Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are an irresistible treat that combines the warmth of gingerbread spices and the chewy goodness of oatmeal cookies. These delightful pies are perfect for holiday gatherings, sweet snack breaks, or simply to satisfy your dessert cravings. The soft gingerbread cookies paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting make them stand out. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them by yourself, these cream pies will surely please any crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of soft gingerbread cookies and creamy filling provides a delightful bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday snacks, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Customizable Filling: You can adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies come together smoothly, having the right tools is essential. These will not only enhance your baking experience but also ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheets
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cookie cutter (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a creamy texture for the frosting without much effort.
• Baking sheets: Provide a flat surface for even baking and easy transfer of cookies in and out of the oven.

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Ingredients

For the Gingerbread 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)

For the Cream Cheese 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). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together:
– Unsalted butter
– Brown sugar
– Granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

To the butter mixture, add:
– Molasses
– Vanilla extract
– Egg

Beat until well combined. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in rolled oats.

Step 5: Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread. Bake for about 9 minutes or until edges are golden but centers are still soft. Allow cooling on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 6: Prepare Frosting

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

Add powdered sugar gradually until desired sweetness is reached. Mix in vanilla extract and salt. If needed, add whipping cream to reach desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Pies

Once cookies are cooled completely, spread frosting on one cookie and top with another to create a sandwich. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Enjoy your delicious Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Gingerbread oatmeal cream pies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing, milk complements the sweetness of the cream filling and balances the spiced flavor of the gingerbread.

As an Afternoon Snack

• Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break. The flavors are perfect for warming up on chilly days.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spices.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Pairing these cookies with fresh fruit like apple slices or berries adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cream filling.

How to Perfect Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Creating the perfect gingerbread oatmeal cream pies requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your baking experience.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Measure flour accurately: Use a spoon to aerate your flour before spooning it into your measuring cup. This prevents dense cookies.

• Chill the dough: Allowing the dough to chill for about 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and results in thicker cookies when baked.

• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be soft in the center but firm around the edges for the best texture.

Best Side Dishes for Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pairing side dishes with gingerbread oatmeal cream pies can create a more rounded dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that contrasts nicely with the spiced cookies.

2. Hot Chocolate
   A warm mug of hot chocolate is perfect for dipping and enhances the cozy flavor profile.

3. Spiced Applesauce
   The warmth and sweetness of spiced applesauce complement the gingerbread flavors beautifully.

4. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
   This smoothie offers seasonal flavors that pair well with gingerbread while providing a refreshing twist.

5. Chai Tea
   The aromatic spices in chai tea enhance the flavors of gingerbread, making it an excellent beverage choice.

6. Cranberry Sauce
   A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pies, adding depth to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies can be a delightful experience, but certain pitfalls can hinder your success.

• Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to tough cookies. Ensure your butter is softened for a light texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect the final product. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for accuracy.
• Skipping the chilling time: Chilling the dough is essential for better shaping and texture. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
• Overbaking the cookies: Overbaked cookies can become hard and dry. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as they’re set.
• Ignoring cream cheese temperature: Cold cream cheese won’t mix well. Let it come to room temperature for a smooth frosting.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Place the pies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds until slightly warm.
• Stovetop: Place pies in a skillet over low heat. Cover and warm for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are soft cookies made with ginger, cinnamon, and oats, filled with creamy frosting. They offer a delicious twist on classic dessert sandwiches.

Can I customize my Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

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

How do I store leftover Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for longer storage.

What can I use instead of molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey for similar sweetness and moisture.

Final Thoughts

These Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are not only enjoyable but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or adjust spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats any time!