Irresistible Pumpkin Whoopie Pies: A Pampered Chef Live Show Experience
Get ready to indulge in a timeless autumn treat that brings warmth and joy to every bite – the incredible Pumpkin Whoopie Pie. This beloved dessert, with its soft, spiced pumpkin cookies and dreamy, creamy filling, is an absolute showstopper, and it was the star of a recent unforgettable culinary event! I had the distinct pleasure of hosting The Pampered Chef’s first-ever live cooking show, an exciting venture that brought the magic of the kitchen directly to homes everywhere. It was a fantastic opportunity to share our passion for cooking, showcase innovative kitchen tools, and, of course, whip up some truly delectable dishes. If you missed the live action, don’t worry! You can still experience the excitement and learn all the secrets behind these addictive pumpkin whoopie pies.
Re-watch the entire captivating live show and discover how these delightful treats came to life, along with many other culinary tips and tricks. Simply click on the video link below to dive into the full experience:
Discover the Magic of Homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
There’s something uniquely comforting about a freshly baked whoopie pie, and our pumpkin version takes that comfort to an entirely new level. These aren’t just cookies; they’re delightful sandwich cakes with a rich history, tracing their origins back to the Pennsylvania Amish country. Legend has it that Amish women would tuck these sweet surprises into their husbands’ lunchboxes, and upon discovering them, the men would exclaim “Whoopie!” – a testament to their irresistible appeal. Our Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are no exception. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of soft, cake-like pumpkin cookies generously spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, perfectly complementing the luscious, sweet, and incredibly creamy center. And yes, that dream-like filling gets its delightful fluffiness from marshmallow creme, adding a texture and sweetness that’s truly unmatched and, fair warning, highly addictive!
Hosting The Pampered Chef’s inaugural live cooking show was an absolute thrill. It allowed us to connect with a vibrant community of home cooks, demonstrating how easy and enjoyable it can be to create culinary masterpieces with the right tools and techniques. The energy of a live show is infectious, and it was a joy to share my passion for baking and the convenience that Pampered Chef products bring to any kitchen. During the broadcast, we didn’t just bake; we explored the versatility of various kitchen essentials, making complex recipes feel approachable and fun. This live experience was more than just a demonstration; it was an interactive journey into deliciousness, and the pumpkin whoopie pies were undoubtedly the highlight.
Essential Kitchen Companions: Pampered Chef Tools for Baking Success
Crafting these delectable Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, or any intricate recipe for that matter, becomes a truly effortless and enjoyable experience when you have the right kitchen tools by your side. The Pampered Chef offers an extensive array of high-quality, innovative products designed to simplify cooking and baking, making every task a breeze. During our live show, we showcased several such indispensable items that not only assisted in creating our whoopie pies but are also fantastic additions to any home kitchen. These tools aren’t just gadgets; they are thoughtfully designed companions that enhance efficiency, precision, and enjoyment in your culinary adventures. Let’s explore some of the stars of the show and how they elevate your baking game:
Classic Batter Bowl
A true workhorse in any kitchen, the Classic Batter Bowl is perfect for mixing large batches of ingredients, from whoopie pie batter to pancake mix. Its sturdy handle and spout make pouring mess-free, and its generous capacity ensures you have ample space to combine everything without spills. This bowl is an absolute essential for both novice and experienced bakers, offering unparalleled convenience and durability.
Small Batter Bowl
Complementing its larger counterpart, the Small Batter Bowl is ideal for whisking smaller quantities, such as the marshmallow creme filling for our whoopie pies or sauces and dressings. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, and like the classic version, it features a convenient spout for precise pouring, minimizing waste and ensuring a clean workspace.
Asian Seasoning Mix
While not directly used in our Pumpkin Whoopie Pie recipe, The Pampered Chef’s Asian Seasoning Mix is a testament to the brand’s diverse product range. This flavorful blend is perfect for adding an authentic touch to stir-fries, marinades, and various Asian-inspired dishes. Having a versatile seasoning mix like this on hand can transform everyday meals into exotic culinary delights with minimal effort.
Adjustable Tiered Tower
Presentation is key, especially when serving beautiful desserts like whoopie pies. The Adjustable Tiered Tower allows you to elegantly display your baked goods, appetizers, or even fresh fruit. Its adjustable design offers flexibility, enabling you to customize your display for different occasions and table sizes, making it perfect for entertaining guests or simply showcasing your culinary creations.
Garlic Slicer
Another versatile tool highlighted, the Garlic Slicer is a game-changer for anyone who loves cooking with fresh garlic. It makes quick work of uniformly slicing garlic cloves, saving you time and effort compared to traditional chopping. While not essential for whoopie pies, this slicer is invaluable for savory dishes, ensuring even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
Dots Wine Glasses
Beyond cooking tools, Pampered Chef also offers stylish serveware, like the Dots Wine Glasses. These elegant glasses are perfect for enhancing any dining experience, whether you’re enjoying a meal with family or hosting a festive gathering. Their charming design adds a touch of sophistication, making every sip a little more special.
Trifle Bowl
A Trifle Bowl is an exquisite piece for showcasing layered desserts, vibrant salads, or even a stunning floral arrangement. Its clear glass design allows the beautiful layers of your culinary creations to shine through, making it an excellent centerpiece for any celebration. Imagine a seasonal pumpkin trifle in this gorgeous bowl!
Julienne Peeler
For those who appreciate fresh, finely cut vegetables, the Julienne Peeler is a must-have. It effortlessly creates thin, even strips of carrots, zucchinis, and other produce, perfect for salads, garnishes, or healthy stir-fries. This tool brings a professional touch to your food preparation, making healthy eating more appealing.
Food Chopper
The Pampered Chef Food Chopper is a legendary tool for a reason. It’s incredibly efficient for chopping onions, nuts (like the walnuts in our whoopie pies!), herbs, and more, all with a simple press. This speeds up prep time significantly and minimizes tears when chopping pungent ingredients, making it an indispensable asset for various recipes.
Quick Stir Pitcher
From homemade dressings to refreshing beverages, the Quick Stir Pitcher is designed for easy mixing and serving. Its unique design ensures thorough blending without lumps, making it perfect for preparing iced tea, lemonade, or even a quick batch of gravy. It’s a versatile pitcher that combines functionality with convenience.
Cookie Press
While we used a cookie scoop for our whoopie pies, a Cookie Press is fantastic for creating beautifully uniform spritz cookies and other decorative treats. It comes with various discs to produce different shapes, allowing you to add an artistic flair to your holiday baking or special occasions with minimal effort.
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies Recipe
Dive into the delightful tradition of Whoopie Pies, a beloved treat with deep roots in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. According to popular legend, these sweet sandwiches earned their joyous name when Amish women would pack them in their husbands’ lunchboxes, eliciting shouts of “Whoopie!” upon discovery. Our Pumpkin Whoopie Pies carry on this heartwarming tradition, offering a perfect blend of autumnal spice and creamy sweetness.
These delicious whoopie pies are perfect for making ahead; they can be wrapped individually and refrigerated for up to one day, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings or a sweet indulgence throughout the week.
For those who prefer a smaller, bite-sized treat, simply adjust your scoop size. Using a Medium Scoop will yield approximately 24 delightful sandwiches, with a baking time of 12-14 minutes per batch. If you opt for an even tinier indulgence, a Small Scoop will produce around 48 mini whoopie pies, baking in 13-16 minutes per batch. This recipe is a proud creation courtesy of The Pampered Chef, ensuring quality and deliciousness.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 3 cups (750 mL) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend (or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon + 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) baking soda
- 1 teaspoon (5 mL) salt
- 1 cup (250 mL) butter (2 sticks), softened
- 2 cups (500 mL) packed brown sugar
- 1 can (15 oz) solid pack pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) (1¾ cups/425 mL)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 mL) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (125 mL) toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped, divided
For the filling:
- 3/4 cup (175 mL) butter (11/2 sticks), softened
- 2 ounces (60 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (250 mL) powdered sugar
- 1 jar (7.5 oz/213 g) marshmallow creme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper; set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Pampered Chef Cinnamon Plus Spice Blend (or your blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly until well combined. In a separate mixer, beat the softened butter and packed brown sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and creamy. Incorporate the pumpkin puree, beating until fully combined. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy. Note that the batter will have a thinner consistency, similar to a muffin batter. Gradually add the prepared flour mixture to the wet ingredients, beating until everything is thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Using a large cookie scoop (approximately 2 inches or 5 cm in diameter), portion the batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the scoop. Press half of the coarsely chopped walnuts into the tops of half of the unbaked cookies. Bake for 16-19 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and spring back when gently pressed. Carefully slide the parchment paper with the baked cookies onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and walnuts, ensuring all cookies are baked to perfection and fully cooled before assembly.
- For the exquisite filling, use clean beaters to beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and marshmallow creme on medium-high speed until the mixture is beautifully smooth and well blended. To assemble your whoopie pies, turn the cookies that do not have nuts bottom side up. Using another clean, large cookie scoop, generously scoop the creamy filling onto the flat bottom of each nut-free cookie. Gently top each filled cookie with one of the remaining cookies (the ones with walnuts), pressing down slightly to allow the delicious filling to spread evenly to the edges. For best results and optimal firmness, wrap each assembled whoopie pie individually with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy these delightful, homemade Pumpkin Whoopie Pies!