Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. These soft, chewy cookies sandwich a tangy cream cheese frosting that elevates the classic dessert experience. Ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or an afternoon snack, these pies bring warmth and nostalgia to your table. With their rich flavors of ginger and spices, they are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in no time with simple steps and common ingredients.
• Delicious Flavors: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a warm, inviting taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy these pies as a festive dessert or a comforting snack any time of the year.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting to suit your taste; it’s easy to make it your own!
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 sandwich cookies in one batch, they’re great for sharing at parties or potlucks.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless, ensuring a light texture in your cookies.
• Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for perfectly baked cookies.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

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 Frosting

• 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: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and egg until creamy.
3. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
4. Fold in rolled oats gently.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop:
– Drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
– Bake for 9 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Frosting

While cookies cool:
1. In a clean bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness is reached.
3. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. If needed, add whipping cream for desired consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cream Pies

Once cookies are completely cooled:
– Spread or pipe frosting onto the flat side of half of the cookies.
– Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.

Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for a festive occasion or just indulging on a cozy evening, these cream pies will satisfy your sweet tooth.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pairing your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies with a warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors and adds a comforting touch.
• Tea – A spiced chai or herbal tea complements the ginger and cinnamon in the cookies, making it a soothing choice.
• Hot Chocolate – For a rich experience, serve alongside hot chocolate topped with whipped cream for extra sweetness.

As Dessert Platter

• Cookie Assortment – Include these cream pies in a dessert platter with other cookies like snickerdoodles and chocolate chip for variety.
• Fruit Slices – Fresh fruit, such as apple or pear slices, can balance the sweetness of the cookies and add freshness to your serving.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream between two gingerbread oatmeal cookies creates an indulgent sandwich treat.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream – For an autumn twist, pumpkin spice ice cream pairs well with the spices in the cookies.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Achieving the perfect gingerbread oatmeal cream pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your treats turn out deliciously every time.

• Bold flavors – Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact. Ground spices lose potency over time, so fresh ones make a noticeable difference.
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter and better texture.
• Chill dough – Refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances flavor development.
• Watch baking time – Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool.
• Proper frosting consistency – Adjust powdered sugar and whipping cream to achieve your desired frosting thickness. It should be spreadable but not too runny.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

While these gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some options that work wonderfully together.

1. Spiced Apple Compote – A warm compote made from sautéed apples with cinnamon provides a fruity contrast that complements the ginger flavors.
2. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle rich caramel sauce over your cream pies for an extra layer of sweetness that enhances each bite.
3. Whipped Coconut Cream – For a dairy-free option, serve whipped coconut cream alongside to add lightness and richness to your dessert.
4. Chocolate Sauce – A simple chocolate sauce adds indulgence; drizzle it over or serve it on the side for dipping.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips – Crispy tortilla chips coated in cinnamon sugar create a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with soft cookies.
6. Creamy Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a light yet satisfying dessert that pairs well with sweet pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can throw off the recipe. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined to keep them soft and chewy.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Allow your dough to chill for better shape and texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold butter or eggs can affect how well your cookies rise. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure consistent heat throughout the baking process.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Freeze individually wrapped pies in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for extra protection.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on low power for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies that may help you while baking.

Can I use different spices in Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavors that still complement gingerbread.

How do I make these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

A dairy-free cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream works well as a substitute for frosting.

How long do these cookies last after baking?

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts, combining rich flavors with soft textures. They are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks. Feel free to customize them with different fillings or toppings, making them your own!