Pumpkin Spice Latte Whoopie Pies
Ingredients
- 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 5 tablespoons water)
- 1/2 cup plant butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar (may sub with coconut or maple sugar)
- 1/4 cup nut or seed butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin
- 2 cups gluten-free flour (preferably 1:1 baking flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1-2 tablespoons instant coffee grounds (may sub with decaf)
- pinch salt
Vegan caramel
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter (may sub with coconut or avocado oil)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons nut or seed butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons plant milk
Vanilla buttercream filling
- 1 cup plant butter, softened
- 3 cups organic powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Preparation
Heat oven to 375°F.
Make the flax eggs by combining the flaxseed meal and water and letting it sit for a few minutes until it gels up.
In a large bowl, beat the butter, sugar, nut or seed butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed, scraping the bowl occasionally, until well blended.
Beat in the canned pumpkin and flax eggs until well mixed.
On low speed, beat in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, coffee, and salt.
Roll 1 tablespoon of batter in your hands to make a smooth ball and gently press it down to create a dome shape.
Bake for 10 minutes and cool for about 15-20 minutes before filling with frosting.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter or oil over high heat and once melted, whisk in the maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
Caramel
Whisk in the nut or seed butter, baking soda if using, and plant milk, then cook until the mixture thickens and caramelizes.
Buttercream
Cream the softened butter until smooth, gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fluffy, then stir in the cinnamon and vanilla extract.
Assembly
Once the cookies and fillings are cooled, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of vanilla buttercream and vegan caramel.
