Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe

There’s a certain kind of nostalgia you’ll find only in homemade treats, and these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a festive, whimsical slice of pure comfort. Imagine classic, chewy gingerbread oatmeal cookies sandwiching a pillowy, tangy cream cheese frosting—every bite is an explosion of spiced warmth and sweet, creamy bliss. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifting neighbors, or just craving something that radiates cozy magic, this dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make all season long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every great recipe starts with thoughtfully chosen ingredients, and Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are no exception. Each element plays a starring role—spices for warmth, oats for chewiness, and creamy frosting to bring it all together. Let’s break down how these simple staples come together for showstopping results.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy, reliable backbone of our cookies, creating the perfect structure for sandwiching that dreamy filling.
• Ginger powder: Essential for the gingery zing that gives these pies their signature flavor and warmth.
• Cinnamon: A cozy, sweet spice that pairs beautifully with ginger to create a true holiday aroma.
• Nutmeg: Adds a nutty, subtle depth that makes every bite feel extra special.
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch kicks up the complexity and fills your kitchen with holiday spirit.
• Baking soda: Ensures the cookies bake up tender and just the right amount of fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors into focus.
• Unsalted butter (for cookies and frosting): Use softened butter to guarantee a tender crumb and silky frosting.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep, caramel notes and keeps the cookies moist—dark brown sugar is especially rich here!
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right level of sweetness and helps achieve those crisp cookie edges.
• Molasses: The signature backbone of gingerbread flavor—bold, earthy, and completely necessary.
• Vanilla extract: A touch in both cookies and frosting enhances everything and ties together all the spices.
• Egg: Binds the dough beautifully, making for cookies that hold together with every bite.
• Rolled oats: Whether you use quick oats or old-fashioned, they deliver the chewy texture that makes these pies unforgettable.
• Cream cheese (brick style, full fat): Opt for high-quality cream cheese for the filling; its tangy richness is non-negotiable.
• Powdered sugar: Fluffs up the filling with sweetness and helps achieve that creamy, dreamy consistency.
• Whipping cream (optional): If you want an extra smooth, spreadable frosting, just a splash of this goes a long way.

How to Make Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Trays

Start by preheating your oven to 350F (180C) and lining your cookie sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and guarantees evenly baked cookies every time. There’s nothing better than those first warm, spiced aromas filling your kitchen as you work!

Step 2: Whisk Together The Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mixing spices with flour first allows their flavors to distribute evenly throughout every cookie—no surprise spicy clumps here!

Step 3: Cream The Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This not only ensures a tender cookie but also helps create those beautiful crackly tops that makes each sandwich pie so tempting.

Step 4: Add The Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, vanilla extract, and egg to your creamed butter mixture. The batter will darken and thicken at this stage—it’s totally normal and means you’re right on track for authentic gingerbread flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, starting with your mixer on a low speed. This helps prevent flour clouds and ensures your dough is evenly mixed. Don’t rush—gentle mixing here keeps the cookies tender, not tough!

Step 6: Add the Oats

Stir in the rolled oats until just combined. The oats add hearty chewiness, making every bite of your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies wonderfully satisfying.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the dough into balls (aim for about 1 to 1.5 tablespoons each) and space them 2 inches apart on your prepared trays. Bake one sheet at a time in the middle of the oven for 8-10 minutes, until the tops just begin to set. This keeps the cookies chewy and soft, perfect for sandwiching.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets. This ensures they stay moist and sturdy enough to handle the cream cheese filling later. If you sneak one while they’re still warm, I won’t judge a bit!

Step 9: Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until ultra-smooth. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing gently. Then, continue to beat in more powdered sugar (about 1/2 cup at a time) until the filling achieves your desired sweetness and thickness. If you’d like it extra smooth and spreadable, drizzle in a tablespoon of whipping cream.

Step 10: Assemble The Pies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, generously frost the flat side of one, and gently press a second cookie on top to form a sweet sandwich. Repeat until you have a tray of Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies ready to delight!

How to Serve Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Garnishes

Dress up your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies with a shower of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted white chocolate, or a sprinkle of crushed candied ginger for extra flair—it transforms these treats from simple sweets to a showstopping dessert centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair with a mug of spiced chai, homemade hot chocolate, or classic nog for the coziest dessert break imaginable. For a light contrast, a bowl of fresh winter fruit salad is another stellar option.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them on a rustic cake stand, wrap individually in parchment for edible gifts, or nestle on a festive dessert platter with sprigs of rosemary and sugared cranberries—they’re as playful as they are tasty! Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies look especially magical when arranged in a wreath shape for holiday tables.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The oats and frosting keep them moist, while chilling helps set the filling so each bite is just as dreamy as the first.

Freezing

Your pies freeze beautifully! Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then store in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. They’ll be good for up to two months—just thaw at room temp before serving for best results.

Reheating

For that “just-baked” warmth, let refrigerated pies come to room temperature, or microwave them (unwrapped) for 10-15 seconds. The filling softens up and the gingerbread aromas come right back to life.

FAQs

Can I make these Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and be sure your oats are certified gluten-free. Everything else can remain just as delicious.

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

Absolutely. Old-fashioned oats create a slightly heartier texture, but both options are fantastic. Just avoid steel-cut oats, as they won’t soften enough in baking.

Is it possible to make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to 2 days in advance and store it airtight in the fridge. Let it soften at room temperature and give it a brief whip before assembling your pies.

Can I substitute molasses with another sweetener?

Molasses is what gives Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies their dark, robust flavor, but if you need a substitute, try dark corn syrup or maple syrup, keeping in mind the flavor will change and be milder.

What’s the best way to transport these for a party or as a gift?

Layer the assembled pies between parchment in a sturdy box or airtight container. For gifting, wrap individually in wax paper and tie with bakery string for an adorable, travel-ready package.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate festive treat, Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are the answer—spiced, creamy, and irresistibly soft, they promise joy in every bite. Give this recipe a try, and share the sweet, cozy magic with everyone you love!

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