These homemade oatmeal cream pies are a delightful treat featuring soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched with a sweet cream filling. Perfect for lunchboxes or as a snack, they bring a nostalgic flavor that everyone loves.
The recipe is simple and can be made with pantry staples. You can customize the filling by adding flavors like vanilla or almond extract to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Oatmeal Cookies
Homemade oatmeal cream pies begin with the foundation of soft, chewy oatmeal cookies. The key to achieving that perfect texture lies in the balance of ingredients.
Start by creaming together softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender cookie.
Next, the addition of eggs and vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.
Don’t forget to incorporate old-fashioned oats, which provide the signature chewy texture and nutty flavor that oatmeal cookies are known for.
Finally, a hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth, making these cookies irresistible.
Baking the Cookies to Perfection
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets with parchment paper.
Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the sheets, ensuring they are spaced apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. The edges should turn a light golden brown while the centers remain soft.
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling period is essential for achieving the right texture.
Whipping Up the Cream Filling
The cream filling is what truly sets these oatmeal cream pies apart. To create a smooth and creamy filling, beat together shortening, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract.
The result is a sweet, fluffy mixture that complements the hearty cookies perfectly.
Feel free to experiment with flavors by adding extracts like almond or even a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Assembling Your Oatmeal Cream Pies
Once the cookies have cooled completely, it’s time to assemble your treats.
Spread a generous amount of the cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top it with another cookie, flat side down.
Gently press them together to create a delightful sandwich.
These pies can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for later, though they are often best fresh!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Oatmeal cream pies are a delightful treat on their own, but they can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions.
Pair them with a cold glass of milk for the classic experience, perfect for dunking.
For an added touch, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
These treats are also great for lunchboxes or as an afternoon snack, bringing a sense of nostalgia to any occasion.
Storing Your Oatmeal Cream Pies
To keep your homemade oatmeal cream pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
They can last for several days, but they are often devoured quickly due to their deliciousness.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to separate each pie with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Classic Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
This recipe yields soft oatmeal cookies that are perfectly spiced and paired with a creamy filling. The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the total time to make these treats is around 40 minutes, yielding approximately 12 sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Pies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another cookie, flat side down. Press gently to sandwich them together.
- Serve: Enjoy your homemade oatmeal cream pies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for later.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 sandwiches
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 38g