Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

These homemade oatmeal cream pies bring a warm, comforting vibe to any occasion. With soft oatmeal cookies and a sweet cream filling, they offer a delightful balance of chewy and creamy textures. The cookies have a hint of cinnamon, giving them a cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich vanilla cream center.

Perfect for an afternoon snack, dessert, or gifting to friends and family, these oatmeal cream pies are a deliciously nostalgic treat. Customize them by adding a little extra spice or a handful of chocolate chips for an indulgent twist. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying one with your afternoon tea, these homemade pies are a classic crowd-pleaser.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup milk

Cream Filling:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon milk

Directions:

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

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

6. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.

7. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the back of a spoon.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. To make the cream filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.

10. Once the cookies have cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of cream filling on the bottom of one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.

11. Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 12 sandwich cookies

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Delicious Nostalgic Treat

Oatmeal cream pies are the ultimate nostalgic dessert. These sweet treats remind us of childhood lunches and after-school snacks, offering the perfect combination of soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with a creamy, sweet filling. While store-bought versions are widely available, nothing beats the homemade variety. This recipe for homemade oatmeal cream pies is simple, fun, and incredibly rewarding. It brings that warm, homemade goodness straight to your kitchen.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the history, the ingredients, the benefits of making this treat yourself, and tips on how to perfect these sweet sandwich cookies. Whether you want to bring them to a family gathering, enjoy them with your morning coffee, or just satisfy your sweet tooth, homemade oatmeal cream pies will quickly become a household favorite.

The History of Oatmeal Cream Pies

Oatmeal cream pies have been around for decades, making their debut in the mid-20th century as a popular snack cake. They were first introduced as an affordable and easy treat by Little Debbie, a brand that revolutionized packaged snack foods. These soft oatmeal cookies filled with creamy filling became an instant hit across the country. While the packaged version remains a staple in many households, the homemade variety has gained significant popularity as more people seek out natural ingredients and love the personal touch that homemade treats offer.

Unlike mass-produced versions, homemade oatmeal cream pies allow for control over ingredients and customization of flavors, resulting in a much fresher, more delicious treat. And when you bake them yourself, you get to experience the joy of seeing them come together from scratch, giving you a sense of accomplishment that store-bought treats can’t replicate.

Why Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Are the Best

There are several reasons why homemade oatmeal cream pies outshine their store-bought counterparts. Firstly, you have full control over the ingredients. This means you can choose high-quality butter, fresh vanilla extract, and the best oats, which will make a world of difference in the flavor and texture of the cookies.

Additionally, making oatmeal cream pies at home gives you the opportunity to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add extra cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg. You can also add some raisins, chocolate chips, or nuts to the oatmeal cookie dough to personalize the recipe further.

Another reason why homemade oatmeal cream pies are superior is that they don’t contain the preservatives or artificial ingredients that can often be found in store-bought versions. When you bake these from scratch, you know exactly what goes into each ingredient, ensuring that each bite is as fresh and wholesome as possible.

Furthermore, homemade oatmeal cream pies can be made to suit dietary preferences or restrictions. For example, you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend, or you can replace the butter with dairy-free margarine if you’re catering to a vegan diet. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for any occasion or dietary need.

The Ingredients: What You’ll Need

To make these delicious homemade oatmeal cream pies, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: The key ingredient that gives oatmeal cookies their chewy texture. Old-fashioned oats are best because they retain their shape and provide a satisfying bite.

• All-Purpose Flour: This is the main dry ingredient, which gives the cookies structure. You can experiment with different types of flour (like whole wheat) for added nutrition.

• Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.

• Ground Cinnamon and Salt: These flavor-enhancing ingredients are crucial in bringing out the warm, comforting flavor of oatmeal.

• Unsalted Butter: Butter adds a rich flavor and tenderness to the cookies. Be sure to soften it at room temperature before mixing.

• Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A combination of both sugars gives the cookies the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness.

• Egg: Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide moisture, making the cookies tender.

• Vanilla Extract: This enhances the overall flavor and adds a sweet, aromatic note to the dough.

• Milk: Just a splash of milk helps bring the dough together and keeps the cookies soft.

For the Cream Filling:

• Unsalted Butter: Just like in the cookie dough, butter is used in the cream filling to create a rich, smooth texture.

• Powdered Sugar: This gives the filling its sweetness and ensures it’s smooth and creamy.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a comforting flavor to the filling.

• Milk: A small amount of milk makes the filling spreadable and light.

The Benefits of Oatmeal Cream Pies

While oatmeal cream pies are undeniably delicious, they also come with a few health benefits, particularly when made with wholesome ingredients. Oats, the star ingredient in this recipe, are a rich source of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health as it helps maintain regular bowel movements and can lower cholesterol levels.

Additionally, oats are packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and B-vitamins. They’re also known to provide long-lasting energy, making these cream pies a good option for a mid-afternoon snack or a pick-me-up during a busy day.

The cookies themselves, however, are best enjoyed in moderation as they are high in sugar and butter, which contribute to the calorie count. The good news is that by making them at home, you can experiment with ways to reduce the sugar or substitute healthier alternatives. You can also add ingredients like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dried fruits to enhance the nutritional profile.

How to Perfect Your Oatmeal Cream Pies

Making the perfect oatmeal cream pie isn’t difficult, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve cookie perfection. First, be sure not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become tough. Simply mix until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet ingredients.

When it comes to shaping the cookies, don’t flatten them too much before baking. Allow them to spread naturally while baking for the ideal chewy texture. Be mindful of the baking time, as overbaking can cause the cookies to become hard instead of soft and chewy. Once you remove them from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the cream filling, ensure that the butter is softened enough to whip into a smooth, creamy consistency. If your filling is too thick, add a little more milk until you reach the desired consistency. Once the cookies have cooled, spread the cream filling generously between two cookies for that perfect balance of oatmeal and cream.

Customizations to Make Your Oatmeal Cream Pies Unique

If you’re looking to add your own spin to this recipe, there are many ways to customize these oatmeal cream pies. Consider adding:

• Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips can take the flavor to the next level.

• Raisins: Raisins are a classic addition to oatmeal cookies and pair perfectly with the cream filling.

• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and extra flavor to the oatmeal cookies.

• Spices: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the dough for an extra depth of flavor.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

How to Store Oatmeal Cream Pies

After making a batch of these irresistible oatmeal cream pies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible. To store your oatmeal cream pies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

These cookies also freeze well! Simply place the assembled oatmeal cream pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Conclusion

Homemade oatmeal cream pies are the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. With soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and a creamy, sweet filling, this treat takes you straight back to childhood. Baking these from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to customize them to your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, share them with loved ones, or just savor one as a snack, oatmeal cream pies are always a hit.

By making them at home, you not only enjoy a fresher, tastier version but also experience the joy of baking something truly special. Don’t hesitate to add your unique twist to the recipe and make it your own. After all, there’s nothing like a homemade dessert to brighten your day!