Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for the holiday season or any cozy gathering. These scrumptious treats feature soft gingerbread oatmeal cookies that sandwich a tangy cream cheese frosting. With their warm spices and chewy texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat at home.
• Chewy Texture: The rolled oats add a satisfying chewiness that balances perfectly with the creamy filling.
• Fun to Share: These cookies make great gifts or party favors, bringing joy to everyone who receives them.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping the butter and cream cheese effortless, ensuring a smooth frosting.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy surface for baking multiple cookies at once.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Ingredients

To create your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, gather the following 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: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl:
– Combine flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
– In another bowl, beat together softened butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, molasses, vanilla extract, and egg until creamy.
– Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in rolled oats.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

• Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto prepared baking sheets.
• Bake for 9 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Let cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4: Make the Cream Filling

In a clean mixing bowl:
– Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
– Gradually add powdered sugar until desired sweetness is achieved. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. If needed for consistency, add whipping cream.

Step 5: Assemble the Pies

• Spread or pipe cream filling onto a cookie. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Enjoy your homemade Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies as a festive treat!

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 simply indulging yourself, these suggestions will enhance your experience.

With Warm Beverages

• Hot Cocoa – Pair your pies with a rich cup of hot cocoa for a cozy combination.
• Spiced Chai Tea – The warm spices in chai complement the gingerbread flavors beautifully.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte – This seasonal favorite adds a creamy touch to the sweetness of the pies.

As Dessert Platter

• Mixed Cookies – Serve alongside other cookies for a festive dessert platter.
• Fruit Compote – A tangy fruit compote can balance the sweetness of the cream pies.
• Ice Cream Scoops – Offer small scoops of vanilla or ginger ice cream as a cool contrast.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Parties – These cream pies make excellent additions to any holiday dessert table.
• Birthday Celebrations – Personalize each pie with themed decorations for birthdays.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

To achieve the best results with your gingerbread oatmeal cream pies, consider these helpful tips:

• Boldly Measure Ingredients – Ensure precise measurements for flour and sugar to maintain texture.
• Chill Dough if Needed – If the dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Bake Until Just Set – Remove cookies from the oven when they are slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
• Mix Cream Cheese Thoroughly – Beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding powdered sugar for a creamy filling.
• Adjust Sweetness Gradually – Add powdered sugar incrementally to achieve your desired frosting sweetness.
• Store Properly – Keep assembled cookies in an airtight container to retain freshness and softness.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

When serving gingerbread oatmeal cream pies, pairing them with side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A colorful medley of fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside the sweet pies.
2. Creamy Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy contrast to the rich cream pies.
3. Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cookies.
4. Chocolate Fondue – A warm chocolate fondue can be fun for dipping pieces of pie or fruit, adding indulgence to your dessert spread.
5. Caramel Sauce Drizzle – A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor when served on top.
6. Cheese Platter – Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone can offer a creamy counterpart to balance out flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how you can avoid them:

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Skipping the chilling period: Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading. Always chill for the recommended time before baking.
• Using stale spices: Old spices diminish flavor. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best taste.
• Ignoring baking times: Overbaking will dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are just set.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Separate layers with wax paper to avoid sticking.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually for 10-15 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies that might help you.

Can I use gluten-free flour in Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

How do I make the cream filling dairy-free?

You can use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative instead of regular cream cheese.

What other flavors can I add to Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture variations.

How long will Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies last?

When stored properly, these cream pies will last about 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on a classic treat that combines spices and creamy goodness. They are versatile; feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack any time!