Super Easy Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
Biting into a soft, chewy oatmeal cookie sandwich with creamy vanilla frosting instantly brings back cozy, nostalgic vibes.
These homemade oatmeal cream pies are just like the ones from childhood—only better. They’re tender, warmly spiced, and filled with a luscious, sweet cream that makes them seriously hard to resist.
Molasses and brown sugar add a deep, rich flavor, while quick oats give them that perfect chewy texture. Best of all, they come together in under 30 minutes—no chilling, no waiting, just pure homemade goodness.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes per batch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 sandwich cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Cookies:
For the Cream Filling:
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, quick oats, baking soda, and cinnamon. The baking soda will react with the acid in the molasses to create that perfect puffy texture, while the cinnamon adds warmth and spice to complement the oats.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars – In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the room temperature butter on medium speed for about 30 seconds until smooth. If your butter is slightly cool, this step will help break it up; if it’s perfectly soft, it will cream instantly.
- Add Sugars and Molasses – Break up the packed brown sugar with your hands to eliminate any lumps, then add it to the creamed butter along with the granulated sugar and molasses. The molasses adds incredible depth of flavor – a little goes a long way! Mix on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients – Add the salt, room temperature egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Don’t worry if it looks separated at first – keep mixing until it comes together into a smooth, cohesive mixture. The color will change dramatically as everything combines.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix until almost combined, then finish by gently folding with a spatula to avoid overmixing. The flour streaks should disappear quickly with gentle folding.
- Shape and Bake the Cookies – Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie since they will spread. Bake one sheet at a time for 10 minutes. The edges should be set and the centers should look slightly underdone but puffy.
- Make the Cream Filling – While cookies cool, beat the room temperature butter with a pinch of salt for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cream, alternating between the two, then mix in the vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 5 minutes until the filling is light, white, and incredibly fluffy.
- Assemble the Cream Pies – Once cookies are completely cool, pair them by similar sizes for the most attractive sandwiches. Using a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (1A), pipe cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently sandwich with another cookie, pressing lightly until the filling spreads to the edges.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 285 | 14% |
| TotalFat | 12g | 15% |
| SaturatedFat | 7g | 35% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 180mg | 8% |
| TotalCarbohydrates | 45g | 16% |
| DietaryFiber | 1g | 4% |
| TotalSugars | 32g | – |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
*Based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
While quick oats work best for the tender texture of these cookies, you can substitute old-fashioned oats. Just pulse them in a food processor a few times to break them down slightly, or expect a chewier texture.
How long do these oatmeal cream pies stay fresh?
Store them in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature. The cookies actually get softer and more tender as they sit!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies up to 2 days ahead and store them in an airtight container. Make the filling and assemble just before serving for the best texture.
My cream filling looks curdled – what went wrong?
This usually happens when the butter is too cold or too warm. Make sure your butter is at true room temperature (soft but not melted). If it happens, continue beating – it will usually come together.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! The assembled cream pies freeze well for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Why is molasses important in this recipe?
Molasses adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create that classic oatmeal cookie taste. It also contributes to the cookies’ soft, chewy texture and beautiful color.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients are key – Make sure your butter and egg are truly at room temperature for the best mixing and texture.
- Don’t overbake – These cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them from the oven for that perfect chewy texture.
- Size consistency matters – Using a cookie scoop ensures all your cookies are the same size, making for better sandwich assembly.
- Beat that filling – Don’t skimp on beating the cream filling – the air you incorporate is what makes it light and fluffy.
Conclusion
These homemade oatmeal cream pies prove that the best treats are often the simplest ones made with love. With their perfect balance of warm spices, tender texture, and creamy filling, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.
The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match.
Whether you’re packing them in lunch boxes, serving them at a party, or just treating yourself to something special, these oatmeal cream pies deliver that perfect nostalgic comfort food experience.
Plus, with no chilling time required, you can have fresh, homemade cookie sandwiches ready in just over 30 minutes!
Give this recipe a try – I promise these soft, flavorful cookies with their luscious cream filling will exceed all your expectations. Happy baking!
