Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert to bring a smile to your face, you’ve landed in the right place! These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a warm embrace of cozy flavors wrapped in soft cookies. They remind me of childhood, where every bite is filled with nostalgia and joy. Perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or just as a treat for yourself, these cream pies are sure to become a favorite in your home.

What makes these gingerbread oatmeal cream pies so special is their unique blend of spices and that creamy frosting in the middle. It’s like enjoying the holidays all year round! Plus, they’re easy to make and even more fun to share.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a 30-minute prep time, you can whip these up without spending all day in the kitchen!
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping out with assembling the pies and, of course, eating them afterward!
• Make-Ahead Delight: These cream pies store well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
• Customizable: Feel free to get creative with variations—there’s something for everyone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple and wholesome items you may already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these scrumptious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

For the Cookies

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (166 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (158 grams) (I used dark)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup rolled oats (about 100 grams) (I used quick oats, large old-fashioned oats work too)

For the Cream Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (112 grams) (brick style, full fat)
• 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (165 – 275 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon whipping cream (if needed; half and half works too)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to mix things up with your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

• Add Some Zest: A bit of orange zest can brighten up the flavors and add a fresh twist.
• Swap the Frosting: Try using chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream for a different taste sensation.
• Include Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly soft.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisking these together helps distribute the spices evenly throughout your dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture which gives your cookies that lovely texture we all adore.

Step 4: Add Molasses and Egg

Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until combined. Then add the egg and continue mixing until everything is well blended. The molasses adds moisture and that comforting gingerbread flavor we crave.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently. Once combined, fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly dispersed.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto a lined baking sheet about two inches apart. Bake for about 9 minutes or until they are just set around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Make Cream Filling

While cookies cool down, prepare your cream filling by beating softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness. Stir in vanilla extract and salt for flavor.

Step 8: Assemble Your Pies

Once cooled completely, spread or pipe some cream filling onto one cookie half before topping it with another cookie half. Press gently together so they stick!

And there you have it! Homemade Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies that are full of warmth and cheer. Enjoy sharing them with friends or savoring them all by yourself—you deserve it!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Making these delightful cookies is a joy, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure they turn out perfect every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and cream filling.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture instead of the soft, chewy cookies we want.
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft to scoop, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help it firm up. This makes it easier to shape and helps the cookies maintain their form during baking.
• Experiment with spices: While this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add a pinch of cardamom for an extra flavor kick. Customizing spices can make these cookies uniquely yours!
• Store them properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just remember to wrap them well!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Serving these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies is just as fun as making them! They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights in.

Garnishes

• Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a beautiful touch and enhances the warm spice flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cream filling for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: A few fresh cranberries not only look festive but offer a tart contrast that complements the sweetness of the pies.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs wonderfully with these cookies, creating a comforting combination that’s perfect for chilly days.
• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides balance to the rich cream pies. Use seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or citrus for a colorful dish.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve these pies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that combines warm and cold sensations.
• Spiced Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea echo the flavors in your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies and create a cozy beverage pairing.

Enjoy serving up these delightful treats! With their rich flavors and comforting aromas, they’re sure to be a hit among friends and family alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, allowing you to savor them throughout the week or share with friends and family during the holidays.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, place the assembled pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
• When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• If you’d like your cookies warm, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Can I use other types of flour for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yes! You can substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly.

How should I store leftover Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for a week. For long-term storage, freeze them as described above!

Can I make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies without cream cheese?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese filling with a dairy-free frosting or whipped coconut cream for a lighter alternative.

What variations can I try with Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the cookie dough before baking for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies! They bring warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing during festive gatherings or enjoying as a treat any time of year. Happy baking, and may each bite fill your heart with sweetness!