How to Make Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Classic Treat Made Easy

Oatmeal cream pies. The mere mention of these words evokes a sense of childhood nostalgia, of lunchboxes and playground snacks. This classic treat holds a special place in our hearts, and for good reason. The combination of soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiching a creamy, sweet filling is simply irresistible.

But here’s a secret: you don’t have to rely on store-bought versions anymore! With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can recreate the magic of oatmeal cream pies right in your own kitchen. And the best part? It’s much simpler than you might think.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s embark on this delicious journey together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the oatmeal cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

For the cream filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tools of the Trade

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

Let’s Get Baking!

Making the Oatmeal Cookies:

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Stir in oats: Stir in the rolled oats until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly.
8. Bake to perfection: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
9. Cool completely: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before filling them.

Whipping Up the Creamy Filling:

1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Incorporate milk and vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and spreadable.

Assembling Your Oatmeal Cream Pies:

1. Pair up cookies: Pair up the cooled cookies by size.
2. Spread the filling: Spread a generous amount of cream filling onto the bottom of one cookie in each pair.
3. Sandwich time!: Top with another cookie, pressing down gently to create a sandwich.

Tips for Oatmeal Cream Pie Success:

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This will help to ensure that your ingredients combine smoothly.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cooling is key: Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them. This will prevent the filling from melting and making a mess.
• Get creative with the filling: While this recipe calls for a classic vanilla cream filling, feel free to get creative! You could add a swirl of caramel, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips.

Oatmeal Cream Pies on a Cooling Rack

FAQs About Oatmeal Cream Pies:

Q: Can I freeze oatmeal cream pies?

A: Absolutely! These treats freeze beautifully. Simply assemble the cookies as directed and then freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Q: My cookie dough seems dry. What should I do?

A: If your dough seems dry, you can try adding an extra tablespoon of milk at a time until it comes together.

Q: Can I use quick-cooking oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

A: While you can use quick-cooking oats in a pinch, keep in mind that they may result in slightly less chewy cookies.

Ingredients for Oatmeal Cream Pies

Conclusion

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for homemade oatmeal cream pies that will transport you back to your childhood (and impress your family and friends!). Baking is a labor of love, and there’s something truly special about creating these classic treats from scratch. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

Want to explore more delicious cookie recipes? Check out our guides on how to make snickerdoodles, lacey oatmeal cookies, cinnamon sugar cookies, caramel cookies, and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies! We’re sure you’ll find something you love.

Don’t forget to share your oatmeal cream pie creations with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your baking adventure.