Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate nostalgic treat, look no further than these Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies. Imagine soft, chewy oatmeal cookies hugging a cloud of sweet, creamy filling—every bite is pure comfort. This recipe isn’t just about reliving childhood snacks; it’s about taking the flavors you remember and elevating them with real, simple ingredients in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making a batch for special lunches or to surprise your friends, these hand-held, cream-filled delights are guaranteed to spark joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies lies in their straightforward ingredient list. Each component plays its part: tenderness from butter, chewiness from oats, signature flavor from molasses, and a dreamy filling thanks to real cream cheese and powdered sugar.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Ensures both the cookie and the filling are rich and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness essential for cozy oatmeal cookies.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances out the flavors for a sweet-but-not-too-sweet bite.
• 1 tablespoon molasses: Delivers that old-fashioned warmth and subtle spice that defines a classic oatmeal cookie.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Perfect for layering in a soft, aromatic vanilla note throughout both cookies and filling.
• 2 large eggs: Gives the cookies their chewy structure and just the right amount of lift.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Creates structure without making the cookies dry or cakey.
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that complements the oats and molasses without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies spread and get delightfully chewy.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the sweetness and draws out those cozy cookie flavors.
• 3 cups quick oats: The hero for chewiness and that classic oatmeal cookie texture.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Ensures the frosting is silky-smooth and dreamy.
• 2 ounces cream cheese (full-fat, brick style): The secret to a rich, slightly tangy, ultra-creamy filling.
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the filling so it pipes perfectly between cookies.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For a deliciously warm, fragrant cream filling.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the filling and keeps the sweetness in check.
• 1 tablespoon cream (if needed): Just in case your filling needs a little loosening for ideal spreadability.

How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350F. Grab your biggest mixing bowl, because we’re making a generous batch! Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s pale and ultra-fluffy. This step sets the stage for soft cookies. Next, mix in the molasses, vanilla, and eggs until the mixture looks creamy and smooth—don’t skip the molasses, it’s what gives Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies their unmistakable flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Do a few gentle stirs by hand to keep the flour from flying everywhere once you mix—trust me, your kitchen will thank you! Set your mixer to low and beat until just incorporated for a tender crumb. Last but not least, stir in the quick oats. This is where you’ll see the dough become thick and hearty—the oats soak up all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out balls of dough, about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each, and space them out on lined baking sheets. Use a cookie scoop if you have one for uniform pies every time. Bake one sheet at a time (so the cookies bake evenly), keeping a close eye: you want them set but still soft on top, usually after 9-11 minutes. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack—this helps them firm up perfectly without losing that tender center.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Filling

Once the cookies are fully cool, it’s time for that irresistible creamy filling. Beat the softened butter until luxurious and fluffy, then add in chopped cream cheese and keep mixing until totally smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, beating as you go. If your filling feels stiff (some days are just drier than others!), add a tablespoon of cream to get it silky and spreadable. Taste as you go and adjust the sugar for your desired sweetness—this is your masterpiece, after all.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

For the best Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies, match up similar-sized cookies for even sandwiches. Spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of frosting on the bottom of a cookie, then gently press a second cookie on top, bottoms facing together. Don’t press too hard; you want that gorgeous ribbon of cream peeking out the sides! Repeat until every cookie finds its perfect pair.

How to Serve Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Garnishes

While these treats are absolutely fantastic as is, you can dial them up a notch with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for an old-fashioned bakery vibe. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of cinnamon on the filling adds a special touch for holidays or parties—make it as simple or as fancy as your mood tells you!

Side Dishes

When it’s snack time or dessert hour, serve your Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate throwback experience. They also pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

There’s no wrong way to showcase these beauties, but some favorites include stacking them tall on a vintage cake stand for a wow factor or wrapping each pie in parchment and twine for adorable (and mess-free) lunchbox treats. Hosting a party? Try arranging them on a tiered dessert tray alongside fresh berries for a rustic look that’ll catch everyone’s eye.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies keep their soft texture best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge—you’ll find the filling sets up a bit firmer, which some people love!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies! Once assembled, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe zip bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour, and they’ll be as dreamy as the day you made them.

Reheating

These pies are meant to be enjoyed soft at room temperature, but if you love that ultra-gooey filling, zap a thawed pie in the microwave for 5-8 seconds—just enough to take the chill off and bring out that homemade aroma. Microwave with caution; too long and the filling will melt!

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Quick oats give Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies their signature chewy texture, but if you only have old-fashioned oats, you can pulse them a few times in a food processor to mimic the finer quick oats. This helps them blend better into the dough and gives a similar result.

Is it okay to make the cookies a day in advance?

Definitely! Baking the cookies a day ahead works great. Just cool them completely and store in an airtight container until you’re ready to make the filling and assemble. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the pies even tastier.

Can I substitute margarine for butter?

While you can use margarine, real butter is truly what gives these cookies their rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth quality. If possible, stick with unsalted butter for both the cookies and the frosting for the best Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies experience.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Be careful not to overbake! Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the tops are set, even if they look a little soft. Cooling on the baking sheet helps them finish baking gently, locking in that ideal chewiness that makes oatmeal cream pies irresistible.

Why is my filling too runny or too stiff?

If your filling is too runny, just beat in extra powdered sugar (a little at a time) until thick enough to spread. If it’s too stiff, add a splash of cream or milk and keep mixing until you have a perfectly fluffy, spreadable consistency.

Final Thoughts

Making a batch of Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies is more than just a way to satisfy your sweet tooth—it’s a little act of kindness you (and anyone lucky enough to be nearby) will remember. Share them, gift them, or simply sneak one with your afternoon coffee. I hope you fall for these chewy, creamy delights as much as I have. Happy baking!

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