Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Delicious Fall Treat

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies: Prepare to be enchanted! Imagine biting into a soft, chewy oatmeal cookie, infused with the warm, comforting spices of autumn, and then discovering a luscious, creamy pumpkin filling that melts in your mouth. These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy fall afternoon.

While the exact origins of the oatmeal cream pie are debated, its popularity surged in the early 20th century, becoming a beloved treat enjoyed by families across generations. The combination of wholesome oats and sweet cream filling offered a comforting and satisfying indulgence. My version elevates this classic with the addition of pumpkin, a quintessential fall ingredient that adds a touch of seasonal magic.

People adore these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The slightly chewy, spiced oatmeal cookies provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy pumpkin filling. They’re also incredibly convenient to make, perfect for a weekend baking project or a festive gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to impress. The warm spices, the creamy filling, and the satisfying chewiness make these pies an unforgettable treat that everyone will love. Get ready to experience the ultimate fall indulgence!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Oatmeal Cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• For the Cream Cheese Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, as needed for consistency

Preparing the Oatmeal Cookies

Alright, let’s get started with the heart of these delicious treats – the oatmeal cookies! These are packed with pumpkin spice goodness and have the perfect chewy texture.

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie, so don’t rush it!
2. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate the Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree and mix until well combined. The batter will look a bit wet at this point, but don’t worry, the dry ingredients will balance it out.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a less tender cookie.
6. Stir in the Oats: Stir in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to use a spatula for this step to avoid overmixing.
7. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is important because it allows the oats to absorb some of the moisture, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling also helps to develop the flavors. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours if you want to prepare it in advance.

Baking the Oatmeal Cookies

Now that our dough is chilled, it’s time to bake these beauties!

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. I find that a cookie scoop helps to ensure that all the cookies are the same size, which means they will bake evenly.
3. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to bake slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.
4. Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm and soft.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

While the cookies are cooling, let’s whip up the cream cheese filling. This filling is creamy, tangy, and perfectly complements the pumpkin spice flavor of the cookies.

1. Cream the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. Gradually Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
3. Add the Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Adjust the Consistency: Add milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape but still spreadable.

Assembling the Cream Pies

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling the cream pies! This is where the magic happens.

1. Pair the Cookies: Find cookies that are similar in size and shape. This will make the cream pies look more uniform.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
3. Top with Another Cookie: Top with the flat side of another cookie, creating a sandwich.
4. Repeat: Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling.
5. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the assembled cream pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Softened Ingredients: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are properly softened before creaming them together. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
• Storage: Store the assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the cookie dough for a more complex flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer, more autumnal flavor.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies! They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy treat on a chilly day.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s an experience. The warm spices, the creamy filling, and the soft, chewy oatmeal cookies all come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. These Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are the perfect treat for a crisp autumn day, a cozy night in, or any occasion that calls for a little bit of comfort food. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you.

But what makes these cream pies a must-try? It’s the perfect balance of flavors. The pumpkin spice in the oatmeal cookies is warm and inviting, while the cream cheese filling adds a tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness. The oatmeal provides a delightful chewiness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy filling. It’s a textural masterpiece! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “cream pie” part intimidate you. The recipe is straightforward, and I’ve included plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your success.

And the best part? You can easily customize these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies to your liking. Want to add a little extra crunch? Try sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the filling before sandwiching the cookies together. Feeling adventurous? Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the cream cheese filling for an even more decadent flavor. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives. The possibilities are endless!

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

* Enjoy them as a midday snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
* Serve them as a dessert after a hearty autumn meal.
* Bring them to your next potluck or holiday gathering – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!
* Wrap them individually and give them as gifts to friends and family.

I truly believe that these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are something special. They’re more than just a dessert; they’re a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. The aroma alone, as they bake, will fill your kitchen with warmth and happiness.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. I promise you won’t regret it. And when you do make them, please, please, please share your experience with me! I’d love to hear what you think, what variations you tried, and how much everyone enjoyed them. You can leave a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me an email. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies! I am confident that this recipe will become a staple in your fall baking repertoire. Don’t forget to rate the recipe after you’ve tried it! Your feedback helps others discover this amazing treat.