Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter & Cream Cheese Icing

These pumpkin whoopie pies with brown butter and cream cheese icing are sweet perfection. The fall flavors of pumpkin and cinnamon come together in perfect harmony in the soft, moist cookies. Then sandwiched between them, is a layer of icing with touches of decadent cream cheese and caramelized butter that perfectly complements the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

I admit it. I'm a pumpkin spice fan. As the weather turns cooler and the leaves start to turn all the lovely shades of autumn, it just feels right to bake ALL the pumpkin things and drink apple cider. And these pumpkin whoopie pies are just one of my favorites.

Every fall I make these pumpkin whoopie pies with brown butter and cream cheese icing for my family to enjoy. Not only are these whoopie pies delicious, they are, also, perfect for fall potlucks, bake sales, family gatherings, or a festive Thanksgiving dessert. They have always been a huge hit whenever I have baked them for sharing! For one, they're scrumptious. Yum! And, for another, they are so convenient to eat just holding them in your hands.

I'm sure after one bite of these freshly baked pumpkin whoopie pies, you will be wanting to add these to your annual list of "must have" fall things, too.

So, go ahead, grab your mixing bowl, and a can of pumpkin... and let's bake!

Looking for other, delicious fall baking recipes? Try one of these!

• Chocolate Whoopie Pies With Peanut Butter Icing
• Amish Sticky Buns
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Cookie

1 15 oz. Can of Pumpkin, (or 2 c. fresh pumpkin, cooked and mashed)

2 c. Brown Sugar

2 Eggs

1 c. Butter (or substitute with vegetable or avocado oil. No strong flavored oils such as olive oil)

3 ¼ c. Flour, unbleached

1 Tbsp. Pumpkin Pie Spice

½ Tbsp. Cinnamon

2 tsp. Vanilla

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Baking Soda

1 tsp. Baking Powder

For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Icing

8 oz. Cream Cheese, softened

⅓ c. Butter, browned (Be sure to use a better-quality butter for this. I have discovered, a low-quality butter will not brown/caramelize properly.)

3 ¼ c. Powdered Sugar

2 tsp. Vanilla

Directions

Baking the Pumpkin Cookie

In a mixing bowl, cream together pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, and butter. Add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined.

Now, how big do you want your whoopie pies to be? (Keep in mind, you are putting 2 cookies together with icing in the middle.) My go-to method for scooping cookie dough is to just use spoons from my silverware drawer as scoops. For this recipe, a well-rounded, slightly heaping teaspoon of dough creates about a 3 inch in diameter cookie. A well rounded, slightly heaping tablespoon creates about a 4 ½ inch in diameter cookie. Choose the size you feel is appropriate and begin scooping the dough onto a parchment paper covered baking sheet. Leave space between cookies, as they will rise and spread out when baking.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12 minutes. Add a minute or two, if making a larger sized cookie. (Try not to underbake them, as they will already be fairly moist because of the pumpkin. Avoid overbaking, too, as then they will be dry and crumbly.) Remove from oven and allow them to cool completely before trying to ice them.

Crafting the Cream Cheese & Brown Butter Icing

Begin by browning the butter. Place a frying pan or a small saucepan on the stovetop. Set the burner temperature to medium or medium-low. Put the butter into the pan. In a few moments, the butter will melt and then, begin to boil and foam up. Stay right by the stove, because this process all happens very quickly!

Add softened cream cheese and the browned butter to a mixing bowl. Begin whisking them together at a low speed. Slowly, add in the powdered sugar. Lastly, add the vanilla.

When all the ingredients have been added, switch to whisk the on a high speed until well combined.

Assembling the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter & Cream Cheese Icing

Play a little matching game! Some of the cookies may be more oval shaped, some perfectly round, and a few may be slightly bigger/smaller than the others. Sort the cookies into pairs that are similar in size and shape. (If you have children, this is something that they'd love to help with and it's a great hands-on learning experience!)

When the cookies are paired up, hold one in your hand with the bottom side up. Use the other hand to scoop some of that yummy icing onto the cookie and spread evenly. Then, gently press the other cookie you've paired this one with bottom first into the icing.

And look at that! You've made you first whoopie pie!! Set it to the side (if you can resist) and repeat the process until all the whoopie pies have been filled.

Serving Suggestions for these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

These pumpkin whoopie pies with brown butter and cream cheese icing are a scrumptious and seasonal dessert that really captures the essence of autumn. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to make the most of these delightful treats:

• Hot or Cold Drink Pairing: Enjoy your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a soothing mug of hot tea. The warm, earthy flavors of pumpkin and spices complement the aromatic qualities of your favorite brew. Go seasonal with a glass of fresh apple cider or some egg nogg! And a nice, cold glass of milk is always the perfect accompaniment.
• Thanksgiving Dessert Table: Impress your Thanksgiving dinner guests by incorporating Pumpkin Whoopie Pies into your dessert table. Their warm and comforting flavors are a perfect complement to traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Get creative by sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. The cold and creamy contrast pairs wonderfully with the soft, spiced cookies.
• Party Favors: Wrap individual Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in clear cellophane bags, tie them with a ribbon, and use them as party favors for weddings, birthdays, or baby showers. Guests will appreciate a sweet treat to take home.
• Autumn Gift: Share the fall spirit by gifting Pumpkin Whoopie Pies to friends and neighbors. Package them in a decorative box or tin for a thoughtful autumn gift.

Whether you're enjoying these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with a warm beverage or sharing them at a special event, these sweet treats are sure to be a hit. Get creative with your serving ideas and savor the taste of the season!

Storage Suggestions: Keep Them Irresistibly Fresh!

Preserving the soft and delectable qualities of your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is crucial for enjoying their flavors over time. Here are some helpful storage suggestions to ensure your whoopie pies stay fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Due to the cream cheese content in the icing and, it's advisable to store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in the refrigerator if not being eating within a day or two. (And for optimal freshness, aim to consume your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies within a week of preparation.) When refrigerating, if you prefer serving them at room temperature, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.
• Airtight Container or Individually Wrapped: Place them in an airtight container or individually wrap them in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.  If you need to stack multiple layers of whoopie pies in the same container, place sheets of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers. This helps prevent sticking to one another.
• Freezing: While some baked goods freeze well, the texture of Pumpkin Whoopie Pies may be compromised if frozen. They tend to be more “sticky” - A little messier to eat when holding in your hands. Because of this, I would recommend individually wrapping them in plastic wrap before freezing. That way, they can be thawed, unwrapped, and eaten using the plastic wrap as a convenient way to keep your fingers clean!

By following these storage suggestions, you can extend the enjoyment of your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, keeping them irresistibly fresh and flavorful. Whether you savor them over several days or share them with loved ones, these storage tips will help you make the most of these fall baked goods.

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