Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe

### Instructions

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the whoopie pies from sticking to the sheets as they bake.

#### 2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this bowl aside.

#### 3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients**
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.

#### 4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be smooth and just combined.

#### 5. **Scoop the Batter onto the Baking Sheets**
Use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as the batter will spread slightly as it bakes. Try to keep the scoops consistent in size so that the whoopie pies bake evenly.

#### 6. **Bake the Pumpkin Cakes**
Bake the pumpkin cakes in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they spring back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake—they should be soft and cakey, not dry.

#### 7. **Cool the Cakes**
Once baked, allow the pumpkin cakes to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cakes won’t be too soft to handle when you assemble the whoopie pies.

#### 8. **Make the Cream Filling**
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, marshmallow fluff, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium speed until the filling is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

#### 9. **Assemble the Whoopie Pies**
Once the pumpkin cakes are completely cool, pair them up by size. Flip one of each pair over so the flat side is facing up. Spread a generous amount of the cream filling on the flat side of one cake, then top with the second cake, flat side down, to form a sandwich. Press gently to make sure they stick together.

#### 10. **Serve and Enjoy**
Your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are now ready to enjoy! Serve them right away, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.

### Why These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Are a Must-Make

1. **The Ultimate Fall Dessert**: These whoopie pies are filled with warm fall spices and the comforting taste of pumpkin, making them perfect for any autumn occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dessert or a special treat at your Thanksgiving table.

2. **Perfectly Balanced**: The spiced pumpkin cake is soft, tender, and not too sweet, which makes the sweet, creamy filling the perfect contrast. Together, they create a balanced dessert that’s not overwhelming but still indulgent.

3. **Fun to Make and Eat**: Whoopie pies are always a hit because they’re so much fun to assemble. Plus, they’re easy to eat—no forks required! Just grab one and bite into the perfect fall-flavored sandwich.

4. **Great for Sharing**: These whoopie pies are a fantastic dessert to bring to parties, potlucks, or any fall gathering. They’re portable, easy to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

### Tips for the Best Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

– **Don’t Overbake**: Be sure to keep an eye on your whoopie pies while baking. Overbaking them will result in dry cakes that won’t have that soft, pillowy texture that makes whoopie pies so special.

– **Chill the Filling**: If your cream filling is too soft, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm it up before spreading it on the cakes. This will make it easier to assemble the pies.

– **Flavor Variations**: For a fun twist, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel to the filling. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on the outside of the cakes for extra flavor.

– **Store Properly**: These whoopie pies stay fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container. For an even fresher treat, consider chilling them before serving—the cold cream filling is absolutely divine!

### Conclusion: A Fall Treat You’ll Make Again and Again

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are the ultimate fall indulgence—a delicious combination of moist pumpkin cake and creamy filling that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them by the fire on a crisp autumn day, these whoopie pies are sure to become your go-to fall dessert.

So, this season, skip the pumpkin pie and treat yourself to something a little different. These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy baking (and eating) these perfect fall treats!