Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful treat that seamlessly blends the warm flavors of fall with the comforting feel of a classic cookie. With chewy oatmeal cookies infused with rich pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, they are a perfect balance of texture and flavor. The addition of a creamy filling made from cream cheese and butter creates a luxurious experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or your favorite cup of coffee, these cream pies make for a tasty snack or a sweet dessert at any gathering. Impressive yet easy to make, Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies capture the essence of autumn in every bite, making them a must-try!

Ingredients about Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

List of ingredients with measurements

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 and 1/4 cups old fashioned whole rolled oats
• 1 and 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pinch of salt

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to the recipe, here are a few substitutions you can consider:

• For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• You can replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you are looking to reduce sugar intake.
• For a dairy-free option, try using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter in the filling.
• If you are out of pumpkin pie spice, you can combine equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a similar flavor profile.

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Blot the pumpkin

Begin by preparing the pumpkin puree. Line a medium bowl with two paper towels, then place the pumpkin puree into the bowl. Press down gently with another paper towel to blot excess moisture out of the pumpkin. After blotting, you should have about three-quarters of a cup of well-prepared pumpkin. Discard the paper towels and set the blotted pumpkin aside for later use.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Next, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, line large baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside. This will ensure that your cookies do not stick to the baking sheets and are easy to remove once baked.

Step 3: Prepare the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This mix of dry ingredients is essential for the cookies. Make sure everything is well combined, as this will help the oatmeal cookies achieve their delightful texture.

Step 4: Make the cookie dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, around two minutes. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract, mixing on high speed until everything is incorporated. Finally, add the blotted pumpkin to the mixture and beat on high speed until fully combined. You’ll find the dough becomes creamy, soft, and sticky as you mix.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Now it’s time to combine your dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture on low speed, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and continue to mix for about one minute to ensure a smooth and even dough.

Step 6: Scoop cookies onto the baking sheet

Using a medium cookie scoop, drop balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are placed about three inches apart from one another. After you’ve scooped the dough onto the sheets, use the back of a spoon to gently press down and slightly flatten each ball. This will help the cookies bake evenly and give them a lovely shape.

Step 7: Bake the cookies

Now, it’s time to bake! Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the cookies feel set. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the filling

While your cookies are cooling, you can prepare the cream cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and the remaining unsalted butter together using a handheld or stand mixer on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about one minute. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low speed until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, then increase the speed to high and beat until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Assemble the cream pies

Now comes the fun part! Take half of the cooled cookies and pipe or spread a generous amount of the cream cheese filling on the bottom side of each. Place the remaining cookies on top of the filled ones, creating delightful sandwich cookies filled with creamy goodness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Best ways to serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies can be served warm or at room temperature. For a cozy treat, consider slightly warming them in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. This will give the cookies a soft, freshly baked feel while enhancing their flavors.

Serving suggestions or pairings

These delightful pies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai, coffee, or even a chilled glass of milk. You can also dust the assembled cream pies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

How to Store Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Proper storage methods

To keep your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to consume them within a few days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to one week.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you want to enjoy the cookies later, you can freeze the unfilled cookies. Simply lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the cookies at room temperature, make the filling, and assemble. If you have leftover filled cookies, they can also be frozen but may lose some of their creaminess. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy!

Tips to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Common mistakes to avoid

When making these cookies, be careful not to overlook the process of blotting the pumpkin. Excess moisture can lead to overly soft or gummy cookies. Additionally, don’t skip the step of letting the baked cookies cool completely; this is essential for the assembly.

Helpful tips for better results

Make sure to use room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter and cream cheese. This helps in achieving a smoother mixture and prevents lumps in your filling. Always check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if you suspect it may not be accurate, as this can affect your baking time and results.

Variation of Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

You can customize these cream pies in several delightful ways. For a chocolate lover’s twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips into the cookie dough or the filling. Adding nuts such as walnuts or pecans can also provide crunchy textures and enhance the flavor.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

To accommodate dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you’re looking for a vegan option, replace the butter with vegan butter, use plant-based cream cheese, and substitute the egg yolk with a flaxseed egg or applesauce. These adjustments can make the recipe inclusive for various diets while still keeping it delicious.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your cookies spread too much during baking, check the amount of sugar to flour ratio. Too much sugar can cause excessive spreading. Conversely, if they are too dense, ensure you mixed the dough just until combined and didn’t over-mix it.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare either the cookie dough or the filled cream pies ahead of time. For cookies, you can refrigerate the dough for up to three days before baking. If you make the filled cookies, they can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; remember to keep them in an airtight container.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have pumpkin puree, canned sweet potato or even applesauce can work as substitutes, though the flavor may vary. Unsweetened almond or oat milk can substitute for cream in the filling if you’re looking for dairy-free options. As they say, cooking is all about creativity, so feel free to experiment with flavors and ingredients.

Embrace the autumn season with these delightful Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies. Their balance of warm spices and creamy filling is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home for years to come! Enjoy baking and sharing these incredible treats with family and friends!

Print