1cup(225 g or 8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature
¼cup(57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
2cups(240 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
½teaspoonpure vanilla extract
Pinchof salt
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350℉. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minute. Add pumpkin, eggs and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
Use a medium cookie scoop to transfer batter to prepared pan, leaving 2 inches of space between each scoop Bake at 350℉ for about 12 to 14 minutes. They are done when they are soft and slightly springy. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar and mix until combined. Finally, mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with desired tip. Match up the whoopie pies so the pairs are similar size. Pipe frosting to the bottom of one cookie, then press the bottom of the matching cookie gently on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.
Notes
Pumpkin pie spice: Make your own by whisking together 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon + 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger + 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg + 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice).Cream cheese: It's really important to use full-fat, block-style cream cheese. Low-fat or the kind in the tub isn't as thick or dense, which can cause your frosting to melt or become goopy.Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers so they don't stick. Bring to room temperature before serving.Freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Defrost in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature.