PUMPKIN PECAN WHOOPIE PIES

Pumpkin Pecan Whoopie Pies image

These whoopie pies are chock-full of pumpkin flavor-a perfect treat for fall! For a finishing touch, I like to roll the outside edges in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts and dust with cinnamon sugar. -Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 20 whoopie pies

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs, room temperature
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FILLING:
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 dash salt
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
1-1/2 cups shortening
3 cups confectioners' sugar
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional: Toasted chopped pecans, miniature semisweet chocolate chips and ground cinnamon

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, water, oil and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened., Drop by 2 tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool., For filling, combine flour and salt in a small saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Refrigerate, covered, until completely cooled., In another bowl, beat shortening, confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add chilled milk mixture; beat until light and fluffy, about 7 minutes. Spread about 3 tablespoons filling on each bottom of half the cookies; cover with remaining cookies. Store in the refrigerator. If desired, roll the filled pies in pecans or chocolate chips and sprinkle with additional cinnamon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424 calories, Fat 22g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 277mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.