INTRODUCTION
Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful treat that many people love. They bring back memories of childhood for some and introduce a new favorite snack for others. This recipe combines the wholesome taste of oats with creamy filling for a delicious dessert. These pies are soft, chewy, and sweet, making them perfect for lunch boxes or as an afternoon snack. The best part is how easy they are to make at home.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love making Oatmeal Cream Pies for several reasons. First, the blend of flavors and textures is simply amazing. The chewy cookies with oats give a hearty feel, while the sweet cream filling adds a nice contrast. Second, they are easy to bake and require simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for when you want to whip up a batch of cookies without a lot of fuss. Lastly, Oatmeal Cream Pies are fun to share with family and friends, making them a great treat for gatherings or just a cozy night in.
HOW TO MAKE OATMEAL CREAM PIES
Making Oatmeal Cream Pies involves a few straightforward steps. You will first prepare the cookie dough, bake the cookies, and then make the cream filling. This step-by-step guide will help you through the process. Follow along closely, and you will have delicious pies in no time!
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Oatmeal Cream Pies, you will need a few basic kitchen items:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for the frosting)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack for cooling
- Spatula
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 Tbsp molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature (for frosting)
- 2 oz cream cheese, near room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
For the Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will help the cookies not to stick.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger (if using). Set this mix aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is fluffy.
- Blend in the molasses, 1 large egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is combined.
- Slowly mix in the flour and oat mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Scoop out dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each scoop slightly with your fingers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
For the Cream Filling:
- In a medium bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whip the mixture until it is fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the filling between two cooled cookies to make a sandwich.
Store the Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container in the fridge. Before serving, take them out and let them come to room temperature for the best taste.
HOW TO SERVE OATMEAL CREAM PIES
Oatmeal Cream Pies can be served in many ways. They are perfect on their own as a snack or dessert. You can also serve them alongside a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They make a wonderful addition to dessert trays at parties or family gatherings. If you want to dress them up, try adding a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar on top.
STORAGE & FREEZING: OATMEAL CREAM PIES
Oatmeal Cream Pies can be stored for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them. To freeze, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for about three months. When you are ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For a fun twist, consider adding extras to your Oatmeal Cream Pies. You could mix in chocolate chips, raisins, or nuts into the cookie dough for added flavor and texture. Another idea is to sandwich them with flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or pumpkin spice. These variations can make your Oatmeal Cream Pies even more delightful!
VARIATIONS
Oatmeal Cream Pies are very versatile. You can easily change the spices or add-ins to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Raisin Oatmeal Cream Pies: Substitute some oats with raisins for a classic flavor.
- Nutty Oatmeal Cream Pies: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to add crunch.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cream Pies: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or cloves to find your favorite flavor profile.
FAQs
- Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
- It is best to use rolled oats for this recipe. Quick oats may change the texture of the cookies.
- Can I make the cream filling ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the cream filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
- How do I know when the cookies are done?
- The cookies should be lightly golden at the edges. They may look slightly underbaked in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
- Can I freeze the dough for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Scoop the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag and store. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR OATMEAL CREAM PIES
To save time, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. After mixing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also make the cream filling ahead of time. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, when you are ready to enjoy your Oatmeal Cream Pies, you can bake the cookies and fill them quickly!
Making Oatmeal Cream Pies at home is a fun, tasty adventure. With their soft cookies and creamy filling, you are likely to create a treat that everyone will enjoy. Happy baking!
Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger (if using). Set this mix aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Blend in the molasses, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Slowly mix in the flour and oat mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Scoop out dough onto the prepared baking sheets and flatten each scoop slightly with your fingers.
- Bake for about 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on wire racks.
- In a medium bowl, cream together 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add in the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, whipping until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the filling between two cooled cookies to make a sandwich.