Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies

When the leaves begin to fall and the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a batch of Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies. These soft, spiced pumpkin cookie sandwiches are filled with a luscious cream cheese filling — the perfect blend of cozy autumn flavors and creamy sweetness. Each bite feels like a mini pumpkin pie wrapped in the softest whoopie cake imaginable.

If you love pumpkin desserts that are festive, fun, and irresistibly fluffy, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal favorite.

---

What Are Whoopie Pumpkin Pies?

A “whoopie pie” is a classic American dessert — soft, cake-like cookies sandwiched together with a sweet, creamy filling. Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies take this beloved treat to the next level by adding pumpkin puree and warm spices to the batter, creating a fall-inspired delight that’s tender, flavorful, and bursting with homemade goodness.

They’re essentially the best parts of pumpkin pie and cake rolled into one — easy to eat, mess-free, and downright delicious.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these little pumpkin pillows of joy:

• 🎃 Perfect fall dessert – Full of pumpkin spice flavor.
• 🍪 Soft and moist texture – Like mini pumpkin cakes instead of cookies.
• 🍥 Creamy filling – Smooth cream cheese frosting sandwiched between two pumpkin halves.
• 👩‍🍳 Easy to make – No complicated steps or special equipment.
• 💛 Crowd-pleaser – Great for Thanksgiving, potlucks, bake sales, or cozy nights in.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Whoopie Cakes:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for deeper spice)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier version)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

---

How to Make Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

---

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

---

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and oil until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Then whisk in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until combined.

---

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. The batter should be thick but soft and spoonable.

---

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each.
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the cakes spring back lightly when touched.
Allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cakes cool, beat together cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and creamy.

---

Step 7: Assemble the Whoopie Pies

Pair up the cooled pumpkin cakes by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to create a sandwich.

Press gently to distribute the filling evenly — and there you have it: perfect pumpkin whoopie pies!

---

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

• Use room-temperature ingredients. It helps everything blend smoothly, especially the filling.
• Don’t overmix. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix only until combined.
• Chill before serving. A short rest in the fridge helps set the filling and intensify the flavor.
• Add a twist! Sprinkle chopped pecans, drizzle caramel, or dust with cinnamon sugar for a gourmet touch.

---

Variations You’ll Love

• 🍫 Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• 🥥 Coconut Cream Filling: Replace half the butter in the filling with coconut cream and add shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
• 🍏 Apple Spice Version: Mix in ½ cup finely grated apple for extra moisture and flavor.
• 🍁 Maple Cream Cheese Filling: Add 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup to the filling for a cozy fall twist.

---

How to Store Your Whoopie Pies

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Individually wrap each whoopie pie in plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Room Temperature: Can be kept out for up to 2 hours — perfect for parties or dessert buffets.

---

Serving Suggestions

These pumpkin whoopie pies are a treat on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with:

• A hot mug of spiced chai latte
• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
• A drizzle of salted caramel sauce
• A sprinkle of crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch

They also make fantastic holiday gifts — simply wrap them individually in parchment and tie with twine or ribbon. Everyone loves a homemade seasonal treat!

---

Nutritional Information (Per Whoopie Pie, Approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 3g

These treats are indulgent but satisfying — one whoopie pie goes a long way, making them perfect for sharing or savoring slowly with coffee on a chilly afternoon.

---

Why Neely’s Version Stands Out

Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies are special because they find the perfect balance between pumpkin spice flavor and creamy richness. The cakes are soft but not sticky, the filling is sweet but not overpowering, and every bite feels like the essence of autumn.

The Neely family’s signature touch — warm spices, pure pumpkin, and a classic Southern-style cream cheese filling — turns this simple dessert into something truly memorable. It’s homey, comforting, and downright addictive.

---

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate fall dessert that captures the spirit of pumpkin season, look no further than Neely’s Whoopie Pumpkin Pies. These soft, pillowy sandwiches with creamy filling are everything you want in an autumn treat — sweet, spiced, and full of love.

Serve them at your next fall gathering, Thanksgiving feast, or bake them just because. One bite of these heavenly pumpkin whoopie pies, and you’ll see why they’ve become a family favorite across generations.

So preheat your oven, grab a can of pumpkin puree, and let your kitchen smell like fall — warm, spicy, and deliciously comforting. 🍂🎃

Print