pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a delightful fall treat that brings a modern twist to the classic childhood favorite. Combining spiced chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies with a rich maple cream cheese buttercream, these cookies are perfect for any celebration or casual snack. Their unique flavor and comforting texture make them an irresistible choice for autumn gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a rich, satisfying flavor that stands out.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, you can whip up these treats in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, holidays, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, these cookies fit any occasion.
• Hearty Ingredients: Made with wholesome oats and pumpkin, these pies offer a bit more nutrition than typical desserts.
• Fun to Share: These sandwich cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them great for gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To ensure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable, gather your essential tools before you start. Having everything on hand will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixer (stand or hand)
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixer: A mixer ensures your butter and sugar are creamed perfectly together, which is key to achieving light and fluffy cookie texture.
• Baking Sheets: Using quality baking sheets helps distribute heat evenly, resulting in perfectly baked cookies every time.

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 Maple 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 Cookie Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the browned unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Cream them together until smooth.

Step 2: Mix in Other Ingredients

Add the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, chai spice blend or pumpkin spice blend, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Add Oats

Once combined, fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 4: Bake Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto lined baking sheets. Ensure they are spaced apart as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool Cookies

Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare Buttercream

While cookies cool, prepare the maple cream cheese buttercream by beating together browned unsalted butter and softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing continuously until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple extract if using, salt, and enough milk for desired consistency.

Step 7: Assemble Sandwiches

Once cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of buttercream on one cookie half before topping it with another cookie half. Press gently to create a sandwich.

Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin oatmeal cream pies!

How to Serve pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

These pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

With a Cup of Coffee

• Pair these pies with your favorite coffee blend for a cozy afternoon snack. The warmth of the coffee complements the spiced flavors of the cookies.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange them on a colorful dessert platter alongside other fall-themed desserts for gatherings. This creates an inviting display that appeals to guests.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle warm maple syrup over the top before serving. This adds a delightful flavor boost that complements the cream filling.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of whipped cream on the side for those who enjoy a creamy texture. This is especially great for gatherings or special occasions.

How to Perfect pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

To ensure your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies turn out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Browned Butter: Browning the butter enhances the nutty flavor of the cookies, giving them depth and richness.
• Chill Dough: Allowing the dough to chill before baking helps maintain shape and creates chewier cookies.
• Measure Pumpkin Puree: Blotting the pumpkin puree removes excess moisture, which prevents soggy cookies.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using ingredients like eggs and cream cheese at room temperature ensures better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the cookies tender and prevents them from becoming tough.
• Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; remove them when they’re slightly golden for soft, chewy cookies.

Best Side Dishes for pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

While these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are delicious on their own, pairing them with some delightful side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the flavors of pumpkin perfectly, enhancing the fall vibe.
2. Caramel Popcorn: Sweet caramel popcorn adds a crunchy contrast to the soft texture of the cream pie.
3. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy chips bring an extra layer of sweetness and crunch when dipped in the cream filling.
4. Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pie bites offer another nutty flavor option that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the pies.
6. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds brightness and freshness, making it a light counterpart to rich desserts.
7. Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate is perfect for dipping pieces of cookie into for an indulgent treat.
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte: For true pumpkin lovers, serve these pies with a warm pumpkin spice latte to double down on that fall flavor!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls.

• Using warm butter: Always ensure your butter is at the right temperature. Warm butter can lead to overly greasy cookies.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush the chilling of the dough. This step helps the cookies hold their shape during baking and results in a better texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and oats. Too much or too little can change the consistency of your cookies.
• Forgetting to sift powdered sugar: Sifting powdered sugar before mixing it into your frosting prevents clumps and ensures a smooth cream cheese buttercream.
• Overmixing the dough: Be gentle when combining ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of soft and chewy ones.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Individually wrap each pie in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5-7 minutes for a warm treat.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for about 15-20 seconds until just warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

Pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are delicious sandwich cookies made with spiced pumpkin oatmeal cookies filled with a creamy maple buttercream frosting.

How should I store pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze them wrapped individually for up to three months.

Can I customize my pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to change up the flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

The total time to prepare and bake these treats is around four and a half hours, including chilling time.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are not only fun but also versatile. Their blend of flavors makes them perfect for any celebration or cozy evening at home. Try customizing them with your favorite spices or mix-ins for a personal touch!