Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that tastes like a warm hug, these Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are exactly what you need. Soft, cakey pumpkin rounds sandwich a luscious, nutty frosting that’s bursting with rich flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. With each bite, the spices and brown butter cream cheese frosting come together in perfect harmony, making this dessert a definite favorite for chilly afternoons, festive gatherings, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try these with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary sweets!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are thoughtfully chosen to create that ideal texture and flavor combination. Each one plays an essential role from the spiced pumpkin base to the divine brown butter cream cheese frosting, making this recipe both simple and extraordinary to prepare.

• Salted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture to the whoopie pie batter, helping create a tender crumb.
• Vegetable oil (3/4 cup): Keeps the pies soft and helps maintain their delicate texture.
• Brown sugar, packed (2 cups): Provides sweetness with deep caramel notes that complement the pumpkin beautifully.
• Granulated sugar (3 tbsp): Balances the sweetness and adds lightness to the batter.
• Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the pies.
• Canned pumpkin (2 3/4 cups): Bring that unmistakable autumnal flavor—just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides the main structure for the pies’ soft yet firm texture.
• White whole wheat flour (1 cup): Adds a subtle nuttiness and a bit more fiber – you can substitute with all-purpose if preferred.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the pies rise lightly for that perfect fluffiness.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Works with the acidic pumpkin to create an ideal rise and tenderness.
• Ground cinnamon (2 1/4 tsp): Classic spice that brings warmth and depth.
• Ground ginger (1 1/4 tsp): Adds a zesty bite that plays beautifully with pumpkin.
• Nutmeg (1 tsp): Earthy, sweet spice that enhances the seasonal vibe.
• Ground cloves (1/2 tsp): Provides a fragrant, slightly peppery note.
• Salted butter (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp): For browning and creating that dreamy brown butter cream cheese frosting.
• Cream cheese (6 oz): Needs only brief softening to become the silky base of the frosting.
• Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens the frosting while giving it a beautifully smooth texture.
• Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Infuses the frosting with a subtle spice that ties everything together.
• Maple syrup (1 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and a hint of maple’s signature depth.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the frosting’s flavor with warmth and sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Brown the Butter for the Frosting

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, lower the heat to medium-low and keep stirring lazily as the butter begins to foam, then turns golden, and finally develops those irresistible brown flecks along with a nutty, caramel aroma. This browning process takes patience, but it’s the secret ingredient that makes the frosting unforgettable. Once browned, pour the butter into a heat-safe container and chill it down to room temperature. Bonus tip: you can make this brown butter up to two weeks ahead and keep it in the fridge, ready to elevate your whoopie pies whenever you want.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your whoopie pies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Whoopie Pie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, start by melting the butter, then whisk in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until everything blends nicely. Add the eggs, pumpkin, and vanilla, whisking until smooth and silky. Now comes the magic of the dry ingredients—fold in the flours, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and spices with a silicone spatula, mixing just enough to combine. The batter will be slightly thick and a little lumpy, which is perfect—over-mixing can toughen your pies, and we want soft, tender bites.

Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Using two tablespoons of batter per whoopie pie, drop mounds onto your prepared baking sheets. Try to keep each mound uniform in size so they bake evenly. Pop them in the oven for 12 to 13 minutes. To check for doneness, a toothpick inserted should come out with some moist crumbs but not raw batter. Let the pies cool on the baking sheet resting on a wire rack for a few minutes before transferring them completely to the cooling rack. This helps prevent them from breaking apart when you frost and assemble them.

Step 5: Make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Once your browned butter has cooled, beat it with softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Initially, the mixture might seem lumpy, but don’t fret—keep mixing, and it will smooth out beautifully. Add the powdered sugar in two parts, beating well between additions for extra fluffy frosting. Then mix in the maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon, giving it another gentle stir so every flavor shines. This frosting truly transforms the pies, adding decadence you won’t want to miss.

Step 6: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Grab an offset spatula or a piping bag fitted with a 1A round tip (or a ziploc bag with a corner snipped off) to spread a generous dollop of that luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting onto one cake piece. Gently press another whoopie pie on top to form a sandwich. For a pretty finishing touch, dust the assembled pies lightly with powdered sugar right before serving. Pro tip: avoid using a piping tip inside a plastic bag without reinforcement—it tends to pop out when squeezing.

Step 7: Enjoy and Store

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting are simply delicious fresh, so dig in as soon as they’re frosted! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, staying soft and tasty for easy snacking later.

How to Serve Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Sometimes, the simplest touches can add visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Dust your whoopie pies lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect that pairs beautifully with their warm spices. You can also sprinkle a few toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top of the frosting right before serving to heighten those nutty and aromatic notes from the brown butter cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

While these whoopie pies are a treat on their own, serving them alongside a steaming cup of chai tea, hot apple cider, or vanilla latte embraces the autumn spirit perfectly. The spices in the pies and frosting harmonize wonderfully with cozy drinks, making your dessert feel like a full sensory experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, arrange the whoopie pies on a wooden board with fall-themed decorations like mini pumpkins, colorful leaves, or cinnamon sticks. You could also layer a few in a clear glass trifle bowl as a display, showing off their inviting pumpkin color and creamy frosting layers. Another playful idea: serve them in individual cupcake liners or gift wrap a few as sweet homemade presents for friends and family to enjoy Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting magic baked right in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, your pumpkin whoopie pies should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This preserves the freshness of both the cakey layers and the cream cheese frosting. Stored properly, they stay moist and flavorful for up to four days, making them perfect for enjoying as a treat throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time or save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place unfrosted cakes on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and frost with the luscious brown butter cream cheese frosting just before serving to keep the textures perfect.

Reheating

To gently warm your whoopie pies without melting the frosting, take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before eating so they come to room temperature. If you prefer a slightly warm cake, briefly microwave only the cake halves for about 10 seconds before assembling and frosting. This slight warmth wakes up the spices and softens the cake while preserving that delicious brown butter cream cheese frosting’s perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of plain canned pumpkin?

It’s best to use plain canned pumpkin, not pie filling, because the filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the balance of flavors and texture in the whoopie pies.

How long can I store these whoopie pies once frosted Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting?

Leftover whoopie pies should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container and will stay fresh for up to four days. The frosting’s cream cheese base means it’s safest to keep them chilled.

Can I make the brown butter cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The browned butter can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the fridge. The completed frosting is best made the day of serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What can I substitute for white whole wheat flour in this recipe?

If you don’t have white whole wheat flour, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. The texture might be a touch less nutty but still delicious!

Why do my whoopie pies sometimes turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can cause dense whoopie pies because it develops gluten. Be sure to fold in the dry ingredients gently just until combined to keep your pies soft and tender.

Final Thoughts

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting capture the essence of cozy autumn days and make every bite a celebration of flavor and comfort. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. Don’t hesitate to try your hand at these—once you experience the magic of that brown butter cream cheese frosting, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

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