Introduction to Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I find myself craving the cozy flavors of fall. That’s where these Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies come in! They’re not just a treat; they’re a hug in cookie form. Perfect for busy moms like us, these delightful sandwiches are quick to whip up and sure to impress your loved ones. Imagine the joy on their faces as they bite into that soft, cake-like cookie filled with creamy maple frosting. Trust me, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a little sweetness to their autumn days!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
These Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a dream come true for busy schedules. They come together in just 35 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute dessert for gatherings or cozy family nights. The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and festive. Plus, they’re easy to make, so even if you’re juggling a million things, you can still whip up a batch that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This forms the base of your cookies, giving them structure and a soft texture.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents help the cookies rise, making them light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices add that quintessential fall flavor, making each bite feel like a cozy embrace.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It adds moisture and a rich, earthy flavor that screams autumn.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A mix of these sweeteners gives the cookies a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Vegetable oil: This keeps the cookies moist and tender, ensuring they don’t dry out.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the cookies’ soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, sweet note that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: This is key for the creamy maple frosting, providing richness and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for the frosting, it gives it that smooth, sweet finish.
- Maple syrup: The secret ingredient that ties the frosting together, adding a delightful maple flavor.
For those looking to experiment, consider adding a pinch of cloves for an extra layer of warmth. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step is essential for evenly distributing the leavening agents and spices. A well-mixed dry blend sets the stage for perfectly fluffy Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Each ingredient plays a role: the pumpkin adds moisture, while the sugars provide sweetness. This mixture is the heart of your whoopie pies, so mix until smooth!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies tender and soft. A few lumps are perfectly fine—trust me, they’ll bake beautifully!
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking. If you want uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop for even sizes!
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They’re done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Make the Maple Frosting
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing until smooth. This frosting is the icing on the cake—literally! It adds a sweet, maple flavor that perfectly complements the pumpkin cookies.
Step 8: Assemble the Whoopie Pies
Spread or pipe the maple frosting onto the flat side of half the cookies. Then, sandwich them with the remaining cookies. Press gently to ensure the frosting peeks out. Now, you have a delightful Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pie ready to enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; it helps the cookies firm up.
- For a fun twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter.
- Store your whoopie pies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Baking sheet: A standard sheet works, but a silicone mat can help with even baking.
- Parchment paper: This is great for easy cleanup; aluminum foil can be a substitute.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size, but a large bowl is ideal for combining ingredients.
- Whisk: A hand whisk is perfect, but an electric mixer speeds things up.
- Cookie scoop: This helps with uniform sizes; a tablespoon works in a pinch.
Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Try using maple sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper maple flavor.
- For a spiced twist, incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves into the batter.
- Make mini whoopie pies by using a teaspoon to drop smaller amounts of dough, perfect for bite-sized treats!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with a warm cup of spiced chai or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
- Serve them on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins for a festive touch.
- For a delightful dessert spread, include a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each whoopie pie.
- Dust the whoopie pies with powdered sugar for an elegant finish that adds a touch of sweetness.
FAQs about Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Can I make Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just add the maple frosting right before serving for the best texture.
How should I store leftover whoopie pies?
Store your Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Canned pumpkin is convenient, but fresh pumpkin adds a lovely homemade touch.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute. Both will keep your cookies moist and delicious!
Are these whoopie pies suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll have a delightful gluten-free version of these Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!
Final Thoughts
Making Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is more than just baking; it’s about creating memories. The aroma of warm spices fills your kitchen, wrapping you in a cozy embrace. Each bite is a delightful blend of pumpkin and maple, reminding us of the beauty of fall. Whether you’re sharing them with family or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these whoopie pies bring joy to any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you, and your loved ones will be begging for more!
Print
Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: A Delicious Fall Treat!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 whoopie pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delightful fall treat that combines the flavors of pumpkin and maple in a soft, cake-like cookie sandwich filled with a creamy maple frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set. Let cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, mixing until smooth.
- Spread or pipe the maple frosting onto the flat side of half of the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies.
- Enjoy your Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of cloves to the cookie batter.
- These can be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 whoopie pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Maple Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, fall dessert, pumpkin cookies, whoopie pies