Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful twist on the classic oatmeal cream pie, infused with warm gingerbread spices. These soft, chewy cookies are filled with a creamy filling, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or as a cozy treat any time of year.

Ingredients

For the Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup molasses

For the Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Timing

Making Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies takes about 20 minutes for preparation, 10-12 minutes for baking, and 30 minutes for cooling and assembly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Molasses: Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and molasses until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the oats until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Cream Filling

1. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Cream: Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Assemble the Cream Pies

1. Pair Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up based on size.
2. Fill: Spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie and top with the other cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
3. Optional: Roll the edges of the cream filling in sprinkles or crushed nuts for added texture and decoration.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve your Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies (per pie, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Pie
Calories	210
Protein	2g
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	32g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
• Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to your taste; add more ginger for a spicier kick or reduce cinnamon for a milder flavor.
• Filling Variations: Try using cream cheese frosting or flavored buttercream for a different filling experience.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a festive and delicious treat that combines the warm spices of gingerbread with the comforting texture of oatmeal cookies. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea!

FAQs

Can I freeze these cream pies?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled cream pies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container.

Can I make the cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble them with the cream filling.