absolute favorite way to celebrate the season. Soft, spiced pumpkin cookies hugging a cloud of creamy filling—it’s like autumn in every bite. I’ve been making these for years, ever since my aunt handed me her tattered recipe card with a wink. Now, they’re the first thing my family asks for when the leaves start turning. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they disappear faster than a hayride at the pumpkin patch!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Let me tell you why these pumpkin patch whoopie pies are going to become your new fall baking obsession:
- They’re super easy to make! No fancy techniques here—just mix, bake, and sandwich. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll nail this recipe.
- Packed with flavor! The warm spices like cinnamon and ginger pair perfectly with the pumpkin, and that creamy filling? Pure heaven.
- Perfect for fall gatherings! These whoopie pies are a crowd-pleaser at parties, potlucks, or just cozy nights in with a cup of cider.
- Family-friendly fun! Kids love helping with the dough and assembling the pies. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Seriously, they’re the ultimate treat to make your autumn extra special.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! These pumpkin patch whoopie pies are all about keeping it simple but flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of our cookies. Make sure to measure it properly for the perfect texture.
- 1 tsp baking powder – Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Works with the baking powder to give them that whoopie pie lift.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – The star spice for that warm, cozy fall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp ginger – Adds a little zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Don’t skip this! It enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Use the canned stuff—it’s consistent and super convenient.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cookies just right.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cookies moist without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together for that perfect cookie texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a hint of warmth and depth to the dough.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – The secret to that creamy, dreamy filling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened – Makes the filling rich and smooth.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens the filling without being grainy.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – A little extra vanilla in the filling ties it all together.
See? Nothing too fancy, but every ingredient plays a key role in making these whoopie pies unforgettable.
How to Make Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Ready to dive in? Let’s make these pumpkin patch whoopie pies step by step. Trust me, it’s easier than it sounds, and the results are so worth it!
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a big mixing bowl and whisking together your dry ingredients. That’s 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk it all until it’s evenly combined—you want those spices to spread out perfectly. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir it all until it’s smooth and creamy. You’ll notice the batter starts to smell amazing already—thank you, pumpkin and spices!
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! Preheat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just set. Let them cool completely on the sheets before moving them. Patience is key here—you don’t want warm cookies to melt your filling!
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up the filling. Beat 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep beating until it’s light and fluffy. If it’s too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up a bit.
Step 5: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Time for the fun part! Spread a generous dollop of filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Then, gently press another cookie on top to make a sandwich. Repeat until all your whoopie pies are assembled. And there you have it—pumpkin patch whoopie pies that’ll make your fall season extra sweet!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Want to take your pumpkin patch whoopie pies to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tips for making them absolutely foolproof:
- Chill the filling! If your filling feels too soft, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes. It’ll spread like a dream and hold its shape better.
- Use parchment paper. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver for easy cookie removal and cleanup. No sticking, no fuss.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft.
- Let the cookies cool completely. Warm cookies and cream cheese filling? Not a good combo. Be patient, and they’ll come together perfectly.
These little tricks make all the difference—happy baking!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the good news: these pumpkin patch whoopie pies keep beautifully! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—if they last that long, that is! If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. No need to reheat—they’re perfect straight out of the container. Though, let’s be real, they rarely stick around long enough to need storing!
Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Okay, let’s talk numbers—but don’t let them scare you! Each pumpkin patch whoopie pie comes in at around 280 calories, with 14g of fat (4g saturated), 36g of carbs, and 3g of protein. These are estimates, of course, since ingredient brands and sizes can vary. But hey, with all that pumpkin goodness and warm spices, I’d say it’s worth every bite!
FAQs About Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies
Got questions? Don’t worry—I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I hear about these pumpkin patch whoopie pies:
Can I freeze these whoopie pies?
Absolutely! They freeze like a dream. Just wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then pop them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. The filling might soften a bit, but they’ll still taste amazing.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
You can, but I’ll be honest—I stick with canned. Fresh pumpkin has more water, which can throw off the texture. If you’re determined, roast and puree your pumpkin first, then strain it in cheesecloth to remove excess moisture. But for foolproof results? Canned is your friend.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
Ah, the dreaded spread! Usually it means your dough was too warm. Try chilling it for 30 minutes before baking. Also, check your baking soda’s freshness—old leaveners don’t work as well. And always use parchment paper—it helps them keep their shape.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. I’ve had great results with Bob’s Red Mill. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be deliciously pumpkin-y.
How do I get perfectly round cookies?
Use a cookie scoop! It keeps them uniform. If they bake up a little wonky, no stress—just trim the edges with a round cutter while they’re still warm. Or embrace the rustic look—they taste the same either way!
PrintIrresistible Pumpkin Patch Whoopie Pies in Under 30 Minutes
Delicious pumpkin whoopie pies with a creamy filling, perfect for fall treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, egg, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for the filling.
- Spread filling on half the cookies and sandwich with the others.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Chill filling for easier spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
