pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a fun fall remake of the classic childhood treat. Featuring spiced chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies sandwiched with a delightful maple cream cheese buttercream, these treats are perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or just a sweet indulgence. Their unique flavor profile and comforting texture make them a standout dessert that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and spices creates a warm and inviting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these delicious pies without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or even as a cozy snack at home.
• Fun to Customize: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.
• Gorgeous Presentation: These pie sandwiches look stunning on any dessert table.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, it’s important to gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes helps in mixing ingredients efficiently and keeping things organized.
• Electric mixer: This tool saves time and effort when whipping the cream cheese buttercream to perfection.

Ingredients

To make these delightful pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 20 tbsp (283g) unsalted butter, browned and reduced down to 1 c (226g) cooled to softened but still cold (see recipe notes)
• 1 1/2 c (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp chai spice blend or pumpkin spice blend (see recipe notes)
• 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 c (150g) light brown sugar
• 3/4 c (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 (18g) large egg yolk, room temperature
• 1 c (230g) pumpkin puree, blotted (see recipe notes)
• 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 c (191g) old-fashioned rolled oats

For the Cream Cheese Buttercream:

• 10 tbsp (141g) unsalted butter, browned, reduced down to 8 tbsp (1/2 c, 113g), and cooled to a solid room temperature texture
• 4 oz. (113g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 1/2 c (280g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp maple extract, optional for maple flavor
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1-3 tbsp (15-45 ml) milk, as needed

How to Make pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Start by browning the unsalted butter for both the cookies and buttercream. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, chai or pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Together Sugars and Egg Yolk

In another bowl, mix the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Add in the egg yolk and cooled pumpkin puree. Beat until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, then fold in old-fashioned rolled oats.

Step 5: Shape Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Space them evenly apart.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely on wire racks.

Step 7: Prepare Buttercream Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together browned butter with softened cream cheese. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, optional maple extract, salt, and milk as needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Your Pies

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese buttercream on one cookie half and sandwich it with another cookie half. Repeat until all cookies are filled.

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin oatmeal cream pies!

How to Serve pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

Serving pumpkin oatmeal cream pies can be a delightful experience. These tasty treats are not only perfect for fall but also versatile enough to complement various occasions.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair the cookies with a warm cup of coffee to balance their sweetness and enhance the cozy flavors.
• Hot Chocolate: A rich hot chocolate brings out the pumpkin spice in the pies, making it a comforting choice on chilly days.

As a Dessert Platter

• Assorted Cookies: Place your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies alongside other cookies like chocolate chip or snickerdoodles for a fun dessert spread.
• Mini Cupcakes: Add mini cupcakes topped with cream cheese frosting to create a whimsical dessert table.

For Holiday Gatherings

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve these cream pies as an alternative to traditional pie, providing guests with a delightful twist on classic flavors.
• Seasonal Parties: Present them at gatherings during fall celebrations, where they can be enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.

How to Perfect pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

To create the ultimate pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, consider these helpful tips for achieving the best results.

• Bold Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds depth and richness. Make sure to cool it properly before mixing.
• Blot Pumpkin Puree: Removing excess moisture from pumpkin puree ensures your cookies maintain their chewy texture and don’t become too soft.
• Chill Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and prevents spreading during baking.
• Use Fresh Spices: Incorporate fresh chai or pumpkin spice blend for enhanced flavor; old spices can lose potency over time.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.

Best Side Dishes for pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

These side dishes can elevate your experience when serving pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, adding variety and flavor to your meal.

1. Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp complements the autumn flavors of your cookies, making it a perfect pairing.
2. Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup offers a savory contrast that works beautifully with sweet desserts.
3. Cheese Board: Include a selection of cheeses and fruits that balance sweetness, creating an elegant presentation alongside your cookies.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and complexity, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dessert table.
5. Caramel Dip with Fruit: Fresh fruit dipped in caramel provides a sweet contrast that pairs nicely with the richness of cream pies.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream serves as a delightful accompaniment, adding extra creaminess to each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making pumpkin oatmeal cream pies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls you should avoid.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using butter that’s too warm can affect the texture of your cookies. Ensure it’s cooled to a softened but still cold state.
• Not measuring pumpkin puree properly: Excess moisture can lead to soggy cookies. Blot the pumpkin puree before measuring for better results.
• Overmixing the dough: This can result in tough cookies. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy treats.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is crucial for maintaining shape while baking. Don’t rush this step!
• Using stale oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats should be fresh for best flavor and texture. Check the expiration date before use.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat individually on medium power for 10-15 seconds to soften.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin oatmeal cream pies:

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but rolled oats give better texture. Quick oats will make your cookies softer and less chewy.

How do I make these cookies gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the filling?

You can substitute with vegan cream cheese or any dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.

How can I customize my pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie batter for added flavor and texture.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste preference, but this may alter the cookie’s texture slightly.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a delightful twist on a classic treat! Their chewy texture combined with spiced flavors makes them perfect for fall festivities or any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips for an extra layer of fun!