Easy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe in Just 30 Minutes

Fall just isn’t complete without pumpkin treats, and pumpkin whoopie pies are the cozy, nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth dessert you didn’t know you needed.

Think soft pumpkin-spiced cake rounds sandwiched with a cloud-like layer of cream cheese frosting. It’s part cookie, part cake, and all kinds of amazing.

Whether you’re planning a harvest party or just baking for the vibes, this step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make the best pumpkin whoopie pies ever.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!

🍂 Why Love These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

There’s just something magical about a dessert that feels like a hug in every bite. That’s precisely what these pumpkin whoopie pies deliver.

They’re soft, pillowy rounds of spiced pumpkin cake filled with a light, creamy, and slightly tangy frosting that fall in handheld form.

But let’s break it down. Why are these whoopie pies so special?

• Incredible Texture: The cakes are moist and airy, almost like a pumpkin-flavored cloud. They’re not chewy or dense, just tender enough to melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Full of Fall Flavor: With cozy spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, these whoopie pies wrap you up in that comforting, sweater-weather feeling.
• Balanced Sweetness: The pumpkin puree and brown sugar provide just the right amount of sweetness without being overpowering. Plus, the tangy cream cheese frosting complements the perfect bite.
• Easy to Make: No fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’ve got a bowl, whisk, and a spoon, you can whip these up in no time.
• Kid- and Crowd-Friendly: These little pumpkin sandwiches are a hit at fall parties, bake sales, and even school lunchboxes. No forks needed, grab and go!

If you’ve been craving something festive that feels nostalgic, seasonal, and satisfying, these are it. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand the hype.

🎃 Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get baking, let’s line up everything you’ll need for those soft, pumpkin-spiced cakes. These ingredients come together fast, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Here’s a handy table to guide you:

*Note: If using regular iodized table salt, reduce to ½ teaspoon, it’s much saltier than kosher salt.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Baking these pumpkin whoopie pies is easier than you think, and the results? Bakery-worthy. Below is a detailed breakdown of every step you’ll need to follow to make your whoopie pies turn out soft, flavorful, and downright irresistible.

🧂 Step 1: Sift and Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start with your dry ingredients, because this sets the tone for your cake’s texture. Grab a large bowl and place a fine mesh sifter over the top.

Add in:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or ½ tsp if using fine table salt)

Now for the fall magic, the spices. Add:

• 1½ to 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Want to experiment a little? You can add ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice if you’re feeling bold. Each spice brings a distinct kind of warmth: cinnamon for comfort, ginger for a zing, and cloves for a deep, earthy edge.

Sift everything into the bowl. You’ll notice clumps, especially from the ginger, which is why sifting is essential. It aerates the flour and ensures all the spices are evenly distributed.

Once sifted, use a whisk to mix the ingredients. Set this bowl aside. Your base is ready.

🥄 Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Time for the wet mixture, the heart and soul of your whoopie pies.

In a separate bowl, combine:

• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• ⅔ cup (160 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Brown sugar is your friend here; it adds not just sweetness but moisture and depth. If you can, use a scale to measure the sugar so you don’t accidentally pack too much (or too little). A neat trick? Toss a few marshmallows in your sugar canister to keep it soft!

Whisk this mixture thoroughly. At first, it’ll look a bit grainy because of the brown sugar clumps. Keep whisking until smooth and glossy. The mix should feel almost like a thick pumpkin custard, rich, golden, and fragrant.

That pumpkin spice smell? You’ll be tempted to taste, but don’t—raw eggs and all that.

🥣 Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry (Gently!)

Now the fundamental transformation begins. Take your bowl of dry ingredients and slowly pour the wet mixture into it.

Use a spatula, not a hand mixer, to fold the ingredients together. Why the spatula? Because we’re aiming for soft, airy cakes, over-mixing activates the gluten in the flour, which results in tough, rubbery cookies instead of the melt-in-your-mouth whoopie pies we’re after.

Scrape the bottom and edges of the bowl carefully to make sure no flour pockets are hiding. Stir only until the flour streaks disappear.

Baking tip: Think of this step as a gentle hug, no need to stir aggressively. Let the ingredients come together naturally.

The finished batter should look thick but smooth, soft, and slightly fluffy. It’s ready to be scooped!

🍦 Step 4: Scoop the Batter

Grab a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop (about two tablespoons per scoop). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Scoop even mounds of batter onto the sheet, spacing them about 1½ to 2 inches apart. These will spread and puff up, so give them breathing room.

Want perfect, smooth tops? Dip your clean fingertips in water and gently press down any little ridges or peaks. Think of shaping the batter like you’re making eclairs; smooth, rounded edges look more polished, especially once filled.

Don’t have a scoop? No worries. Use two spoons to portion the batter, just try to keep the sizes consistent.

🔥 Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes. Only bake one tray at a time to ensure even heating.

Your whoopie pies are done when:

• A toothpick comes out clean from the center
• The tops feel set and slightly springy to the touch

Avoid overbaking. They should be soft and tender, not dry or crusty. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

🧊 Step 6: Whip the Frosting

While your cakes are cooling, let’s prepare the cloud-like cream cheese frosting that brings everything together.

This isn’t just a filler; it’s what elevates the entire experience. The contrast between tangy cream cheese and sweet, spiced pumpkin is what makes these whoopie pies sing.

You’ll need:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, room temp
• 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a hand mixer:

1. Cream the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and well combined.
2. Add in the vanilla extract.
3. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, scraping down the bowl as needed.

Mix on medium speed for 30–90 seconds, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and holds its shape.

Want to get fancy? Brown the butter before creaming it for a nutty, toasty twist. Just make sure to cool it before mixing with the cream cheese.

Bonus tip: Want a firmer frosting for transporting or stacking? Chill it for 10–15 minutes before piping.

🧁 Step 7: Assemble Your Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Once your cakes are fabulous, it’s time to assemble!

1. Pair up similarly sized cake rounds.
2. Pipe a swirl of frosting onto the flat side of one cake using a large round tip (1A works great).
3. Gently press another cake on top to sandwich it.

Don’t overfill! The frosting will naturally spread when pressed. Leave a little margin around the edges.

Not using a piping bag? You can spoon the frosting on instead. It’ll be a bit messier but still delicious.

🍴 Bonus Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Make ahead: Bake the cakes and store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Freeze: Store the unfilled cakes in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Once assembled, keep the whoopie pies in the fridge in a single layer. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, allowing the cakes to soften slightly.

✅ Pumpkin Whoopie Pie Success Tips

Want bakery-style pumpkin whoopie pies on your first try? Follow these proven tips to ensure every batch turns out soft, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

🍰 1. Don’t Overmix the Batter

This is probably the most essential rule. When you stir flour too much, you develop gluten, which gives bread its chewy texture. That’s the last thing you want in a soft, tender whoopie pie.

How to avoid it: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Use a spatula instead of a mixer for better control.

🧈 2. Use Brown Sugar (Don’t Skimp!)

Brown sugar doesn’t just add sweetness; it also adds moisture, richness, and a hint of acidity. That acidity reacts with baking soda to help your cakes puff up and stay soft.

Reducing the sugar too much changes the whole texture. You’ll get denser, more muffin-like cakes that don’t spread as nicely.

🍞 Cut the sugar in half? You’ll get pumpkin bread bites. Still tasty — but not quite a whoopie pie.

🥄 3. Use a Cookie Scoop for Consistent Size

To get uniform pies that stack neatly and bake evenly, use a cookie or ice cream scoop (about 2 tablespoons per scoop). Uneven sizing = uneven baking.

No scoop? Two spoons will do; aim for consistency.

💧 4. Wet Your Fingertips for a Smooth Finish

If you want smooth, professional-looking tops, dip your fingers in water and gently press down any rough edges or ridges on the scooped batter. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference.

🔁 5. Bake One Tray at a Time

Your oven has hot and cool spots. For the most even bake (and consistent rise), only bake one sheet at a time on the center rack. Rotate the pan halfway through if needed.

🌀 Variations to Try (Mix It Up!)

Whoopie pies are the perfect canvas for creativity. Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists:

🎨 Don’t be afraid to get creative. You can even roll the sides in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed gingersnaps for extra flair!

🎃🍎 The Great Fall Debate: Pumpkin vs. Apple?

Ah, yes — the eternal autumn question: Pumpkin or apple?

It’s a delicious debate that sparks strong opinions every year. So let’s break it down:

🎃 Team Pumpkin

• Cozy and creamy
• Best paired with spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
• Feels super seasonal (we don’t eat pumpkin pie in July, do we?)
• Perfect for everything: lattes, cookies, cakes, pasta, and even chili

🍏 Team Apple

• Crisp, juicy, and fresh
• A year-round staple (hello, apple pie in summer)
• Perfect with caramel, cheddar, or just a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Versatile in both sweet and savory dishes

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to make a choice. But if you’re baking something to capture that unmistakable autumn-in-a-bite feeling, pumpkin whoopie pies take the crown. They’re soft, spiced, slightly nostalgic, and feel like the edible version of a cozy sweater.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Pumpkin Heaven in Every Bite

These pumpkin whoopie pies are like little bundles of autumn joy, spiced just right, soft and cakey, with a creamy filling that hits all the right notes.

Whether you’re baking for a fall potluck, cozy weekend treat, or just because you love pumpkin spice everything, this recipe is a keeper.

So go ahead, take a bite… and whisper, “Whoopie!” 🍂✨

🎃 You’ll Also Love:

If you’re on a pumpkin dessert kick (and who isn’t?), don’t stop here! Check out these reader-favorite recipes to keep the fall flavors flowing:

• 👉 Best Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
  Soft, cinnamon-spiced cookies with a tangy cream cheese glaze you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
• 👉 30-Minute Pumpkin Pie Cookies for Beginners
  All the flavor of pumpkin pie, packed into a chewy cookie, ready in just half an hour.
• 👉 Easy 20-Min Pumpkin S’mores Cookies for Fall
  Gooey, chocolatey, and stuffed with marshmallow, these are your new fall obsession.

Ella Foster

Ella Foster, co-founder of FoodBears.com, is a skilled writer whose love for cooking fuels her creative work. Her passion for experimenting in the kitchen brings authentic flavor and culinary inspiration to every piece she crafts for the platform.