The holidays are a time for cozy kitchens, festive flavors, and cookies that bring people together. These incredible Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies combine the nostalgia of classic oatmeal cream pies with the bold, spiced flavors of gingerbread. Crispy edges, soft centers, and a creamy vanilla filling make every bite unforgettable.
Perfect for cookie exchanges, holiday parties, or a cozy evening by the fire, these treats are sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, grab your apron and get ready to bake up some holiday magic with this irresistible recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Holiday Nostalgia: A festive twist on classic oatmeal cream pies, perfect for the season.
- Bold Flavors: The gingerbread spices and molasses create a rich, warming taste.
- Creamy Filling: The vanilla buttercream filling is smooth, sweet, and the perfect complement to the spiced cookies.
- Customizable: Adjust the texture to your liking—bake longer for crispy edges or shorter for a softer bite.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies store and freeze beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but together they create something truly magical.
For the Cookies:
- Butter: Adds richness and ensures a soft, tender texture.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and enhances the molasses flavor.
- Molasses: The star of the show, providing depth and a signature gingerbread taste.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and contributes to the cookies’ structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle layer of sweetness.
- Rolled Oats: The key ingredient for that classic oatmeal cookie texture.
- Flour: The base that holds everything together.
- Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, and allspice bring warmth and holiday cheer.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies bake up soft and tender.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
For the Filling:
- Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling to perfection.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor and complements the cookies.
- Milk: Helps achieve the ideal creamy consistency
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake for 9-12 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. For softer cookies, bake closer to 9 minutes; for crispier edges, bake closer to 12.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- Beat the butter and powdered sugar together on low speed until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, and increase the speed to high, beating until light and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Cookies
- Spoon or pipe a dollop of filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top with another cookie, pressing gently to create a sandwich.
- Let the cookies rest at room temperature for about 1 hour to allow the filling to set
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Chill the Dough: This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Don’t Overfill: Leave a small edge around the filling to prevent it from oozing out.
- Customize the Texture: Adjust the baking time based on your preference for soft or crispy cookies.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the assembled cookies to sit for an hour for the best filling texture.
Variations to Try
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter in both the cookies and filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter.
- Single Cookies: Skip the filling and frost the cookies individually for a simpler treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s well-covered to prevent it from drying out. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if it’s too firm to scoop.
Q: Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked dough balls, baked cookies, or fully assembled cream pies. For unbaked dough, freeze the balls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw before baking. For baked cookies or cream pies, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use different spices?
Definitely! You can customize the spice blend by adding nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom for a unique twist. Just make sure to balance the flavors for a festive gingerbread taste.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats as well for the best results.
Q: What’s the best way to pipe the filling neatly?
For a professional look, use a piping bag with a round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a resealable plastic bag with the tip snipped off works well too. Press gently when assembling to avoid over-squeezing the filling.
How to Store and Reheat
- Room Temperature: Store assembled cookies in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Refrigeration: Transfer to the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookie dough, baked cookies, or assembled sandwiches for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are the ultimate festive treat, blending warm spices and creamy sweetness into a nostalgic holiday favorite. Their crispy edges, soft centers, and luscious filling create a delightful texture that’s perfect for savoring during the season. These cookies truly embody the cozy charm of holiday baking.
Whether you’re gifting them to friends, sharing them at gatherings, or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, these cream pies add a touch of magic to every moment. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to become a staple in your seasonal repertoire.
Don’t wait to bring the warmth of these cookies into your home! Bake up a batch and follow Tasty by Ava on Pinterest for more holiday-inspired recipes and sweet delights to make your celebrations unforgettable.
