Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies bring back childhood memories with their soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and luscious vanilla buttercream filling. The warm spices in the cookies complement the sweet, fluffy filling, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each bite is a delightful combination of old-fashioned comfort and homemade goodness.

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or looking to impress at a gathering, these oatmeal cream pies are a must-try. They’re easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh, pack them for lunch, or share with friends – because homemade always tastes better!

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon molasses

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 3 cups (270g) rolled oats

For the Cream Filling:

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 ½ cups (310g) powdered sugar

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Mix in the eggs, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.

6. Stir in the rolled oats, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

7. Scoop the dough (about 1.5 tablespoons per cookie) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

9. While the cookies cool, prepare the filling: Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar.

10. Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

11. Once the cookies are completely cool, spread or pipe the filling onto the flat side of half the cookies, then sandwich with the remaining cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 32 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 12 sandwich cookies

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Nostalgic Delight

Oatmeal cream pies are a beloved classic, bringing back memories of childhood lunches and after-school snacks. These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies are sandwiched together with a rich, fluffy vanilla buttercream, making every bite a perfect balance of texture and flavor. While store-bought versions have been a favorite for decades, making them from scratch takes them to an entirely new level. Homemade oatmeal cream pies are fresher, tastier, and free from artificial preservatives, giving you a treat that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

The History Behind Oatmeal Cream Pies

Oatmeal cream pies have a long-standing place in American dessert culture, thanks to their introduction as a packaged snack in the early 1900s. While they became widely popular due to mass production, the concept of soft oatmeal cookies paired with a sweet filling has roots in old-fashioned home baking. Early variations were often made with molasses and spices, giving them a warm, comforting flavor. Today, making them at home allows for customization and a deeper appreciation of this iconic treat.

Why Make Oatmeal Cream Pies from Scratch?

There are plenty of reasons to bake your own oatmeal cream pies instead of buying them pre-packaged. Homemade versions are free of preservatives, offering a fresher and healthier alternative. They also allow for flexibility in ingredients—you can control the amount of sugar, adjust the spices to your taste, and even experiment with different fillings. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the experience of biting into a soft, freshly baked cookie with creamy filling that you made yourself.

Key Features of the Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pie

A great oatmeal cream pie has several essential qualities:

• Soft, Chewy Cookies: The cookies should be tender with just the right amount of chewiness. This is achieved by using a balance of butter, sugars, and rolled oats.

• Balanced Sweetness: The filling should be rich and sweet, but not overpowering. The molasses and spices in the cookies add depth of flavor to balance the sugar in the buttercream.

• Fluffy, Smooth Filling: The buttercream should be light and creamy, making it easy to spread or pipe onto the cookies.

• Perfect Sandwiching: The cookies should be uniform in size so that they fit together well, ensuring a consistent texture in every bite.

Tips for Achieving the Best Texture

To get the best texture for your oatmeal cream pies, it’s important to follow a few key tips:

• Use Rolled Oats: Quick oats will not give the same texture as rolled oats. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide chewiness and structure.

• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.

• Let the Cookies Cool Completely: If the cookies are even slightly warm, the buttercream will melt, creating a mess instead of a perfect filling.

• Chill the Filling Before Assembling: Chilling the buttercream for a few minutes before assembling the cookies makes it easier to spread and prevents it from oozing out.

Variations to Try

While the classic oatmeal cream pie is hard to beat, you can always experiment with different variations to make it your own:

• Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra layer of indulgence.

• Spiced Oatmeal Cream Pies: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and even add a pinch of cloves for a warm, spiced version.

• Salted Caramel Filling: Mix a bit of caramel sauce into the buttercream and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for a sweet and salty combination.

• Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cream Pies: Swap some of the butter in the filling for peanut butter to create a nutty twist on the classic.

• Vegan or Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture to make these suitable for vegan diets.

Serving Suggestions

Oatmeal cream pies are perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy one with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.

• Lunchbox Surprise: Pack them in school lunches for a homemade alternative to store-bought snacks.

• Dessert Table Favorite: Serve them at gatherings or bake sales for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

• Gift Idea: Wrap them in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Store Oatmeal Cream Pies

To keep your oatmeal cream pies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the buttercream from melting.

• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

• Freezing: Oatmeal cream pies freeze well! Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

The Joy of Homemade Baking

Baking oatmeal cream pies from scratch is more than just a way to satisfy a sweet tooth—it’s an experience. The aroma of warm spices filling the kitchen, the joy of assembling each sandwich, and the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly soft and creamy cookie make it a truly rewarding process.

Conclusion

Homemade oatmeal cream pies bring a nostalgic touch to any dessert table while offering a fresher, more flavorful alternative to store-bought versions. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re recreating childhood memories or discovering them for the first time, these cookies are a delightful treat that never goes out of style. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and indulge in the comforting sweetness of homemade oatmeal cream pies—you won’t regret it!