When you think about comfort food, there’s something extra special about a freshly baked homemade oatmeal cream pie. The perfect balance between chewy oatmeal cookies and a creamy filling offers a taste of nostalgia and joy, making these treats a favorite in many households. If you’ve ever longed for the taste of homemade oatmeal cream pies that are both indulgent and comforting, you’re in the right place.
Making oatmeal cream pies from scratch allows you to take control over the flavors, the texture, and the overall experience, bringing a personal touch to a classic treat. Whether you’re baking them for an afternoon snack, a dessert to impress guests, or just to enjoy with your loved ones, these oatmeal cream pies are a timeless delight. Let’s dive into the process and break it down step by step so that you can make these delectable pies with ease and confidence. For more recipes please click here
Table of Contents
- What You Need to Make Oatmeal Cream Pies from Scratch
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cookies
- Making the Perfect Cream Filling for Oatmeal Pies
- How to Assemble Your Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pies Every Time
- Storing and Preserving Your Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
What You Need to Make homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies from Scratch
Before you start baking, it’s important to gather all the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make these oatmeal cream pies from scratch. When you have everything ready, the process will go much more smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.
Key Ingredients for Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
For the oatmeal cookies, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few key ingredients that give these cookies their delicious, chewy texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Old-fashioned rolled oats | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Baking soda | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (softened) |
| Brown sugar (packed) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| Milk (optional) | 2 tbsp |
Essential Ingredients for the Creamy Filling of Oatmeal Cream Pies
To create the soft, creamy filling that will sandwich between your oatmeal cookies, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Marshmallow fluff (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Pinch of salt | 1/8 tsp |
Equipment You’ll Need
To make your oatmeal cream pies, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Large mixing bowls (for wet and dry ingredients)
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper (for easy cleanup)
- Cooling rack
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon for portioning dough
Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to begin the process of creating your homemade oatmeal cream pies.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cookies
The first step in creating oatmeal cream pies is making the oatmeal cookies. You’ll want these cookies to be soft, chewy, and perfectly golden brown. Here’s how to make them from scratch:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the cookies.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp of salt. These dry ingredients will provide structure to your cookies while giving them that signature spice flavor.
- Set aside the dry ingredients for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer (or a hand whisk) to beat 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This process helps incorporate air into the dough, which results in a soft, chewy texture in the finished cookies.
- Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Then, stir in 2 tsp of vanilla extract for added flavor.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until they are just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this may result in cookies that are too tough
- Once the dough is ready, gently fold in 2 cups of old-fashioned rolled oats. These oats will provide the chewiness and texture you’re looking for in your oatmeal cookies.
5. Shape the Cookies
- Use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
6. Bake and Cool
- Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as overbaking can result in cookies that are too hard.
- Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This gives them time to set and firm up.
Making the Perfect Cream Filling for homemade Oatmeal Pies
The cream filling is what makes oatmeal cream pies truly irresistible. It’s rich, sweet, and perfectly complements the chewiness of the oatmeal cookies. Follow these steps to create the perfect filling:
1. Beat the Butter and Sugar
- In a medium bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter until creamy. The butter provides the base for your filling.
- Gradually add 2 cups of powdered sugar, beating continuously until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the Marshmallow Fluff and Vanilla
- If you prefer an extra-soft, marshmallow-like filling, you can add 1/4 cup of marshmallow fluff to the mixture. This is optional, but it gives the filling a unique, airy texture.
- Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract for flavor. The vanilla balances the sweetness and adds depth to the filling.
3. Adjust Consistency
- If the cream filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape but spreadable.
How to Assemble Your homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Now that your cookies and cream filling are ready, it’s time to assemble your oatmeal cream pies. This step is simple, but it makes all the difference in the finished treat.
1. Match Up Your Cookies
- Once your oatmeal cookies have cooled completely, pair them up based on size. Try to match cookies that are roughly the same size so that your cream pies look uniform.
2. Add the Cream Filling
- Use a spoon or a piping bag to add a generous dollop of cream filling to the flat side of one cookie. Be careful not to overfill, as it can spill out when you sandwich the cookies together.
3. Assemble the Pies
- Take the second cookie and place it, flat side down, on top of the filling. Gently press the cookies together to spread the cream to the edges.
- Continue until all your oatmeal cream pies are assembled.
Tips for Perfect homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Every Time
To ensure that your oatmeal cream pies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats: For the best texture, avoid quick oats. They don’t provide the same chewiness.
- Chill the dough: If your dough seems too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Watch your bake time: Oatmeal cookies are best when they are slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring they remain soft.
- Customize the filling: If you prefer a creamier filling, you can add more powdered sugar. For a lighter filling, try whipped cream instead of butter.
Storing and Preserving Your homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Once your oatmeal cream pies are made, you’ll want to store them properly to maintain their freshness and texture. Here’s how:
- Room temperature: If you plan to enjoy the pies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer shelf life, store your cream pies in the fridge. They’ll last up to 1 week when kept in an airtight container.
- Freezing: You can also freeze oatmeal cream pies for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, allow them to thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the secret to chewy homemade oatmeal cookies for cream pies?
The secret lies in using old-fashioned rolled oats and brown sugar. These ingredients give the cookies a chewy texture. Additionally, don’t overbake the cookies—take them out while they’re still soft in the center.
Can I use a different filling for homemade oatmeal cream pies?
Yes! You can experiment with other fillings like peanut butter, chocolate ganache, or even a cream cheese-based frosting for a twist on the classic recipe.
How long do homemade oatmeal cream pies last?
Homemade oatmeal cream pies last for up to 4 days at room temperature or 1 week if refrigerated. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a homemade oatmeal cream pie. Soft, chewy cookies paired with creamy filling create a perfect balance of flavor and texture that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a treat for yourself, or sharing them with friends and family, oatmeal cream pies from scratch are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Now that you know the process, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! With these easy-to-follow steps, tips, and tricks, you’ll be able to make the best oatmeal cream pies every time. Happy baking, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your hard work!