Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Soft and chewy pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These delightful cookies bring together the warm flavors of fall with their pumpkin and spice notes, making them an irresistible dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to enjoy a sweet snack at home, these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are sure to impress with their unique texture and creamy filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, oats, and spices creates a comforting taste that everyone will love.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe is user-friendly, even for beginners in baking.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, parties, or as an everyday snack; these cookies fit any occasion!
• Creamy Filling: The tangy-sweet cream cheese filling adds a luxurious touch that complements the cookies beautifully.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These treats are sure to impress both friends and family with their unique flavor and attractive appearance.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking process smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Handheld Mixer: These tools make creaming butter and sugar easy, ensuring a fluffy texture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your cookies.

Ingredients

Soft and chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies are sandwiched with tangy-sweet and spiced cream cheese filling. To ensure the best results, review my success tips above before beginning.

Ingredients:
– 1 cup (226g) pumpkin puree
– 2 and 1/4 cups (191g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
– 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 2 teaspoons store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
– 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (100g) packed light or dark brown sugar
– 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
– 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
– 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon store-bought or homemade pumpkin pie spice
– pinch of salt, to taste

How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Blot the Pumpkin

Blotting the pumpkin helps reduce excess moisture for better cookie texture.
* Line a medium bowl with 2 paper towels.
* Place the pumpkin puree in the bowl.
* Press down using another paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
* After blotting, ensure you have about 3/4 cup (170g) of pumpkin. Discard used paper towels.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven for perfectly baked cookies.
* Set your oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
* Line large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combining dry ingredients is crucial for even distribution of flavors.
* In a medium bowl, whisk together:
– Old-fashioned oats
– All-purpose flour
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Ground cinnamon
– Pumpkin pie spice

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars

Achieving a creamy mixture will enhance cookie texture.
* In a large bowl using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or handheld mixer:
– Beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamed (about 3 minutes).
– Scrape down sides as needed.
– Add egg yolk and vanilla extract; beat until combined.
– Mix in blotted pumpkin until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Mixing properly ensures all flavors meld together seamlessly.
* Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture:
– Start on low speed until incorporated.
– Increase to medium speed until fully combined. Dough should be creamy, soft, and sticky.

Step 6: Scoop Cookie Dough

Shaping cookies evenly helps them bake uniformly.
* Using a medium cookie scoop, drop dough onto prepared sheets about three inches apart.
* Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon since cookies won’t spread much during baking.

Step 7: Bake Cookies

Baking time is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
* Bake for about 14–16 minutes until lightly browned around edges.
* Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling

The filling is key for that delicious sandwich effect!
* Beat softened cream cheese and butter on high speed until smooth (about one minute).
* Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt.
– Start on low speed then increase speed until creamy.

Step 9: Assemble Cookies

Create delicious sandwiches with your cooled cookies!
* Pipe or spread filling onto the bottom side of half of the cooled cookies.
* Top each filled cookie with another cookie right side up.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies! Cover any leftovers at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to one week.

How to Serve Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Pair with a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: The rich flavor of coffee complements the spicy notes in pumpkin oatmeal cream pies.
• Hot Chocolate: A creamy cup of hot chocolate adds a sweet, indulgent touch.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the flavors of the cookies.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apple slices provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy filling.
• Berries: Fresh strawberries or blueberries add a burst of color and tartness.
• Bananas: Slices of banana can enhance the sweetness and texture.

Dessert Platter

• Cheese Board: Include some mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for an interesting flavor combination.
• Nuts: A mix of toasted almonds or pecans can add crunch and richness to the platter.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

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

• Bold Blot Excess Moisture: Before mixing, make sure to blot the pumpkin puree. This prevents soggy cookies.
• Bold Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and egg yolk are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Bold Measure Accurately: Spoon and level your flour and oats for precise measurements, ensuring the right cookie texture.
• Bold Don’t Overmix Dough: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep cookies tender.
• Bold Allow Cooling Time: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to prevent breakage.
• Bold Experiment with Spices: Adjust the amount of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice based on your flavor preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess that balances the spiced flavors perfectly.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream complements the rich filling beautifully.
3. Fruit Salad: A mixed fruit salad adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the cookie’s sweetness.
4. Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each pie enhances their sweet profile with a touch of indulgence.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a lighter alternative that pairs well with rich cookies.
6. Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For chocolate lovers, dipping the pies in warm chocolate sauce offers an extra layer of delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies turn out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using wet pumpkin puree: Always blot the pumpkin puree before using it. Excess moisture can lead to cookies that are too soft and won’t hold their shape.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method for flour and sugar. Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture and flavor of your cookies.
• Skipping the chilling step: Allow the dough to rest if it’s too sticky. This helps in shaping the cookies and prevents them from spreading too much while baking.
• Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out.
• Ignoring storage tips: Store leftover cookies properly to maintain freshness. Cover them well at room temperature or refrigerate them to extend shelf life.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a pie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies.

What makes Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies unique?

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies combine soft, chewy cookies with a delightful spiced cream cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes! You can use different spices or sweeteners according to your preference. Just ensure any substitutions maintain similar textures.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

To prevent spreading, ensure your dough is not too warm and use parchment paper or silicone mats on your baking sheets.

How long do Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies last?

When stored properly, these pies can last up to a week in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Can I make these pies vegan?

You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives and use flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg yolks for a vegan option.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and fillings based on what you love most. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try making these delicious pies today!