pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a fun fall remake of the classic childhood treat. They’re made from spiced chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with a maple cream cheese buttercream, making them perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings. Their delicious flavors and delightful textures bring warmth to any occasion, making these treats a must-try this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Spiced: The chai spice or pumpkin spice blend adds a cozy flavor that captures the essence of fall.
• Chewy Texture: The combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and pumpkin puree results in a wonderfully chewy cookie.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up without any hassle.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet treat for yourself.
• Unique Twist: A refreshing take on the traditional cream pie with the addition of oatmeal cookies.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, gather the necessary tools to make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a creamy consistency for your buttercream without much effort.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and easy transfer of cookies in and out of the oven.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of cookies once baked.

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) alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 c (191g) old fashioned rolled oats

For the Cream Filling

• 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) alcohol-free 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 Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Browned butter until slightly cooled.
2. Light brown sugar and granulated sugar; mix until well combined.
3. Add in the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and alcohol-free vanilla extract; continue mixing until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour.
2. Chai or pumpkin spice blend.
3. Baking soda and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture while stirring gently. Finally, fold in the rolled oats until evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, beat together:
1. Browned unsalted butter with softened cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix.
3. Stir in alcohol-free vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple extract if using, salt, and milk as needed until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Once cookies are cool, flip half of them upside down. Spread an ample amount of cream filling on each flipped cookie before topping with another cookie to create sandwiches. Enjoy your delightful pumpkin oatmeal cream pies!

How to Serve pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

These delightful pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are perfect for a cozy gathering or a festive celebration. Serve them in various ways to enhance their appeal and enjoyment.

Individual Treats

• Serve each pumpkin oatmeal cream pie on its own for a simple and charming presentation.

Platter Display

• Arrange several pies on a decorative platter, garnished with fall-themed decorations like mini pumpkins or cinnamon sticks for a seasonal touch.

Coffee Pairing

• Offer these pies alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the spices in the cookies.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• For an indulgent twist, sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two pumpkin oatmeal cookies.

How to Perfect pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

To ensure your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Brown the butter properly: Make sure to brown the butter until it’s golden and nutty; this adds depth of flavor to your cookies.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that your egg yolk and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother texture.

• Blot the pumpkin puree: Pat down the pumpkin puree with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve the right cookie consistency.

• Don’t skip the chilling: Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Best Side Dishes for pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

Pairing delicious side dishes with your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful options to consider:

1. Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider is a comforting drink that pairs beautifully with these cookies.

2. Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: A mix of cinnamon roasted almonds or pecans adds a crunchy texture and complements the flavors of the pies.

3. Maple Pecan Salad: A fresh salad with maple dressing, pecans, and seasonal greens provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet treats.

4. Caramel Apple Slices: Serve sliced apples drizzled with caramel sauce as a tangy companion that enhances the fall flavors.

5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash seasoned with cinnamon can be an unexpected yet delightful side dish alongside these cookies.

6. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of smooth pumpkin soup makes for a cozy appetizer that ties in nicely with the dessert theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• When making brown butter, be careful not to burn it. Monitor closely as it can turn from perfect to burnt in seconds.
• Using too much flour can lead to dry cookies. Always measure accurately and consider spooning flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping.
• Forgetting to blot the pumpkin puree can make your cookies too wet. Press the puree in a paper towel before adding it to the mix for optimal texture.
• Not allowing the buttercream to soften properly can result in a lumpy frosting. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth finish.
• Skipping the sifting of powdered sugar can create clumps in your frosting. Always sift before mixing for a creamy consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; remember to label with date.

Reheating pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they stay soft.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 10-15 seconds at a time until warmed through, but avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, flipping occasionally for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about pumpkin oatmeal cream pies that many bakers have.

Can I use gluten-free flour for pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure it is suitable for baking.

What other spices work well in these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

You can experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cardamom for added flavor. Adjust according to your taste preference.

How do I make these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies vegan?

To make them vegan, substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs or applesauce instead of the egg yolk.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Absolutely! You can freeze shaped cookie dough balls and bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting baking time as needed.

What should I serve with pumpkin oatmeal cream pies?

These treats pair nicely with a cup of coffee or tea. You could also serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or chocolate chips into the batter or trying different flavors of extracts. We encourage you to try this fun fall recipe and enjoy every bite!