Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful and scrumptious treat that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the chewy texture of oatmeal. This indulgent dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons, making it a beloved favorite among cookie lovers. The creamy filling adds a rich layer that perfectly complements the spiced cookies, creating a sweet sandwich that’s hard to resist!
Why make this recipe
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies. First and foremost, they embody the holiday spirit with their aromatic spices and inviting flavors. They’re a fun and festive twist on traditional oatmeal cookies, offering a delightful textural contrast between the soft cookies and the creamy frosting. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile! You can serve them at parties, gift them to friends, or simply indulge yourself with a warm cup of tea. Making these cookies is an opportunity to create lasting memories with loved ones while enjoying the process of baking together.
How to make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Making these delightful treats is an easy and enjoyable experience. You’ll start by preparing the cookie dough and then sandwiched it around a creamy frosting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your very own Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cookies cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting on the flat side of a cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy!
How to serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
These cream pies are best served chilled or at room temperature. For a festive presentation, consider placing them on a decorative platter adorned with holiday-themed decorations. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of cocoa or a warm holiday spice tea. If you’re looking to impress guests at a holiday gathering, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel on top for an extra special touch.
How to store Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
To keep your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their flavor and texture for about a week, allowing you to enjoy them over several days. If you want to save some for later, these treats can also be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking and enjoy them anytime.
Tips to make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
- For a chewier version, increase the amount of oats slightly, or let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure a smooth creaming process.
- If you desire a stronger spice flavor, feel free to adjust the quantities of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your preference.
- Experiment with different types of frosting! A spiced buttercream could be a delightful alternative to cream cheese frosting.
Variation
For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips into the cookie dough for additional texture and flavor. You could also try substituting different spices or using an alternative frosting like a maple buttercream for a unique twist on this classic treat.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cookie dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just be sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
2. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that it includes xanthan gum or similar for best results.
3. How can I make these cookies less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, consider cutting back on the sugar in both the cookie dough and frosting. You can adjust based on your preference without compromising the texture.
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, flattening slightly.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are firm.
- Let cookies cool completely.
Frosting & Assembly
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting on the flat side of a cookie and sandwich with another cookie.
