Best Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipes

What are Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies?

Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a traditional Amish dessert that originated in the Lancaster County region of Pennsylvania. They are a beloved treat made with two soft and moist pumpkin cake-like cookies, sandwiched together with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling. These delicious pies are a classic fall dessert that has become popular across the United States. They are typically enjoyed during harvest season, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

History of Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Like many traditional Amish recipes, the origin of Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is unclear. Some believe that the dessert was created during the Great Depression when ingredients were scarce, and families had to find creative ways to make meals and desserts. Others believe that the dessert was a way for the Amish to use up leftover pumpkin from their fall harvest. Regardless of its origin, Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies have become a popular staple in Amish kitchens and are enjoyed by families and friends during fall celebrations.

Ingredients in Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

The ingredients in Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are simple and easy to find. They typically include flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, butter, white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, canned pumpkin, and buttermilk. The cream cheese filling is made with softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Some variations of the filling include adding a touch of maple syrup or pumpkin puree for extra flavor.

Cooking Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

To make Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You will need to prepare two cookie sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Then, add the canned pumpkin and mix until combined. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the pumpkin mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop the batter onto the prepared cookie sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space in between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies spring back when lightly touched. To make the cream cheese filling, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and mix until smooth and creamy. Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream cheese filling on one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.

Variations of Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

There are many variations of Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies that can be found across the United States. Some people add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for additional texture and flavor. Others add pumpkin pie spice, ginger, or allspice to the dry ingredients for more fall flavor. Some people even use molasses or honey instead of white sugar to add a deeper sweetness to the cookies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are a delicious and beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. They are easy to make, and the ingredients required are typically found in most kitchens. Whether you are enjoying them during harvest season, Halloween, or Thanksgiving, Amish Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Consider trying out different variations of this classic dessert to see which one you like the best.

Pumpkin whoopie pies are a classic dessert that originated from the Amish community. They are soft, fluffy, and incredibly delicious. Made with common pantry ingredients, these pies are easy to prepare and a perfect option for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any autumn event. In this article, we will provide you valuable tips on how to make perfect Amish pumpkin whoopie pies recipes.

Tip #1: Use Pureed Pumpkin

The pureed pumpkin is the star ingredient of these whoopie pies. It is important to use pureed pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling to avoid any added sugar and spices. You can purchase canned pureed pumpkin or make it at home from scratch. To make pureed pumpkin at home, first, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Cut the pumpkin into quarters, remove the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-60 minutes until soft. Remove from the oven, let it cool, and discard the skin. Place the pumpkin in a food processor and blend until smooth. Your homemade pureed pumpkin is now ready to use.

Tip #2: Don't Overmix the Batter

The key to making fluffy, soft whoopie pies is to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the pies to be tough and dense. Once you have combined the wet and dry ingredients, mix them until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you see no more dry flour. It's okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Also, be sure to use room temperature ingredients to ensure they mix together evenly.

Tip #3: Measure Ingredients Correctly

Measuring ingredients correctly is essential when baking any recipe, including Amish pumpkin whoopie pies. Using too much or too little of any ingredient can cause the pies to be dry or too wet. Always use measuring cups and spoons, rather than approximating the recipe. For example, if you add too much flour to the mixture, the pies will be heavy and dry, and if you add too little flour, they'll be too wet.

Tip #4: Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats

To ensure the whoopie pies don't stick to the baking tray, use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will make removing the pies from the tray easy and prevent any batter from sticking to the tray. Additionally, it will also make cleaning up easier.

Tip #5: Use a Cookie Scoop

Using a cookie scoop is an easy and efficient way to portion out the batter for the pies. Using the scoop creates uniformity in the size of the pies, so they all bake at the same rate. A cookie scoop also saves time because you can quickly drop the batter onto the tray without worrying about measuring and shaping every pie individually.

Tip #6: Chill the Batter

Chilling the batter before baking is crucial. It helps to set the batter, which ensures the pies hold their shape while baking. It also allows the flavors to develop and become more prominent. Chilling the batter for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 15 minutes in the freezer should do the trick.

Tip #7: Don't Overbake the Pies

Baking the whoopie pies for the right amount of time is essential. Overbaking can cause the pies to be dry and hard, whereas underbaking can make them very soft and undercooked. The perfect baking time depends on your oven and the size of the pies, so start by baking them for a shorter period than the recipe states. Check them intermittently by inserting a toothpick into the center of a pie. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the pies are done. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, they need more time. Remember that the pies will firm up once they cool, so don't overbake them, or they will become too dry.

Tip #8: Use Cream Cheese Filling

The cream cheese filling is what makes these whoopie pies so incredibly delicious. It's important to use full-fat cream cheese to ensure the mixture is thick enough to hold the pies together. To make the filling, mix butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before using. You can also add cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the mixture for extra flavor.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Amish pumpkin whoopie pies are the perfect dessert for autumn. These pies are delicious, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion. Use these valuable tips to make perfect pumpkin whoopie pies every time. Don't forget to chill the batter, measure the ingredients correctly, and use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Follow the recipe, and enjoy your perfect pumpkin whoopie pies!