Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on the classic cream-filled cookies. Perfect for the holiday season or as a sweet treat any time of year, these cookies combine soft gingerbread oatmeal with rich cream cheese frosting. With their warm spices and comforting flavors, they are sure to impress at gatherings, family celebrations, or as a cozy snack at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of warm spices like ginger and cinnamon creates a comforting taste that evokes holiday cheer.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up these delicious cookies without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a dessert or snack and customize the filling to suit your tastes.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make an excellent gift during the festive season or a fun treat for parties.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Get the whole family involved in making these tasty pies; kids will love helping with the decorating!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes ensures you can mix ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and energy when blending butter and sugars for a creamy texture.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring your cookies cook uniformly.

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Ingredients

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 Your Baking Sheet

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

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add molasses, vanilla extract, and egg to the butter mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in rolled oats by hand.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make Cream Filling

In a clean bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until desired sweetness is reached. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. If needed, adjust consistency with whipping cream.

Step 7: Assemble the Pies

Once cookies are cool, spread or pipe cream filling onto one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to impress guests or have a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the cream pies. Use whole milk or any milk alternative for a creamy contrast.

Warmed Up

• Slightly warming the cookies can bring out their spices and make them extra soft. Just a few seconds in the microwave will do!

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange gingerbread oatmeal cream pies on a decorative platter for holiday gatherings. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a festive touch.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Stack two gingerbread cookies with cream cheese frosting in between and serve as a dessert sandwich. Perfect for sharing!

With Ice Cream

• Serve each pie alongside a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the spiced cookies beautifully.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Making the perfect gingerbread oatmeal cream pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor significantly. Check expiration dates and replace old spices for optimal taste.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, softer cookies.

• Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale when possible for precision, especially with flour and sugar, ensuring consistent results every time.

• Don’t Overbake: Cookies should be slightly underbaked when removed from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

• Customize Frosting Consistency: Adjust powdered sugar and whipping cream until you achieve your desired frosting thickness, making it easier to spread.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Complement your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies with delightful side dishes that enhance your dessert experience. Here’s what we recommend:

1. Spiced Chai Latte
   A warm spiced chai latte pairs perfectly, adding warmth and rich flavors that complement the gingerbread spices.

2. Pumpkin Soup
   A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pies, making for a balanced meal setting.

3. Caramelized Apples
   Sweet caramelized apples bring an additional layer of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with ginger and oats.

4. Mixed Green Salad
   A light salad with vinaigrette can refresh your palate after enjoying these sweet treats, balancing rich flavors nicely.

5. Cinnamon Hot Chocolate
   Rich hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon enhances the cozy feel of enjoying gingerbread oatmeal cream pies during colder months.

6. Nutty Granola Parfait
   Layered granola with yogurt and fruits adds crunch and freshness, creating an interesting texture contrast alongside the soft cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes while making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies can greatly enhance your baking experience. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Using cold butter: Cold butter doesn’t cream well with sugar, leading to dense cookies. Always use softened butter for a light and fluffy texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can result in cookies that spread too much. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes for better shape and texture.
• Incorrect measuring of flour: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can develop gluten, making cookies tough. Mix just until combined to ensure a soft cookie.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to unevenly cooked pies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Freeze individually wrapped pies for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm pies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

How do I customize my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can replace it with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will differ slightly.

How long do these cookies last?

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies last up to 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer when stored properly.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily tweak this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins or adjusting spices according to your taste. These treats are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate—try making them today!