Irresistible Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oatmeal cream pies are a classic treat, evoking nostalgia and delivering a comforting blend of chewy oatmeal cookies and a sweet, creamy filling. While you can easily buy them at the store, homemade oatmeal cream pies are on a whole different level of deliciousness. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and the satisfaction of creating these delightful treats from scratch is unmatched. This guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create truly irresistible oatmeal cream pies that will impress your family and friends.

Why Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Store-bought oatmeal cream pies often contain preservatives and artificial flavors. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients, using high-quality butter, oats, and vanilla extract for a superior taste. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked oatmeal cookies filling your kitchen is an added bonus! Homemade versions also offer the flexibility to customize the sweetness and texture to your preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best oatmeal cream pies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter**, softened: Using real butter is crucial for the flavor and texture of the cookies. Make sure it’s properly softened, but not melted.
* **1 cup granulated sugar:** Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp edge.
* **1 cup packed light brown sugar:** Contributes to the chewy texture and adds a molasses-like flavor.
* **2 large eggs:** Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the overall flavor profile.
* **1 ½ cups all-purpose flour:** Provides structure to the cookies.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Helps the cookies rise and become tender.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice.
* **½ teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **3 cups rolled oats:** The star ingredient, providing texture and flavor. Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant oats.
* **1 cup raisins (optional):** Adds sweetness and chewiness. You can substitute with chocolate chips or dried cranberries.

For the Cream Filling:

* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter**, softened: Just like with the cookies, real butter is essential for a delicious filling.
* **3 ½ cups powdered sugar:** Provides sweetness and structure to the filling. Sift it to prevent lumps.
* **4 tablespoons milk:** Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency. You can use whole milk or 2% milk.
* **2 teaspoons vanilla extract:** Enhances the flavor of the filling.
* **Pinch of salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the cookie dough and filling.
* **Electric mixer:** A stand mixer or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugar much easier. However, you can also mix by hand.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Baking sheets:** For baking the cookies. Line them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
* **Parchment paper or silicone baking mats:** Ensures the cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.
* **Cookie scoop or spoon:** For portioning the cookie dough evenly.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the cookies.
* **Offset spatula or knife:** For spreading the filling.
* **Plastic wrap:** For chilling the filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get started!

Part 1: Making the Oatmeal Cookies

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oven rack in the center position.
2. **Cream the butter and sugars:** In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for a tender cookie.
3. **Beat in the eggs and vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. **Whisk together the dry ingredients:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for consistent baking.
5. **Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies.
6. **Stir in the oats and raisins (optional):** Stir in the rolled oats and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough. At this point, the dough will be quite thick.
7. **Scoop the dough onto baking sheets:** Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. You can use a cookie scoop for consistent sizing. Consistent sizing will help ensure that the cookies bake evenly.
8. **Bake the cookies:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will become dry and crumbly.
9. **Cool the cookies:** Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cookies on the baking sheet allows them to firm up slightly before being moved.

Part 2: Making the Cream Filling

1. **Cream the butter:** In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
2. **Gradually add the powdered sugar:** Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed until combined. Be sure to sift the powdered sugar beforehand to prevent lumps.
3. **Add the milk and vanilla:** Add the milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the milk gradually to avoid splattering.
4. **Chill the filling:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. Chilling the filling will make it easier to spread on the cookies.

Part 3: Assembling the Oatmeal Cream Pies

1. **Pair the cookies:** Once the cookies have cooled completely, pair them up based on size. This will ensure that each cream pie has a uniform appearance.
2. **Spread the filling:** Take a generous amount of the chilled cream filling and spread it evenly onto the flat side of one cookie.
3. **Top with the other cookie:** Top the filling with the flat side of another cookie, pressing gently to sandwich the filling in between. Be careful not to press too hard, or the filling will squeeze out.
4. **Repeat with the remaining cookies and filling:** Repeat the process with the remaining cookies and filling until all the oatmeal cream pies are assembled.
5. **Chill (optional):** For best results, wrap the oatmeal cream pies individually in plastic wrap and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to firm up even more and the flavors to meld together. However, they are also delicious served immediately!

Tips for Success

* **Use room temperature ingredients:** Softened butter and room temperature eggs will emulsify better, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cookie.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Use a cookie scoop for even sizing:** This will ensure that the cookies bake evenly and that your oatmeal cream pies have a uniform appearance.
* **Don’t overbake the cookies:** Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Chill the filling:** Chilling the filling will make it easier to spread and will help it firm up properly.
* **Store the oatmeal cream pies properly:** Store the oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

Variations and Customizations

* **Add chocolate chips:** Stir chocolate chips into the cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
* **Use different extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract or maple extract, to add a unique flavor to the cookies or filling.
* **Add spices:** Add other spices, such as nutmeg or ginger, to the cookie dough for a warmer flavor.
* **Use different dried fruits:** Substitute the raisins with other dried fruits, such as dried cranberries or chopped dates.
* **Add nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Make mini oatmeal cream pies:** Use a smaller cookie scoop to make mini oatmeal cream pies.
* **Add a swirl of peanut butter to the filling:** Add a swirl of peanut butter to the cream filling for a peanut butter oatmeal cream pie.
* **Dip the finished pies in chocolate:** Dip the finished oatmeal cream pies in melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.

## Troubleshooting

* **Cookies are too flat:** This can be caused by using melted butter or not chilling the dough enough. Make sure the butter is properly softened, not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
* **Cookies are too dry:** This can be caused by overbaking. Bake the cookies until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, but don’t overbake them.
* **Cookies are too tough:** This can be caused by overmixing the dough. Mix the dough until just combined.
* **Filling is too runny:** This can be caused by not chilling the filling enough. Chill the filling for at least 30 minutes before assembling the oatmeal cream pies.
* **Filling is too stiff:** This can be caused by adding too much powdered sugar. Add the powdered sugar gradually and beat until smooth and creamy.

## Serving Suggestions

Oatmeal cream pies are perfect for:

* **Snacks:** A satisfying treat any time of day.
* **Desserts:** A classic dessert that’s sure to please.
* **Lunchboxes:** A fun and delicious addition to a packed lunch.
* **Parties:** A crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
* **Gifts:** A thoughtful and homemade gift for friends and family.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 250-300 per pie (depending on size and ingredients)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Protein: 2-3g

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

## Conclusion

Homemade oatmeal cream pies are a delightful treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. By following these step-by-step instructions and tips, you can create irresistible oatmeal cream pies that will be a hit with everyone who tries them. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake some delicious memories! Enjoy!