Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings the warmth of the holidays right to your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a beloved favorite of mine, blending the comforting flavors of ginger and spices with a luscious cream cheese filling. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, bringing smiles to faces young and old. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

These cookies not only taste amazing but also fill your home with an irresistible aroma. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this cozy baking adventure together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly—perfect for any skill level.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the fun of sandwiching cream between cookies, making it a fantastic baking project for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the cookies in advance and store them, so they’re ready when you need a sweet treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices and creamy frosting creates a flavor experience that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! You likely have many of these pantry staples on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

For the Cookies

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (166 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon 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! Feel free to put your own spin on these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for added crunch in the cookie dough.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Swap the Filling: Try using flavored cream cheeses like maple or pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This helps distribute the spices evenly throughout your dough, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your batter which makes the cookies soft and tender.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in molasses and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then add the egg and mix again until everything is smooth. The molasses adds moisture and that rich gingerbread flavor we all adore!

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing at low speed. Once combined, fold in rolled oats gently. This keeps those lovely oats intact for texture in each cookie.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space them about two inches apart since they will spread slightly while baking. Bake for about 9 minutes or until they just start to turn golden around the edges.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step prevents them from breaking apart while you prepare the filling.

Step 8: Make the Cream Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and thickness. If needed, add whipping cream to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Step 9: Assemble Your Pies

Once cooled, spread a generous amount of cream filling on one cookie half then top it with another cookie half. Gently press down so that they stick together beautifully.

Now you have delicious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies ready to enjoy! Make sure everyone gets their share—these treats are bound to disappear quickly!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Creating these delicious gingerbread oatmeal cream pies is a joy, and with a few pro tips, you can make them even better!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature will help them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother frosting and softer cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so be gentle!
• Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too sticky or warm, chilling it for about 30 minutes can make it easier to handle and shape into cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your cookies around the 9-minute mark. They should be soft with slightly golden edges when done.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts to the cookie dough for a fun twist that adds texture and flavor!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

These gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are not only delightful in taste but also charming in presentation! Here’s how you can serve them up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a festive touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Cinnamon stick: Place a cinnamon stick alongside each pie for a cozy look and an extra hint of spice.
• Whipped cream dollop: A small dollop of whipped cream on top or beside each pie creates an inviting dessert display.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the gingerbread flavors perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing.
• Applesauce: A side of homemade applesauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table.
• Vanilla ice cream: Serve these pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that everyone will love!

Enjoy your creation and savor every bite of these delightful Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat throughout the week. They store well and can be made in advance, so you can have them ready to indulge whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• To maintain their texture, place parchment paper between layers of cookies.

Freezing

• Allow the cookie sandwiches to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label your bags with the date!

Reheating

• If you prefer your cream pies warm, remove them from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• For a quick warm-up, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds – just enough to take off the chill without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

Can I make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute one egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.

How should I store my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for a week. They also freeze beautifully!

Can I use different spices in my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom to create your own flavor profile that suits your taste.

What is the best way to freeze Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Wrap each cream pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up these delightful Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies! They’re not just tasty; they’re also a wonderful way to bring warmth and comfort into your kitchen. Enjoy making this recipe, and share it with family and friends—it’s sure to create sweet memories! Happy baking!