Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

If you grew up with a fondness for chewy textured cookies and fluffy, sweet filling, nothing quite compares to the nostalgic delight of Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies. These little sandwich cookies marry golden, gently spiced oatmeal cookies with a dreamy, creamy frosting. They’re the perfect combo of comfort, nostalgia, and pure indulgence, whether you want to share them or secretly stash them away for yourself. From their soft texture to the toasty oat flavor and luscious center, it’s easy to understand why Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies become everyone’s instant favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies is how trustily simple the ingredient list is, featuring pantry staples that transform into something magical together. Each ingredient works quietly behind the scenes to deliver the iconic chewy bite, warm spiced aroma, and irresistible filling.

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create that soft, chewy crumb in both cookies and frosting.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a beautiful caramel note to enhance the oatmeal cookie flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Lightens the texture a bit and sweetens just perfectly without overpowering the oats.
• Molasses: Just a touch for that characteristic classic oatmeal cream pie flavor and deep color.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the sweetness in the cookies and the creamy filling alike.
• Large eggs: Bind the dough and bring moisture for the perfect cookie structure.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the cookie dough, offering the right balance between tender and sturdy.
• Cinnamon: A pinch of spice goes a long way and gives each bite a cozy, bakery aroma.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies bake up domed and tender, not flat and dry.
• Salt: A touch in both cookie and frosting recipes to balance sweetness and sharpen flavors.
• Quick oats: The star ingredient, giving Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies that signature texture and oat flavor.
• Cream cheese (brick style): For the frosting, brick-style cream cheese lends rich tanginess and body—skip the whipped tub for best results.
• Powdered sugar: Whips into the creamy filling, making it fluffy and sweetly balanced.
• Cream: Optional but handy for adjusting the spreadability of your frosting for easy assembly.

How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350F (180C, or 170C if you’re using a fan-forced oven). Line your cookie sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. Taking a minute for this step can be the difference between flawless cookies and ones that cause frustration!

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough Base

Grab a large bowl and beat together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. This introduces air into the dough, setting the foundation for soft, tender cookies. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a handheld mixer works perfectly.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything looks creamy and smooth. Don’t skip the molasses—it’s what delivers that unmistakable taste and color reminiscent of the classic Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies we all remember!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Turn off your mixer and add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt right into the wet mixture. Give it a few stirs by hand first; this prevents a flour cloud from escaping the bowl! Then turn your mixer on low to finish combining. The dough will come together quickly, just until no streaks remain.

Step 5: Stir in Quick Oats

Gently fold in the quick oats with a wooden spoon or spatula. Quick oats blend in better than old-fashioned oats, lending a soft but still hearty texture to the cookies, which is key to authentic Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form dough balls about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons in size and space them 2 inches apart on your prepared trays. You’ll end up with 32–34 cookies, making about 16–17 sandwich pies. Bake each sheet one at a time in the middle of the oven for 9–11 minutes, just until the tops look set and slightly golden.

Step 7: Cool Cookies Thoroughly

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. This helps them firm up for easier handling later—plus, transferring them too soon could make cracks or bends.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Filling

In a new large bowl, beat 3/4 cup of softened unsalted butter until fluffy. Chop the cream cheese into a few pieces and beat that in too, until no lumps remain. Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, starting your mixer on low, then beating until creamy. Keep adding more powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the filling is thick but still spreadable. If you need to loosen the consistency, beat in up to a tablespoon of cream.

Step 9: Assemble the Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Spread about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons of that luscious frosting on the bottom of one cooled cookie, then gently sandwich a second cookie (bottom facing down) on top. Press ever so slightly, just to seal. Repeat for all cookies—and watch how quickly they disappear!

How to Serve Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Garnishes

Sprinkle the edges of each cream pie with extra quick oats or roll the sides in mini chocolate chips for a playful touch. A dusting of powdered sugar can add that irresistible bakery-style finish right before serving.

Side Dishes

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies shine at snack time, but they’re also lovely with a glass of cold milk, a mug of coffee, or even a homemade fruit smoothie. Their rich, sweet flavor balances beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your cream pies high on a rustic cake stand for a stunning centerpiece, tuck them into parchment bags for lunchbox surprises, or tie them up with string for sweet edible gifts. For parties, try slicing them in half with a sharp knife and arrange on a platter to encourage bite-sized sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment. They keep their soft texture best at room temperature for a day or two, or in the fridge up to 5 days, though you may want to let them come to room temp before eating for maximum creaminess.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze the assembled pies! Simply wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours before serving.

Reheating

While these are best enjoyed at room temperature, you can very briefly warm Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies (5 to 10 seconds in the microwave) if you fancy melty filling and an even softer cookie. Just beware of overheating, which may cause the cream filling to liquefy.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Quick oats are best for these because they blend in seamlessly, giving the cookies that signature soft and chewy texture. Old-fashioned oats will make the cookies heartier and chunkier, but if that’s your style, go for it—it just won’t be exactly like classic Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?

While the cream cheese adds luxurious tang and structure to the filling, you can swap it for more butter if preferred, but the texture and flavor will be different. For the most authentic taste and creamy mouthfeel, stick with the brick-style cream cheese.

Can I make Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The results are still deliciously chewy and satisfying.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

Over-softened butter or skipping the cooling time can cause cookies to spread. Ensuring the butter is soft but not melted, and letting cookies cool properly before assembly, help Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies maintain their sandwich-perfect shape.

Can I halve or double this recipe?

Absolutely! Halve all the ingredients for a small batch, or double up for a crowd. Just bake the cookies in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven, and your Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies will be as dreamy as ever.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies are pure comfort and joy in every bite—soft, chewy, and filled with a lavish creamy center. If you’ve never made these at home, it’s time to treat yourself and loved ones. Go ahead and bake a batch; you’ll be amazed at how quickly they vanish!

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