Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies bring the nostalgic flavors of soft, chewy oatmeal cookies filled with a rich and creamy vanilla frosting. These homemade treats are not only delicious but also perfect for lunchboxes, family gatherings, or as an after-dinner dessert. The combination of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal cookies with a sweet, smooth filling creates an irresistible dessert that will transport you back to childhood memories of store-bought versions – only this time, you can enjoy them fresh out of the kitchen!

The beauty of making these Oatmeal Cream Pies at home is the control you have over the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, and the oatmeal cookies stay soft and chewy, making them perfect for sandwiching together with a generous dollop of creamy filling. Once you taste these, you may never want to go back to the pre-packaged kind. They are easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food

These oatmeal cream pies are the perfect blend of warm, cinnamon-spiced cookies and creamy vanilla filling, offering a comforting and nostalgic treat.

2. Soft and Chewy Texture

The oatmeal cookies stay soft and chewy, providing a perfect texture that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth, creamy filling.

3. Homemade Goodness

Making these pies from scratch means you can enjoy them fresh and customize the flavors and sweetness to suit your preferences.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to add raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to the oatmeal cookie dough to make this recipe your own.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

These homemade oatmeal cream pies are great for packing in lunchboxes, sharing at parties, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or milk.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Packed brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Old-fashioned oats

For the Filling:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Variations

• Add-ins: Add raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips to the oatmeal cookie dough for added flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these oatmeal cream pies gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter in both the cookie dough and filling with dairy-free butter or margarine, and use a non-dairy cream substitute in the filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. The centers may still look soft, but they will firm up as they cool. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While the cookies are cooling, make the filling. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and continue to mix until the filling is light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the Pies

Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of filling on the flat side of one cookie. Top it with another cookie, flat side down, to form a sandwich. Press gently to help the filling spread evenly.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the oatmeal cream pies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to ensure it creams well with the sugars and creates a smooth dough.
• Don’t Overbake: To keep the cookies soft and chewy, be sure not to overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you take them out of the oven.
• Chill the Dough: If you want your cookies to spread less during baking, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
• Make the Filling Ahead: The filling can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature before using.

How to Serve

These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect on their own as a sweet treat. They are also fantastic paired with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or milk. Serve them at parties, pack them in lunchboxes, or keep them on hand as an after-dinner dessert. They also make a wonderful homemade gift when wrapped in clear plastic and tied with a festive ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh and soft, you can place a piece of parchment paper or a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

Freezing

If you want to make a large batch and save some for later, these cookies freeze well. Simply wrap each cookie sandwich individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheat the oatmeal cream pies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies without oats?

Oats are the key ingredient for the texture of these cookies, but if you don’t have them, you could try using quick oats or even a different type of flour for a more cookie-like result.

2. How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and be sure to double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough and freeze it for up to 3 months. Bake the cookies once you’re ready to assemble the pies.

4. Can I add raisins or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Raisins, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts are great additions to the oatmeal cookie dough.

5. How do I make the filling fluffier?

To make the filling fluffier, add a little extra heavy cream to the mixture, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

6. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

If you want your cookies to hold their shape better, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

7. Can I make the filling without heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with milk, but the filling will be slightly less thick and creamy.

8. How long do these oatmeal cream pies last?

These pies will last for up to 5 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them.

9. Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough in balls and bake them directly from frozen. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

10. Can I use margarine instead of butter for the filling?

Yes, margarine can be used in place of butter for the filling, but the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are a nostalgic treat that everyone will love. With soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and a rich, creamy filling, these pies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet snack or sharing with friends and family, these homemade treats are sure to bring smiles all around. So, grab your ingredients, bake a batch, and enjoy the homemade goodness!

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