If you’re craving something that feels like a cozy hug in dessert form, I’ve got just the thing for you—my Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine soft, pumpkin-spiced cookies hugging a fluffy marshmallow cream cheese filling. It’s the perfect blend of autumn flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture Combo: Soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies contrast beautifully with the creamy, fluffy marshmallow filling.
- Seasonal Flavors at Their Best: Pumpkin pie spice and real pumpkin puree bring genuine warmth to every bite.
- Easy to Make in Batches: The dough is simple to mix, and the cookies bake quickly—perfect for holiday gifting or parties.
- Customizable Filling: The marshmallow cream cheese filling can be tweaked to your sweetness preference, and it’s ridiculously addictive.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk about what goes into these mouthwatering Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe and why each ingredient is a star player. The pumpkin puree gives a natural moisture and flavor that traditional butter or oil alone can’t match, while the pumpkin pie spice brings that distinct spicy warmth. For the filling, the marshmallow cream and cream cheese blend together for a silky, luscious texture that balances the spices perfectly.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth that complements the pumpkin’s earthiness.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cookies spread just right.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cookies soft and tender without weighing them down.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and lend structure to the cookies.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and rounds out the spices.
- Pumpkin Puree: The hero of this recipe, adding moisture and authentic pumpkin flavor—use canned for convenience or fresh if you prefer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their sturdy yet soft texture.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that makes the cookies unmistakably autumnal.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leaveners ensure your cookies rise perfectly and stay light.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pumpkin’s flavor.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Gives the filling a tangy richness that complements the sweet marshmallow.
- Marshmallow Cream: Creates that fluffy, gooey filling that melts in your mouth.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling for easy piping.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I love adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans inside the filling sometimes—adds a delightful crunch! Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the filling or swap spices based on what you like best.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted walnuts or pecans in the filling gives an extra texture I adore.
- Dairy-Free Variation: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan marshmallow spread to keep these whoopie pies allergy-friendly.
- Spice It Up: Try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cookie dough for a unique flavor kick.
- Mini Whoopie Pies: Reduce dough size and bake bite-sized versions for party platters or kid-friendly snacks.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Cookie Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—trust me, this makes cleanup such a breeze. Then, in a large bowl, I combine the brown sugar, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Next up, stir in the pumpkin puree; it might look a bit thick, but that’s exactly what you want. Finally, whisk the dry ingredients—flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—together separately before gradually folding them into the wet mix. This method helps prevent clumping and ensures everything integrates nicely.
Step 2: Baking Your Cookies
Now for the fun part: scooping! I use a size “40” cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), which nails the perfect cookie size—big enough to sandwich filling but not so big they lose their shape while baking. Place the dough balls evenly on your prepared baking sheets, leaving some space because they’ll puff up a bit. Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes to get that soft, cakey texture. Keep an eye out; the edges should look set but the centers still soft. Once out of the oven, transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely—this step is key so the filling doesn’t melt later!
Step 3: Whipping Up the Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling
While your cookies cool, it’s time for that decadent filling. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and marshmallow cream. You can mix by hand with a spatula (I sometimes enjoy the arm workout!) or use an electric mixer for a super smooth filling. Once blended, add in powdered sugar and vanilla, stirring until silky and luscious. Taste it—if you want it sweeter, add a tablespoon more powdered sugar; if you like it tangier, a little extra cream cheese does wonders.
Step 4: Assembling Your Whoopie Pies
Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a sturdy resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe dollops of filling onto the flat side of half your cookies, then gently top with remaining cookies to create little sandwich masterpieces. Press lightly to spread the filling edge to edge but avoid squeezing it out the sides. Now, for the best part—take a moment to admire your edible autumn treats before diving in!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese and eggs at room temp blend more smoothly and yield a better texture.
- One Sheet at a Time Baking: Baking sheets can vary in heat distribution; baking one at a time ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The cookies will seem just set but soft—overbaking dries them out and takes away that signature cake-like softness.
- Cool Completely Before Filling: To avoid melting your filling or have it run off, wait till cookies are fully cooled.
How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep garnishes simple but love sprinkling a bit of cinnamon sugar or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving to make these look extra inviting. Another favorite is finely chopped toasted pecans sprinkled on top of the filling before sandwiching for a rustic crunch and nutty aroma. Sometimes, I drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for a show-stopping finish when guests are coming over.
Side Dishes
These pumpkin whoopie pies are perfect on their own, but if you want to serve them alongside something, a warm cup of spiced chai or a creamy latte pairs beautifully. For fall gatherings, I like to have them with cinnamon-spiced apple cider and maybe some roasted pumpkin seeds on the side for extra crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday parties, I arrange the whoopie pies in a pretty tiered dessert stand with autumn leaves and mini pumpkins for that cozy, seasonal vibe. I’ve even wrapped individual pies in parchment paper tied with twine to give as gifts—people loved the personal touch. For kids’ parties, adding colorful sprinkles around the edges before the filling sets is a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, I store my pumpkin whoopie pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay super fresh for up to five days, which is perfect for making ahead of a party or enjoying over a week’s time. Letting them sit for a day helps the flavors meld even better, if you can wait that long!
Freezing
I’ve frozen both the baked cookies and the fully assembled whoopie pies with great success. If freezing before assembling, just make sure cookies are completely cooled, then freeze in a single layer before transferring into a freezer bag. For the finished pies, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to three months.
Reheating
Thaw frozen whoopie pies in the fridge overnight for best texture. If you want to warm up slightly, microwave each pie for about 10 seconds on low power—this helps bring out the gooey filling without melting everything completely. I don’t recommend heating them too long or you’ll lose that cake-like softness of the cookies.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree in this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, just make sure to cook it down until it’s thick and mostly moisture-free to avoid a soggy dough. Use the same amount as the canned puree called for in the recipe.
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How do I prevent the marshmallow filling from being too runny?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened but not melted, and stick with the listed amount of powdered sugar. If the filling still seems too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until it’s thick enough to pipe and hold shape.
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Can I make these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum included. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
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What’s the best way to store Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Make sure they’re completely set and cooled before wrapping or storing to keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe is one I cherish every fall season. There’s something so comforting about baking these in a cozy kitchen while the leaves turn outside, sharing them with friends and family over warm drinks. They’re simple enough to make yet impressive to serve—a rare combo in baking! So, if you want to bring smiles and compliments to your next gathering, definitely give this recipe a whirl. I promise it’ll fill your kitchen with that wonderful pumpkin spice happiness and have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 27 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and spiced Pumpkin Whoopie Pies featuring a tender pumpkin cookie sandwich filled with a creamy marshmallow cream cheese frosting, perfect for fall gatherings and festive treats.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 3 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup marshmallow cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until creamy and well incorporated.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the canned pumpkin puree thoroughly to blend it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add all purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined to form a smooth cookie dough.
- Scoop and Bake: Using a size 40 cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons), scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake one tray at a time in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until cookies are set and slightly golden.
- Cool Cookies: Transfer baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before filling.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and marshmallow cream together by hand or with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sugar and Flavoring: Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Stir or beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Fill Piping Bag: Spoon the filling into a piping bag or a large resealable plastic bag to make piping easier.
- Pipe Filling: Cut the tip off the bag and pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the cooled cookies, applying an even layer.
- Assemble Whoopie Pies: Top the filled cookies with the remaining cookies, pressing gently to create sandwich cookies ready to serve.
Notes
- Using a size 40 cookie scoop (about 1 1/2 tablespoons) creates uniform cookies for even baking.
- Refrigerate assembled whoopie pies for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze unassembled cookies for up to 3 months and assemble later, or freeze finished whoopie pies for the same duration.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before adding filling to prevent melting.
- You can substitute pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg if unavailable.
