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| Ultimate Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies |
If you're a fan of nostalgic treats, oatmeal cream pie cookies are bound to bring back some childhood memories. These decadent cookies are made with soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a dreamy, fluffy vanilla cream filling. They're a homemade spin on the beloved Little Debbie classic—but better, because they’re made from scratch with love and real ingredients.
Whether you're baking for a special occasion, a school lunchbox, or just a treat-yourself moment, these oatmeal cream pie cookies are the ultimate indulgence. Let’s dive into how you can make these bakery-quality cookie sandwiches at home with easy-to-follow steps, practical tips, and delicious variations to match your cravings.
Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before we get started, make sure you have the following equipment:
- Large mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop (optional but recommended for uniform size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
What You Need to Prepare Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies ?
- For the Oatmeal Cookies:
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- For the Cream Filling:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
How to Make Easy Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies Step-by-Step ?
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed. Creaming helps incorporate air and gives the cookies a soft, tender texture.
Step 2: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Molasses
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and molasses. The molasses adds that iconic deep flavor and enhances the chewiness of the cookies.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Fold in the Oats
Using a spatula or low-speed mixer, fold in the rolled oats until evenly incorporated. The oats provide that hearty texture and the signature chew of oatmeal cookies.
Step 5: Chill and Scoop
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. Once chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly soft. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Filling
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the cream filling. Beat softened butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy. Add heavy cream or milk 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
Step 8: Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Once cookies are completely cooled, match them in pairs by size. Pipe or spread about 1–2 tablespoons of cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie and top with another to form a sandwich.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few tasty variations you can try:
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| Ultimate Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies |
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add mini chocolate chips to the oatmeal cookie dough or mix cocoa powder into the cream filling for a chocolaty twist.
- Maple Cream Filling: Replace vanilla extract with maple extract in the filling for a cozy fall-inspired treat.
- Raisin Oatmeal Cream Pies: Stir in ½ cup of raisins into the dough for a classic oatmeal raisin vibe with a creamy surprise inside.
- Peanut Butter Cream: Add ¼ cup of creamy peanut butter to the filling for a nutty, salty-sweet experience.
- Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add ¼ cup canned pumpkin and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Cooking Note
To get the best results, always use room temperature ingredients especially the butter and eggs. This ensures that your dough mixes evenly and bakes into uniformly soft cookies. If you're using salted butter, reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.
When baking the cookies, don’t wait for them to look completely done in the oven. They should still look a bit soft in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll continue to bake slightly on the hot baking sheet, resulting in perfectly soft and chewy cookies.
Also, chilling the dough is crucial. It allows the flavors to meld and gives the butter time to firm up so the cookies don’t spread too thin during baking.
If the cream filling feels too runny, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk or cream. You want it thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to bite into easily.
Serving Suggestions
These oatmeal cream pie cookies are perfect as a standalone dessert or a sweet addition to any party platter. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. Serve them chilled for a firmer bite, or let them sit at room temperature for a soft and gooey experience.
For presentation, stack them in a clear jar or wrap each one individually in parchment paper for a bakery-style touch perfect for gifting! You can even cut them in halves or quarters and serve as bite-sized treats on a dessert tray.
They also make a fun and nostalgic addition to lunchboxes, picnic baskets, or birthday parties for both kids and adults.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough: It makes a big difference in the shape and texture of the cookies.
- Use old-fashioned oats: Avoid instant or steel-cut oats—old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture.
- Don’t overbake: Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven.
- Pipe the filling: For a clean, uniform look, use a piping bag to apply the cream filling.
- Match cookie sizes: Pair cookies of equal size and thickness for the perfect sandwich.
- Store properly: Keep the finished cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for a softer bite.
- Freezing: Both the cookies and the assembled sandwiches freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dough for extra depth of flavor.
Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies (150 Words)
- Consistency is key – Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Whip the filling well – A fluffy filling makes each bite melt in your mouth.
- Use real butter – It provides the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t skip the molasses – It adds the signature depth and chew.
- Cool completely before assembling – Warm cookies will melt the cream and make a mess.
- Use parchment paper – This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling and cooling)
Nutritional Information (per cookie sandwich)
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the cookies and filling a day in advance. Assemble right before serving or store fully assembled in the fridge.
Q: Can I use quick oats?
A: Quick oats can be used, but they’ll give a slightly different texture. Rolled oats are ideal for chewiness.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days. Let them come to room temp before enjoying.
Q: Can I freeze oatmeal cream pie cookies?
A: Absolutely. Wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
Homemade oatmeal cream pie cookies are a delightful throwback to a classic childhood treat, made even better with wholesome ingredients and the satisfaction of baking from scratch. With a soft and chewy texture, perfectly spiced flavor, and dreamy vanilla filling, these cookie sandwiches are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you're sharing with friends, adding to a dessert buffet, or treating yourself with a cozy snack, these cookies deliver in flavor, texture, and nostalgia. Follow this complete guide, and you'll master the art of oatmeal cream pie cookies like a true baking pro.
Ready to bake a batch? Go preheat that oven you’re in for something truly special.