Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies offer a delightful seasonal treat that combines the warmth of gingerbread with the chewy goodness of oatmeal. Their chewy, spiced cookie exterior pairs perfectly with a creamy filling, making them an irresistible addition to your cookie platter. Perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings, these treats bring a cozy atmosphere to any dessert table, inviting everyone to enjoy the flavors of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are many reasons to dive into the world of gingerbread oatmeal cream pies. First off, the flavor combination is magnificent. The warm spices, like ginger and cinnamon, create a comforting profile, reminiscent of cozy winter evenings. Furthermore, the texture contrasts between the chewy cookies and the smooth cream cheese filling offer an exciting bite every time.
You’ll also appreciate how easy these cookies are to make. With straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time. They are perfect for holiday cookie exchanges or family celebrations. Here’s what one delighted baker said:
“These gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are such a hit at our holiday gatherings. Everyone loves the combination of flavors and textures!”
The Cooking Process Explained
Making gingerbread oatmeal cream pies is a simple and rewarding experience. First, you’ll prepare the cookie dough by mixing your dry and wet ingredients separately. Then, combine them to form the dough. After that, you’ll drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and let them bake until golden. The key is to let the cookies cool completely before adding the cream cheese filling!
Once the cookies have cooled, you’ll whip up the cream filling and sandwich it between two cookies. The entire process is straightforward and allows for plenty of creativity as you make them your own.
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
These ingredients work together to create a delicious flavor profile that will leave everyone craving more. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, consider substitutions such as gluten-free flour or dairy-free cream cheese.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
- For the cream filling, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
- Serve and enjoy your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These delightful gingerbread oatmeal cream pies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them as a treat during holiday gatherings, share them as gifts, or simply enjoy them with a cozy cup of tea or coffee. They also make for a sweet surprise in lunchboxes, bringing joy to school or work.
How to Store
To keep your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the cookies before filling them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then add the cream filling.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Ensure that your butter is softened for easier mixing; this will help create a light texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling time. If you try to fill warm cookies, the cream cheese filling may melt.
- For a festive touch, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun twists you can try:
- Add spices: Enhance the spice profile with cloves or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.
- Decorate: Top your filled cookies with a drizzle of caramel or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
- Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for an equally delicious outcome.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare and bake these cookies?
The entire process, from mixing ingredients to baking and cooling, takes about 30-45 minutes.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
How long can I keep these cookies?
If stored correctly, these cookies can last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You could use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream substitute for a different yet tasty filling.
For more delightful recipe inspiration, check out our other delicious treats like cottage cheese pizza crust or high-protein bagels.
We hope you enjoy making and savoring these gingerbread oatmeal cream pies as much as we do! Don’t forget to check our social pages for more wonderful recipes and inspiration: Pinterest and Facebook.
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
For the cookies
- 1 cup rolled oats Use old-fashioned oats for best texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is softened for easier mixing.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar Light or dark brown sugar can be used.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg Room temperature is preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cream filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Can substitute with dairy-free cream cheese.
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine oats, flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Cream Filling
- For the cream filling, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich.
- Serve and enjoy your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies!