Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

- In a large mixing bowl, combine canned pumpkin, softened butter, and brown sugar. Mix with a spatula or mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fragrant with warm spices.

- Add the egg (or flaxseed mixture) to the bowl and beat in thoroughly until well incorporated. The batter should become slightly thick and glossy.

- Sift together flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, smoked paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined and no streaks remain.

- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the cookies feel firm when gently tapped. The tops should not be too shiny or wet.

- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them carefully to a cooling rack to cool completely.

- While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese with vanilla extract until fluffy and smooth, about 3 minutes. This creates a creamy, tangy filling with a silky texture.

- Spread or pipe a generous dollop of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with a second cookie to form a sandwich.

- Gently press the sandwiches together, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set.

- Serve these pumpkin spice whoopie pies slightly chilled or at room temperature for a cozy, flavorful treat with a perfect balance of soft cookie shells and creamy filling.

Notes
For a vegan version, substitute the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water and use dairy-free cream cheese. These pies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
