pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a delightful twist on a childhood favorite, perfect for fall celebrations. The combination of chewy pumpkin oatmeal cookies and rich maple cream cheese buttercream makes them a must-try treat. Not only do they offer a unique flavor profile, but they’re also suitable for various occasions, from festive gatherings to cozy family nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The warm spices and pumpkin create a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create these delicious treats.
• Versatile Treat: These cookies can be enjoyed as a dessert or special snack any time of the day.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks, parties, or simply to share with friends and family.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to adjust the spices or add nuts for extra crunch!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies to perfection.
• Electric mixer: Makes whipping up the buttercream quick and easy, ensuring a light texture.

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

For the Maple Cream Cheese Buttercream

• 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) 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 the Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned unsalted butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the egg yolk, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, chai spice blend, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats until evenly distributed.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Using a cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until edges are golden.
4. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 3: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Buttercream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the browned butter and softened cream cheese until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to mix until smooth and fluffy.
3. Stir in vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, maple extract if using, and salt. Adjust consistency with milk as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies

1. Take one cookie as the base and spread a generous amount of maple cream cheese buttercream on its flat side.
2. Place another cookie on top to create a sandwich.
3. Repeat with remaining cookies until all are filled.

Now you have delicious pumpkin oatmeal cream pies ready to enjoy! These treats are sure to impress everyone who tries them!

How to Serve pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

These delightful pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are perfect for any fall gathering or cozy dessert at home. They can be served in various ways to enhance their deliciousness and presentation.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: Pair your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies with a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Chai Tea: The spices in chai tea complement the flavors in the cookies beautifully.
• Hot Cocoa: A rich hot cocoa adds an indulgent touch to the experience.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Mini Pies: Include mini pumpkin or pecan pies for a festive vibe.
• Fruit Tartlets: Fresh fruit tartlets add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sweetness.
• Cookies Variety: Offer an assortment of cookies alongside for variety.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with caramel sauce pairs perfectly with these pies.
• Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream: Enhance the pumpkin flavor by serving with pumpkin spice ice cream.

For Celebrations

• Birthday Parties: Use these as a fun twist on traditional birthday cakes.
• Thanksgiving Gatherings: These treats make great additions to your holiday dessert table.

How to Perfect pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

To ensure your pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are perfectly made, follow these helpful tips for the best results.

• Use browned butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that enhances your cookies’ taste.
• Chill dough: Refrigerate the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help prevent spreading and achieve chewier cookies.
• Sift powdered sugar: Sifting ensures a smooth texture in your maple cream cheese buttercream, making it easier to spread.
• Adjust spice levels: Feel free to tweak the chai or pumpkin spice blend according to your taste preference for added warmth.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be golden but still soft in the center when done.
• Store properly: Keep your assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

These tasty treats pair well with various side dishes, making them even more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:

1. Apple Crisp: The warm, cinnamon-spiced apples provide a comforting contrast to the creamy filling of the pies.
2. Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears add elegance and a touch of sophistication to your dessert spread.
3. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted almonds and walnuts offers crunchiness and balances out the soft texture of the pies.
4. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy alternative that complements the flavors of pumpkin nicely.
5. Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tangy cranberry sauce brings brightness and acidity that cuts through sweetness.
6. Spiced Chai Cookies: Pairing these with spiced chai cookies creates a delightful autumnal theme on your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making pumpkin oatmeal cream pies, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Not browning the butter properly: Ensure you brown the butter until it reaches a deep golden color. This adds a rich flavor that enhances your cookies.
• Using canned pumpkin without draining: Always blot your pumpkin puree to remove excess moisture. This prevents soggy cookies and ensures the right texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the dough chill in the fridge helps maintain shape during baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies chewy and tender, avoiding a tough texture.
• Ignoring room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for optimal blending and consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store pumpkin oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating pumpkin oatmeal cream pies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes until soft.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, flipping gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making pumpkin oatmeal cream pies:

How do I make my pumpkin oatmeal cream pies chewy?

For chewy cookies, ensure not to overmix your dough and allow enough chilling time before baking.

Can I use other spices instead of chai or pumpkin spice blend?

Yes, you can substitute with cinnamon or nutmeg according to your taste preference.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the filling?

You can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or whipped coconut cream for a different flavor profile.

How long do these pumpkin oatmeal cream pies last?

They stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Absolutely! Just wrap them well and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

These pumpkin oatmeal cream pies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for fall gatherings. Their spiced chewy texture paired with rich maple cream cheese buttercream makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize with different spices or add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips according to your taste!