Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

I've had such a busy week I haven't had anytime to post anything on my blog. However, Sunday I had some time and decided I wanted to try and make some Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. All I can say is WOW-they are delicious!

These scrumptious cookies aren't hard to make at all. Just follow the steps and you'll do great. After I made the cookie dough I put them in the refrigerator overnight since I had to run off someplace. Then yesterday morning I pulled them out of the refrigerator and scooped them onto a cookie sheet. I liked how they turned out best when cold from the frig. They were much easier to release from the mini cookie/ice cream scoop that I had. Although making them all at once is fine as well. I just found that since the dough is soft, chilling it made it easier to scoop.

Here's the recipe, I'm certain they'll be a huge hit for all those you share them with.

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
Makes about 20 2-inch whoopie pies

Cookies

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup tightly packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

Make the cookies: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

In a large bowl, whisk together (or use electric mixer) flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and cloves; set aside.

In another large bowl, whisk together brown sugar and oil until well combined. Then add pumpkin puree and whisk to combine. Add eggs and vanilla and whisk until well combined. Sprinkle flour mixture over pumpkin mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. Do not overmix.

Using a small cookie dough/ice cream scoop or heaping teaspoon drop batter onto parchment lined baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Firmly tap the bottom of the sheet pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles in the batter. Bake in a 350 degree oven about 10-13 minutes or until cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of each cookie comes out clean. Let cool completely on pan.

Filling:

3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Sift confectioner' sugar into a medium bowl; set aside. In a bowl mix butter until smooth. Add cream cheese and beat until well combined. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla, beat just until smooth. (Filling can be made up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate; let stand at room temperature to soften before using.)

Assemble the whoopie pies:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Transfer filling to a disposable pastry bag and snip the end. When cookies have cooled completely, pipe a large dollop of filling on the flat side of half of the cookies. Sandwich with remaining cookies, pressing down slightly so that the filling spreads to the edge of the cookies. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate cookies at least 30 minutes before serving and up to 3 days.

Note:

If you're looking for a lighter filling try the whipped cream filling I have posted on my blog for my Chocolate Avalanche Cake. I think the cream cheese filling is delicious but this would also be a nice alternative.

If you try these please let me know what you think. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Casserole

For years it's been tradition in my home to have a Sweet Potato Casserole. Whenever I try to change it and make something else or even mashed potatoes they get upset with me.

If you are a sweet potato casserole lover I know you will adore my version. The secret is the sweetened condensed milk. It makes all the difference. In fact, I could make a meal on it as well as the rest of my family.

If you try it this year for Thanksgiving I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Sweet Potato Casserole
Serves 6
By: Vicki Bensinger

4 large sweet potatoes
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup sugar
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Juice of 1 orange
½ cup pecans (optional)
Marshmallows for garnish

Place potatoes and salt in a large pot and add water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. Drain. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

When cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and cut them into large chunks. In a large mixing bowl, mash the potatoes. Add sugar, condensed milk, cinnamon, butter, and orange juice. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, if using. Empty the mixture into a buttered 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with marshmallows and bake until heated through and marshmallows are slightly browned, 20-30 minutes.

This recipe can easily be doubled.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. May all your loved ones be gathered around the table with you this coming Thursday.

Warm Regards,

Vicki Bensinger
"At Home with Vicki Bensinger"