Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful treat that brings together the warm flavors of gingerbread and the creamy sweetness of frosting. Perfect for the holiday season or any festive gathering, these pies are not just delicious; they also offer a nostalgic twist on classic cream pies. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, their unique flavor combination and soft texture make them irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm, cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, these cream pies will impress family and friends alike.
  • Customizable Frosting: The cream cheese frosting can be easily adjusted with different flavors or colors to suit your taste and presentation needs.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Cookie cutter (optional)
  • Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

  • Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together for a smooth texture.
  • Baking sheets: Provides an even surface for baking cookies to ensure they cook uniformly.

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 sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
* All-purpose flour
* Ginger powder
* Cinnamon
* Nutmeg
* Ground cloves
* Baking soda
* Salt

Whisk until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Brown sugar
– Granulated sugar

Beat until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add Molasses and Egg

Mix in:
– Molasses
– Vanilla extract
– Large egg

Continue mixing until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Oats

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Then fold in:
– Rolled oats

Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Bake in preheated oven for about 9 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers may look slightly underbaked. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to cooling racks.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting

In a mixing bowl, combine:
– Softened unsalted butter
– Cream cheese

Beat until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. If too thick, add whipping cream as needed.

Step 9: Assemble Cream Pies

Once cookies are completely cool, spread frosting on the flat side of half of the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to form sandwiches.

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’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as a cozy snack, these cookies will surely impress.

With a Glass of Milk

  • Pair these pies with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavors of the ginger and cream.

As a Dessert Platter

  • Arrange several gingerbread oatmeal cream pies on a festive platter alongside other holiday desserts for an inviting display.

With Coffee or Tea

  • Enjoy these cookies with your favorite hot beverage. The spices in the gingerbread complement the warmth of coffee or tea beautifully.

Warmed Up

  • Slightly warming a pie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds will melt the cream filling just enough to create a gooey texture that’s irresistible.

Gift Them

  • Wrap individual pies in decorative cellophane and tie them with ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

To make sure your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

  • Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor. Stale spices can dull the bright notes of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
  • Chill the Dough: If you find your dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape.
  • Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your baking time. The cookies should be soft when they come out of the oven; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting based on your sweetness preference. Taste as you go!
  • Experiment with Fillings: While cream cheese frosting is traditional, you can try flavored fillings like vanilla buttercream or even chocolate ganache for variety.
Gingerbread

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

These gingerbread oatmeal cream pies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their festive flavors. Here are some great options:

  1. Spiced Apple Cider: A warm drink infused with cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the seasonal taste experience.
  2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory contrast to the sweet cookies, making for an excellent pairing.
  3. Cheese Platter: Combine sharp cheeses with nuts and dried fruits for a savory bite that balances out the sweetness.
  4. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can refresh your palate between bites of rich gingerbread and cream.
  5. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
  6. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream to create dessert sandwiches that are sure to please everyone!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies can be fun and rewarding. However, there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome of your cookies.

  • Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a softer texture.
  • Using stale spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor. Make sure your ginger, cinnamon, and other spices are fresh for the best taste.
  • Not chilling the dough: Skipping this step may result in cookies that spread too much during baking. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to maintain shape.
  • Incorrect oven temperature: An oven that’s too hot or cold can affect baking time and texture. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperatures.
  • Not measuring ingredients accurately: This can lead to imbalances in flavor and texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Keeps well for up to 5 days.

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

  • Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap.
  • Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
  • Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
  • Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and warm for about 2-3 minutes, flipping once.
Gingerbread

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies vegan?

You can substitute butter with vegan margarine and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of eggs.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, using quick oats is perfectly fine! They will blend into the cookie mixture without altering the texture significantly.

How long do Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

What variations can I try with Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to customize these pies further based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft gingerbread flavor paired with creamy frosting makes them a delightful treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins or toppings! Enjoy baking these tasty pies!

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Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies


  • Author: Sofia
  • Total Time: 29 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies 1x

Description

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful fusion of warm gingerbread cookies and creamy frosting, making them the perfect festive treat for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. With a soft texture and an irresistible flavor profile enhanced by spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cream pies evoke nostalgia while being easy to prepare. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, they can be customized with various frosting flavors to suit any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party or gift them to friends, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • For the frosting: 4 ounces cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, cream softened butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in molasses, vanilla extract, and egg until well combined.
  5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; fold in oats gently.
  6. Scoop dough onto prepared sheets and bake for about 9 minutes until edges are set.
  7. Allow cookies to cool before spreading cream cheese frosting on half of them and sandwiching with remaining cookies.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 235
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit into the cookie dough. If your dough is sticky, chill it for about 30 minutes before scooping.

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