Oatmeal Cream Pie Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight
The aroma of warm oatmeal cookies, the creamy sweetness of the filling – the oatmeal cream pie is a nostalgic treat that brings back childhood memories for many. This recipe will guide you through making this classic dessert from scratch, resulting in a homemade version that surpasses store-bought options in both taste and satisfaction. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your baking skills!
Ingredients:
For the Oatmeal Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
For the Cream Filling:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Oatmeal Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender cookie.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Oats: Stir in the rolled oats.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Making the Cream Filling:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Adding it gradually prevents a sugar cloud!
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined. The consistency should be smooth and spreadable.
Assembling the Oatmeal Cream Pies:
- Pair Cookies: Select two cookies of similar size for each pie.
- Frost: Spread a generous layer of cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
- Top: Top with another cookie, pressing gently to adhere.
- Serve: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Start checking for doneness around 10 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent the filling from melting.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the amount of powdered sugar.
- Get Creative: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the cookie dough for added flavor and texture.
Enjoy your homemade oatmeal cream pies! They're a perfect treat for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. This recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
