Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, a delightful twist on a classic treat, are about to become your new favorite fall indulgence! Imagine biting into two soft, chewy oatmeal cookies, perfectly spiced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, sandwiching a luscious, creamy pumpkin filling. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you straight to a cozy autumn afternoon.

While the exact origins of the oatmeal cream pie are debated, its popularity soared in the early 20th century, becoming a beloved homemade treat and a staple in lunchboxes across America. This pumpkin-infused version elevates the original, adding a seasonal touch that’s both comforting and exciting. Pumpkins, of course, have been a culinary cornerstone in North America for centuries, deeply intertwined with harvest festivals and Thanksgiving celebrations. By combining the familiar comfort of oatmeal cream pies with the quintessential flavor of pumpkin, we’ve created a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative.

People adore this dish for its perfect balance of sweet and spice, its satisfyingly chewy texture, and the sheer convenience of a handheld treat. Pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are easy to make ahead of time, making them ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or simply a delightful afternoon snack. The creamy pumpkin filling adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, transforming a simple cookie into a truly special dessert. Get ready to experience the magic of fall with every delicious bite!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Oatmeal Cookies:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups rolled oats (not instant)
• For the Pumpkin Cream Filling:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Preparing the Oatmeal Cookies:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture in your cookies.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is important for proper leavening and flavor.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a chewier, less tender cookie.
5. Stir in Oats: Stir in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Make sure the oats are well incorporated, but again, avoid overmixing.
6. Chill the Dough (Important!): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. For even better results, chill the dough for an hour or even overnight.

Baking the Oatmeal Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without running into each other.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on the cookies, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
4. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cookies from breaking while they are still warm and soft.

Preparing the Pumpkin Cream Filling:

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Sift the powdered sugar before adding it to prevent clumps.
3. Add Pumpkin Puree and Spices: Beat in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ginger until well combined. Ensure you are using pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices that will alter the flavor of the filling.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Gradually add the heavy cream, beating until the filling is light and fluffy. The heavy cream helps to create a smooth and creamy texture. Adjust the amount of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
5. Chill the Filling: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the filling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to spread on the cookies.

Assembling the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies:

1. Pair Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, pair them up by size and shape. This will create uniform cream pies.
2. Spread Filling: Spread a generous amount of pumpkin cream filling on the flat side of one cookie.
3. Top with Second Cookie: Top with the flat side of a second cookie, gently pressing down to create a sandwich.
4. Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the assembled cream pies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set up even more and the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve the pumpkin oatmeal cream pies and enjoy! These are best enjoyed within a few days, as the cookies will soften over time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips for Success:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature butter and cream cheese is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture in both the cookies and the filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cookie dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Filling: Make sure to use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling for the filling.
• Adjust Spices to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking.
• Storage: Store the assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir chocolate chips into the oatmeal cookie dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with different spices in the filling, such as cardamom or allspice.
• Make Mini Cream Pies: Use a smaller cookie cutter to make mini cream pies.
• Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the assembled cream pies with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies are a must-try this season. They perfectly capture the essence of fall with their warm spices, creamy filling, and satisfyingly chewy oatmeal cookies. It’s a delightful treat that’s both comforting and a little bit fancy – perfect for impressing friends and family, or simply indulging in a little self-care.

What makes these pies so special? It’s the combination of textures and flavors. The slightly crisp edges of the oatmeal cookies give way to a soft, chewy center, which is then perfectly complemented by the smooth, spiced pumpkin cream filling. It’s a symphony of deliciousness in every bite! Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “pie” part intimidate you; it’s really just a matter of baking some cookies and whipping up a simple filling.

But the best part? The versatility! While I’ve presented my favorite version, there are so many ways you can customize these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Warm or Cold? I personally love these chilled, as it allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together even more. However, they’re also delicious served at room temperature or even slightly warmed in the microwave for a few seconds.
* Spice it Up! Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you’re a big fan of cinnamon, add a little extra. Or, if you prefer a more subtle spice profile, reduce the amount of ginger and cloves. A pinch of cardamom would also be a lovely addition.
* Nutty Goodness: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the oatmeal cookie dough for extra crunch and flavor. Toasted nuts would be even better!
* Chocolate Chips: A handful of chocolate chips in the cookie dough never hurt anyone! Dark chocolate chips would be particularly delicious with the pumpkin flavor.
* Maple Syrup: Instead of granulated sugar in the filling, try using maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and a deeper flavor.
* Individual Pies: For a more elegant presentation, you can use smaller cookie cutters to make individual pies. These are perfect for parties or special occasions.
* Ice Cream Sandwich: For a truly decadent treat, use the oatmeal cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with pumpkin or vanilla ice cream.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’ll love the warm, comforting flavors and the satisfying textures. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy on a crisp autumn evening, or to bring to your next holiday gathering.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some magic! I promise, these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies will be a hit.

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you make any changes to the recipe? What did your friends and family think? Please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations! Happy baking!