Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Delightful Fall Treat!

Introduction to Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies—soft, chewy oatmeal cookies infused with warm pumpkin spices, sandwiched around a luscious, creamy filling. This delightful treat perfectly blends hearty oats and seasonal pumpkin, making it a comforting and festive dessert or snack. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging yourself, these cream pies are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Seasonal Flavors: Warm pumpkin spice and hearty oats create the ultimate fall flavor combination.
• Soft and Chewy: Tender cookies with just the right amount of chewiness.
• Creamy Filling: A smooth, sweet cream center balances the spice perfectly.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for parties, lunchboxes, or cozy nights in.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make baking a breeze.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pumpkin pie spice keeps things classic—use a little or go all in:

• Rolled oats: These provide a hearty texture and nutty flavor, making the cookies chewy and satisfying.
• All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your cookie dough, giving it structure and stability.
• Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Ground cinnamon: This warm spice adds a comforting aroma and flavor, perfect for fall.
• Ground nutmeg: A little goes a long way, enhancing the pumpkin flavor with its warm, earthy notes.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Softened butter creates a rich, creamy base for the cookies, ensuring they’re tender.
• Brown sugar: This adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor, making the cookies extra delicious.
• Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crispness on the edges of the cookies.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together while adding moisture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it more aromatic.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It brings moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
• For the cream filling:
• Unsalted butter: Again, softened for a smooth and creamy filling.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens the filling and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla extract: Just like in the cookies, it adds a lovely flavor to the filling.
• Milk: A splash helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency for the cream filling.

For those looking to mix things up, consider adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the cookie dough for extra texture. You can also swap the pumpkin puree with applesauce for a different flavor profile. Exact measurements for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delightful treats in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This is crucial for getting those cookies just right. While the oven warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is key for distributing those warm spices throughout your cookies.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a rich base for your cookies, adding moisture and flavor. It should look almost like a cloud—light and airy!

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. This step adds moisture and a lovely aroma to your dough, making it even more irresistible.

Step 5: Incorporate Pumpkin

Now, it’s time to stir in the pumpkin puree. This is the star ingredient that gives your cookies that unique flavor and beautiful color. Mix until the pumpkin is fully incorporated, and you’ll start to see that gorgeous orange hue throughout the dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them tender and chewy.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This ensures even baking and gives them room to spread out.

Step 8: Bake

Bake your cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 9: Prepare the Cream Filling

While the cookies cool, let’s whip up the cream filling. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. This filling adds a delightful contrast to the cookies, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Step 10: Assemble the Pies

Once the cookies are completely cool, it’s time to assemble your pies! Spread a generous amount of cream filling on the flat side of one cookie, then top it with another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich them together. This is where the magic happens, and you’ll see why these treats are so loved!

Tips for Success

• Make sure your butter is softened for easy creaming; it should be at room temperature.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper; it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Let the cookies cool completely before adding the cream filling to avoid melting.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the dough.
• Store the assembled pies in the fridge for a refreshing treat!

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheets: Essential for baking your cookies. If you don’t have them, a large oven-safe dish works too.
• Parchment paper: Keeps cookies from sticking. Aluminum foil can be a substitute, but it may not be as effective.
• Mixing bowls: Use any size you have on hand; just ensure they’re large enough for mixing.
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon: For portioning dough. A regular spoon can work in a pinch!
• Wire rack: Ideal for cooling cookies. A plate can also do the job if you’re in a hurry.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies: Add a cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for added crunch and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these treats suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Spiced Up: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or cloves for a more robust flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture and use vegan butter for a plant-based treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with Coffee: These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai.
• Presentation: Serve them on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy autumn vibe.
• Ice Cream Delight: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
• Festive Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for an extra special touch.

FAQs about Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Can I make these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cookies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just wait to add the cream filling until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the cookies fresh and prevents them from getting soggy.

How should I store the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store the assembled pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the cookies without the filling and adding it later.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Canned pumpkin is convenient, but fresh pumpkin can add a lovely flavor and texture to your pies.

What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using a flaxseed meal mixture. Combine one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add it to your dough. It works like a charm!

Can I add other flavors to the cream filling?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like almond extract or even a hint of maple syrup for a unique twist. The cream filling is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies is more than just baking; it’s about embracing the spirit of fall and sharing joy with those you love. Each bite is a delightful blend of warm spices and creamy goodness, evoking memories of cozy gatherings and laughter. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a festive gathering, these treats are sure to bring smiles all around. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of autumn fill your kitchen. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!