Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on the classic treat. These cookies feature soft, spiced gingerbread oatmeal and are filled with a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy family nights, or simply as an indulgent snack, these pies will surely delight everyone. Their unique flavor and texture make them a standout dessert that combines nostalgia with modern flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices in the gingerbread paired with creamy frosting create a deliciously balanced taste.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are accessible for bakers of any skill level.
• Versatile Treat: Great for holiday parties, lunchboxes, or as a sweet surprise for guests.
• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a beloved classic from scratch.
• Perfectly Soft Texture: The combination of oatmeal and butter gives these cookies a tender bite that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

To make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, you’ll need some essential tools to get started. Having the right equipment ensures a smoother baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming the butter and sugars easy, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

A delicious twist on classic Lil’ Debbie cream pies – these gingerbread oatmeal cream pies feature two soft gingerbread oatmeal cookies and tangy cream cheese frosting in the middle.

For the Cookies

• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour (166 grams)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (softened)
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (158 grams) (I used dark)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
• 3 tablespoons molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup rolled oats (about 100 grams) (I used quick oats, large old-fashioned oats work too)

For the Cream Filling

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (112 grams) (softened)
• 4 ounces cream cheese (112 grams) (brick style, full fat)
• 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (165 – 275 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon whipping cream (if needed, half and half works too)

How to Make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Ginger powder
3. Cinnamon
4. Nutmeg
5. Ground cloves
6. Baking soda
7. Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Brown sugar
– Granulated sugar

Cream until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in:
– Molasses
– Vanilla extract
– Egg

Continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed. Stir in the rolled oats until just combined.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are set but centers are soft. Allow cooling on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Cream cheese

Once smooth, gradually add powdered sugar until reaching desired sweetness and consistency. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and whipping cream if necessary.

Step 8: Assemble Your Cream Pies

Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe cream filling onto one cookie half before topping it with another cookie half to form a sandwich.

Now enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are perfect for any festive gathering or cozy evening treat. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Cup of Tea

• Pair your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies with a warm cup of chai or Earl Grey tea. The spices in the tea complement the flavors of the cookies beautifully.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Try using your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies as ice cream sandwiches. Add a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.

Festive Platter

• Arrange several gingerbread oatmeal cream pies on a decorative platter, alongside fresh fruits and nuts. This creates an inviting display for holiday gatherings.

Mini Dessert Bites

• Cut each pie into smaller pieces for bite-sized treats. These are great for parties and allow guests to sample multiple desserts.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the flavor by drizzling warm caramel sauce over your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies. This adds a sweet, gooey layer that everyone will love.

Garnish with Whipped Cream

• Top each pie with a dollop of whipped cream before serving. This adds a creamy texture that balances the spiced cookie perfectly.

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How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Perfecting gingerbread oatmeal cream pies is easy with these helpful tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices like ginger and cinnamon create a more vibrant flavor in your pies.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Remove the cookies from the oven while they are still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
• Experiment with oats: Use different types of oats—quick oats or rolled oats can give varied textures to your cookies.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to tweak the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to suit your taste preference.
• Store properly: Keep your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider enhances the cozy spices of gingerbread.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to sweet cookies, making for a balanced meal.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheese provides a rich and savory pairing that offsets sweetness.
4. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and acidity, balancing out the rich flavors of the pies.
5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip leftover cookie pieces into chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.
6. Nutty Granola: Serve crunchy granola on the side for added texture and flavor; it pairs well with coffee or tea.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with cranberries and nuts for a refreshing side that complements dessert beautifully.
8. Hot Chocolate Bar: Create a hot chocolate bar with various toppings for guests to enjoy alongside their gingerbread treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final outcome. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the dough can lead to cookies that spread too much during baking. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Incorrect measurements: Using the wrong amounts of flour or sugar can change texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy when measuring ingredients.
• Overbaking: Leaving cookies in the oven too long makes them dry. Bake until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Cold butter and eggs don’t mix well, leading to uneven texture. Soften butter and use eggs at room temperature.
• Not letting cookies cool completely: Filling warm cookies with frosting causes it to melt. Allow cookies to cool completely before assembling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months when frozen.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each pie on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, flipping once to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

How do I make my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like allspice or cardamom can enhance flavor. You can also include chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yes! You can use coconut oil instead of butter or maple syrup instead of molasses for different flavors.

How should I store leftover Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.

What if my cream cheese frosting is too thick?

If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make them perfect for any occasion. They’re versatile and can be customized with various spices, fillings, or toppings. Try making these tempting treats today!