Introduction
Oatmeal Cream Pies are a classic childhood treat that combines soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with a sweet, creamy filling. These homemade versions take the nostalgic snack to the next level, with a tender, spiced oatmeal cookie and a luscious, vanilla-infused cream filling that will transport you back to simpler times. Whether you grew up enjoying the store-bought version or are discovering them for the first time, these Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the oatmeal cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
For the cream filling:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in the old-fashioned oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to the mixture and beat until smooth. If the filling seems too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream and beat until desired consistency is reached.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up by size. Spread or pipe a generous amount of cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich with the other cookie, pressing gently to spread the filling to the edges.
Flavor Profile
These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful balance of warm, spiced oatmeal cookies and sweet, creamy vanilla filling. The oatmeal cookies are soft and chewy, with a delightful texture from the old-fashioned oats and a warm, cozy flavor from the brown sugar and cinnamon. The cream filling is rich and smooth, with a luscious butter and vanilla flavor that perfectly complements the spiced cookies.
The combination of textures – the tender, chewy cookies and the fluffy, creamy filling – makes these Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies an irresistible treat that will have you reaching for seconds (or thirds!).
Serving Suggestions
These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for enjoying in a variety of ways:
- Serve them as a delightful snack or dessert, paired with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a special treat that will bring a smile to your child’s face.
- Share them at potlucks, picnics, or family gatherings for a nostalgic dessert that everyone will love.
- Enjoy them as a comforting, indulgent treat when you need a little pick-me-up or a reminder of simpler times.
Variations
- Chocolate Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Maple Oatmeal Cream Pies: Substitute the vanilla extract in the cream filling with 1 tsp of maple extract for a delightful maple flavor.
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies: Substitute 1/2 cup of the butter in the cream filling with 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter for a delicious peanut butter flavor.
- Spiced Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add 1/2 tsp of ground ginger and 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, spicy variation.
Conclusion
These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on a classic childhood treat. With their soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and luscious, creamy vanilla filling, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. The recipe’s straightforward instructions and the ability to customize the flavors make these cookies an excellent choice for bakers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones, packing them in lunchboxes, or enjoying them as a comforting, indulgent treat, these Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delicious way to add a touch of nostalgia and sweetness to your day. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible, homemade treats. Your taste buds (and your inner child) will thank you!
