Frances says: I've never tasted homemade whoopie pies, only store-bought ones which always seem too sweet. These were perfect, as good as the ones I had in NYC, thanks Ruth!

2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 or 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
125g butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup mashed pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

filling:
250g cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
 
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in medium bowl.
Beat butter and sugar for 2 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
Stir in flour mixture until combined.
Drop by heaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets..
Bake for 10 to 13 minutes at 180C or until springy to the touch.
 
Beat cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract until fluffy.
Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Sandwich cookies together with heaped teaspoons of filling.