Okay, picture this: it’s a rainy Saturday afternoon, you’re curled up on the couch with a good book, and suddenly… that craving hits. The one for something sweet, comforting, and utterly irresistible. Forget store-bought cookies; we’re talking next-level deliciousness. These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies.Are soft, chewy, and filled with a dreamy vanilla cream? Think of them as the cooler, more sophisticated cousin of the classic chocolate chip cookie – but with a twist. I think they’re even better.
What is oatmeal cream pie?
These aren’t just any cookies; they’re a double-layered hug in dessert form. Think of two soft, spiced oatmeal cookies embracing a sweet, creamy center. It’s essentially a handheld sandwich of pure happiness. The name comes from the classic Little Debbie treat, but trust me, these homemade versions blow the store-bought ones out of the water. We’re talking real butter, quality oats, and a vanilla cream filling that’s so good, you’ll want to eat it with a spoon. I remember my grandma used to make a version of these – nothing fancy, but they were always the best part of visiting her.
Why you will love this recipe?
Where do I start?Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies.What are some of the best things about this drink? The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the chewy texture of the oats is just perfect. What is that vanilla cream filling?
Second, don’t let “homemade” scare you. This recipe is surprisingly simple. I promise you can make these, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. It’s mostly about mixing things together in the right order – and I’ll walk you through every step. What I love most about this recipe is that it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy stuff required!
Plus, compared to buying those pre-packaged cookies, making these yourself is way more cost-effective. And the best part? You know exactly what’s going into them. No weird preservatives or artificial flavors here.
And the versatility! Can you add chocolate chips to the cookies? Extracts in the filling. What are some of the best last minute sweet cravings? Can you whip up a batch of these faster than you can run to the store? I’ve made these for potlucks, birthday parties, and even just a random Tuesday night treat. They’re always a hit, I promise! Is it possible to make a gingerbread cookie with cream cheese frosting? What is the best thing to do on a weeknight?
How do I make homemade oatmeal cream pie?
Quick Overview
What are some of the best ways toHomemade Oatmeal Cream Pies is easier than you might think! Basically, we’re making spiced oatmeal cookies, whipping up a simple vanilla cream filling, and then sandwiching them together. The key is to not overbake the cookies – you want them to be soft and chewy. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the filling! I sometimes add a little bit of maple syrup or a pinch of sea salt to mine for extra flavor.
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Oatmeal Cookies?
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the right cookie texture.
- 34 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar: For a deeper molasses flavor and chewy texture.
- How do I make 2 large eggs?
- What is the best vanilla extract to use? I always use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie.
- What is the best way to use baking soda to make cookies rise?
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little nutmeg goes a long way in complementing the cinnamon.
- 12 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 3 cups rolled oats: Use old-fashioned linseeds, not instant oatmeal. They provide the best texture.
What is the vanilla cream filling?
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Again, softened butter is crucial for a smooth filling.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: For sweetness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Adds moisture and helps create a creamy consistency. I’ve tried this with almond milk, and it worked great!
- What is the best way to use vanilla extract?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside. With an electric mixer, this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s important for the texture of the cookies. I always scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for best results. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize up a bit.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 5: Gradually Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix cookies. This can lead to hard cookies! I usually mix until there are just a few streaks of flour left, then I stop.
Step 6: Stir in Oats
Stir in the rolled oats until evenly distributed. This is what gives the cookies their signature oatmeal texture.
Step 7: Drop by Rounded Tablespoons onto Baking Sheets.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. I like to use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies, but I also like the spoon.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly brown. Is it true that cookies will still be soft in the center? I always set a timer for 10 minutes and then check them every minute after that.
Step 9: Cool Completely on Wire Racks
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
Step 10: Make the Vanilla Cream Filling
While the cookies are cooling, make the vanilla cream filling. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 11: Assemble the Oatmeal Cream Pies
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of vanilla cream filling onto the bottom of one cookie and top with another cookie. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling. I like to use a piping bag to make the filling look extra neat, but you can also just use a knife or spoon.
Step 12: Chill (Optional) & Serve
If desired, chill the assembled oatmeal cream pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to set up a bit. But honestly, I usually can’t wait that long! These are best enjoyed within a few days of making them, but they never last that long at my house!
What to Serve It With
These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are amazing on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a few accompaniments.
For Breakfast: Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a sweet start to the day. My husband loves to dunk them in his coffee – I personally prefer milk!
For Brunch: Serve them alongside a fruit salad and a mimosa for a more elegant brunch spread. They add a touch of sweetness to balance out the savory dishes.
As Dessert: These are perfect after-dinner treats. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pie and a cup of herbal tea. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day. My kids love to grab these for an after-school snack, and I don’t feel too bad about it because they’re homemade!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Want to take your Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years:
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for both the cookies and the filling. Softened butter will cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. If the butter is too melted, the cookies will spread too much, and the filling will be greasy. I always take the butter out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any more streaks of flour.
Use Quality Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats. Instant oats will make the cookies too dry and crumbly. Rolled oats provide the perfect chewy texture.
Baking Time: Don’t overbake the cookies! They should be lightly golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool. If you overbake them, they’ll be dry and hard. I always err on the side of underbaking rather than overbaking.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to spread less and give them a chewier texture. However, this step is optional – I often skip it when I’m short on time, and the cookies still turn out great.
Flavor Variations: Get creative with the flavors! Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough. Use different extracts in the filling, such as almond extract or peppermint extract. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a salty-sweet flavor.
Filling Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a little bit more milk until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little bit more powdered sugar. You want the filling to be thick enough to hold its shape but still creamy and spreadable.
Even Cookies: For uniformly sized cookies, use a cookie scoop. This will ensure that all of the cookies bake evenly.
Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before assembling the oatmeal cream pies. If the cookies are still warm, the filling will melt.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies ahead of time? Here’s how to store them properly:
Room Temperature: Store the assembled oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first day or two while the cookies are still soft and chewy.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, store the oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cookies will become a bit firmer in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be delicious. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften them up a bit.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the oatmeal cream pies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Freeze the Cookies Separately: If you want to freeze the cookies for longer storage, freeze them separately before assembling the oatmeal cream pies. Wrap the cookies individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then assemble the oatmeal cream pies with fresh filling.
Don’t Freeze the Filling: The filling doesn’t freeze well, so it’s best to make it fresh when you’re ready to assemble the oatmeal cream pies.
Best enjoyed cold: I actually think these taste best slightly chilled, so don’t worry too much about reheating them!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My recipe for Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies. These are more than just cookies; they’re a little slice of comfort, a sweet reminder of simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. And if you’re looking for more delicious cookie recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. Share your pictures too. I love seeing your creations!
Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup butter softened
- 1 egg egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in rolled oats.
- Drop by rounded tablespoons onto ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely on baking sheets.
