Introduction to Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
The holidays just wouldn’t be complete without the delightful flavors of gingerbread, and these Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies take that classic taste and elevate it to new heights! Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy oatmeal cookie that boasts the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice—perfectly paired with a sweet, creamy filling.
Why Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a Must-Try
These treats are more than just cookies; they are an experience. The combination of textures—from the delightful chew of the oatmeal and the smooth cream filling—creates harmony in every bite. Plus, they’re fun to make, whether you’re whipping them up solo or inviting friends over for a cozy baking day.
Gingerbread has this amazing ability to evoke feelings of nostalgia, taking us back to cold winter days and family gatherings. Instead of the usual holiday cookies, why not stand out with these scrumptious pies? Not only are they delicious, but they also fill the home with fragrant spices that are bound to spark joy (and maybe even a bit of holiday cheer).
Ready to impress your friends or simply indulge in a seasonal treat? Let’s get started with the full recipe!
Ingredients for Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Creating these Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies is a delightful process, and the ingredients you choose are key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. Let’s break it down.
Wet Ingredients
To achieve that rich, moist texture, you’ll need a few essential wet ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark adds a nice depth of flavor)
- ¼ cup blackstrap molasses, for that classic gingerbread taste
- 1 egg to bind everything together
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, because who doesn't love some vanilla?
Dry Ingredients
The dry ingredients give the cookies their structure and warmth:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour for the base
- ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats to add heartiness
- ½ teaspoon baking soda for lift
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon allspice for those warm spices
- ¼ teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
For the Cream Pie Filling
The star of the show is the creamy filling that brings it all together:
- ¾ cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar for that sweet touch
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract to keep the flavors cohesive
- 1-2 teaspoons milk, depending on how creamy you want it
For a deeper dive into the science of baking or tips on ingredient quality, feel free to check out resources like the American Baking Guild. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Preparation of Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Creating Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies is like crafting a sweet hug on a cold day. Let’s dive into the steps to make these delightful treats, guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by placing the room-temperature butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. With an electric mixer, beat these together on medium speed for about one minute. You want to achieve a light and fluffy texture before adding in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined, smooth, and creamy, which should take roughly another minute. This is the foundation of your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, so take your time and make it perfect!
Combine Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar blend is creamy, it’s time to introduce your wet ingredients. Add in the blackstrap molasses, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix again until it seamlessly incorporates into the butter-sugar mixture. The rich flavor of molasses is key, providing the warm, wintery notes that make these cookies so special.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, rolled oats, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Make sure to blend them evenly, as this step is crucial for achieving a consistent flavor and texture in your cookies. Gradually add the dry mix into your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together.
Chill the Dough
Don’t skip this step! Cover your dough with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling the dough helps the cookies to hold their shape while baking, resulting in that delightful chewiness we all love. It also intensifies the flavors — trust us, it’s worth the wait!
Bake the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into balls, about two inches apart, to give them room to spread. Bake for 9 to 12 minutes, depending on whether you prefer a crisp edge or a soft center. Enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Make the Cream Filling
While the cookies cool, prepare your cream filling. In a mixing bowl, combine room-temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of milk to achieve that creamy consistency. Blend on low, and then increase speed to high until it's perfectly smooth. This filling is what makes your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies truly standout!
Assemble the Cookie Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part! Take one cookie, add a generous spoonful of filling, and gently press another cookie on top. Make sure to leave a nice edge around the filling. Repeat this until all your cookies are paired. Let them sit for about an hour — this allows the filling to firm up beautifully.
Whether you share these cookies or keep them all for yourself, these Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are sure to become a holiday favorite. Happy baking!
Variations on Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Adding Chocolate Chips
Why not take your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies to the next level? Incorporating chocolate chips into the dough adds an extra layer of richness and sweetness that beautifully complements the warm spices. Aim for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips; about a cup should do the trick. Stir them in after mixing your dough, then proceed as usual. Your friends and family will rave about the delightful twist!
Using Gluten-Free Alternatives
For those needing gluten-free options, fear not! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Popular choices include almond flour or coconut flour, which lend a nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on those cookies as they bake. Enjoy these Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies while still sticking to your dietary preferences!
For more tips on baking gluten-free, check out this guide.
Baking Tips and Notes for Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Importance of Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough for your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies is essential for achieving the right texture. It helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too much. By letting the dough rest in the fridge for at least an hour, you're allowing the flavors to meld and the gluten to relax, resulting in a chewier, more flavorful cookie. Don’t rush this step; it really makes a difference in the final product!
How to Achieve Perfect Texture
To ensure your cookies have that delightful balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center, keep an eye on your baking time. If you prefer a softer cookie, pull them from the oven between 9-10 minutes, while baking for around 12 minutes gives a blissful crispness. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so it’s okay to underbake just a bit. For the best bite, consider letting the finished Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies sit for about an hour before indulging. Your patience will be rewarded!
Serving Suggestions for Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Best Pairings for Enjoying Your Treats
What could be better than sinking your teeth into Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies? These delightful treats can be elevated even further with the right accompaniments.
-
Beverage Harmony: Pair them with a steaming cup of spiced chai or a comforting hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon. The richness of the drinks complements the warm spices in the pies beautifully.
-
Nostalgic Sides: Serve these cream pies alongside classic ginger tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness of ice cream contrasts nicely with the soft, spiced cookies.
-
Creative Plating: For a fun presentation, arrange your pies on a festive platter—perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends. Sprinkle some crushed nuts or popcorn for extra crunch and whimsy!
So, grab your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies and experiment! You might just stumble upon your new favorite combination. For more ideas on delightful pairings, check out FoodPairing.
Time Breakdown for Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Preparation Time
Getting everything ready for your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies takes about 20 minutes. You'll mix your wet and dry ingredients, and don't forget to chill that dough for an hour—it's crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
Baking Time
Once your dough is ready, baking these treats is quick! Set your timer for 9-12 minutes. If you prefer a chewier center, aim for the lower end of the baking range, and for a crispier cookie, let them bake a tad longer.
Total Time
In total, you're looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep, chilling, and baking time, plus the additional time needed for those scrumptious fillings to solidify just right. Trust me, the wait is worth every delicious bite!
For tips on preparing other festive treats, check out this guide on baking essentials to ensure success in the kitchen!
Nutritional Facts for Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
When you treat yourself to Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, here’s what you can expect nutritionally:
Calories
Each delightful pie contains approximately 200 calories. While they’re a sweet indulgence, you can still enjoy them without any guilt when balanced with a healthy diet.
Protein
These cream pies pack about 2 grams of protein each, thanks to the combination of ingredients like butter and egg. Pair them with a protein-rich snack for a satisfying treat.
Sugars
With around 10 grams of sugar per pie, they’re sweet enough to satisfy your cravings without going overboard. Remember, moderation is key!
For more insights into the benefits of wholesome ingredients, check out resources from the American Heart Association and Eat Right. Enjoy indulging in these flavorful treats while maintaining your health!
FAQs about Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the cookies and cream filling separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I store leftover cream pies?
To keep your cookies soft and the cream filling fresh, store your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, but be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
One common mistake is skipping the chilling step for the dough; this is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. Another is overmixing the filling, which can lead to a grainy texture—mix until just combined for the best result. Always let your cookies cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
For more tips, check out Pinned Kitchen for additional baking advice!
A Sweet Ending to Your Homemade Journey
As you savor your Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies, take a moment to appreciate the warmth and joy these treats bring to your kitchen. Not only are they delightful to eat, but they also embody the spirit of creating something special from scratch. Perfect for sharing, or simply indulging on your own, these cookies are a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion. Happy baking!
Incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
Equipment
- Electric mixer
- baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Wet ingredients
- ½ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup blackstrap molasses
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For cream pie middle
- ¾ cup butter at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons milk to make the filling creamy
Instructions
Instructions
- Add room temperature butter and brown sugar to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat the butter and sugar together for 1 minute. Next, add in the molasses, egg and vanilla and beat again until well combined, smooth and creamy, about 1 more minute.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, oats, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice and salt in a bowl. Slowly add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low-speed just until combined. Chill dough in fridge for 1 hour, this is so the cookies have the perfect texture, so please don't skip the chilling of the dough!
- Once ready to bake cookies, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use your hands or a tablespoon to grab a large tablespoonful of dough and roll into a ball. Place dough balls 2-inches apart on cookie sheet. Bake 9-12 minutes. If you like cookies with a crispy edges, bake for about 12 minutes. If you like softer cookies, bake for 9-10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and cool the cookies on sheets about 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack. They will still remain soft on the inside. Repeat with remaining dough. Makes about 30 cookies total (or what will be 15 cookie sandwiches).
- Once cookies have completely cooled, you can make the filling: Add the room temperature butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract and milk to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on low, then gradually increase speed to high for about 1 minute, or until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Top one cookie sandwich with a spoonful of filling, leaving a nice edge around the cookies and top with another cookie sandwich, then very gently press down slightly. Repeat with all cookies. You should get about 15 oatmeal cream pies. The filling will have the best texture after letting the cookies sit at room temperature for 1 hour, if you try to bite into them earlier the frosting won’t be as firm as we’d like.
Leave a Reply