Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday treat to share with family and friends, then these Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are just what you need! Imagine soft and chewy gingerbread oatmeal cookies hugging a luscious cream filling and drizzled with smooth salted caramel. Each bite is like a warm hug from your favorite winter blanket—delightful, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying!

These cookies are not only perfect for holiday gatherings but also make for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert on busy weeknights. They are sure to bring joy to any occasion, making them a favorite in our household. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll have these treats ready in no time.
• Deliciously festive: The warm spices of gingerbread combined with creamy filling and salted caramel create a holiday flavor explosion.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen, whether it’s scooping dough or assembling their own cream pies!
• Make-ahead options: Bake the cookies in advance and fill them right before serving for maximum freshness.
• Perfect for sharing: These delightful treats make wonderful gifts for friends, neighbors, or anyone who could use a little cheer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:

For the Cookies:

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, preferably dark
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 egg, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Filling:

• 3/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk of choice

For the Salted Caramel:

• 3 tbsp coconut (melted) or avocado oil
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/4 cup + 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cookie dough for an extra crunch.
• Swap the nut butter: Use sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter for a nut-free version.
• Try different flavors: Switch up the spices by adding cardamom or nutmeg for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary preferences.

How to Make Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that lovely golden edge we all adore.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. This mix brings out those warm flavors while ensuring everything combines well when added to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until creamy and lighter in color. This process adds air into your mixture, creating fluffy cookies. Next, mix in molasses, egg, and vanilla until everything is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet one using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies soft and chewy!

Step 5: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheets

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between each ball so they can spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place your baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Once done, let them cool on the pan for about five minutes before transferring them to wire cooling racks.

Step 7: Make the Cream Filling

In another large bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until light and fluffy (around five minutes). Gradually add in powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Then mix in vanilla extract and milk until combined.

Step 8: Prepare Salted Caramel

For an easy homemade salted caramel, combine melted coconut oil (or avocado oil), almond butter, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Adjust consistency with more maple syrup if you’d like it runnier!

Step 9: Assemble Your Cream Pies

Pipe or spread some cream filling around the edges of half of your cooled cookies (the flat side). Leave a small hole in the middle for that luscious salted caramel goodness!

Step 10: Add Salted Caramel

Spoon about one teaspoon of salted caramel into that center hole before gently placing another cookie on top to create a sandwich.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

These treats are best enjoyed fresh but don’t worry if you have leftovers; they store well! Gather your loved ones around or keep them all for yourself—either way, enjoy every scrumptious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies to perfection!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature ensures they blend seamlessly, creating a smooth and creamy batter that results in tender cookies.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough. Overmixing incorporates too much air and gluten, which can lead to a denser texture.
• Experiment with spices: Personalize the spice blend! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can deepen the flavor profile of your gingerbread cookies, making them even more aromatic and festive.
• Cool completely before filling: Allowing the cookies to cool fully on a wire rack prevents melting the cream filling. This step ensures that your cream pies hold their shape without any gooey mess.
• Store properly for freshness: Keep your filled oatmeal cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Presenting your Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies beautifully can make them even more delightful during gatherings or family meals. Here are some inspiring ideas for serving this special treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch and gives a sweet visual contrast against the rich caramel filling.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor. They complement the softness of the cookies beautifully.
• Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds color but also brings a refreshing aroma that enhances every bite.

Side Dishes

• Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa pairs perfectly with these cookies. The rich chocolate flavor contrasts nicely with the spiced gingerbread and sweet caramel.
• Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your pies for a seasonal twist that amplifies those cozy holiday vibes.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is an indulgent addition that balances out the sweetness of the salted caramel.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or sliced apples provides a refreshing element against the rich flavors of the cream pies.

With these serving ideas and tips, your Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies will surely impress family and friends alike! Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats this holiday season.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week—just let them come to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Place assembled oatmeal cream pies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If desired, you can gently warm the cream pies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly.
• Alternatively, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying—this helps retain their chewy texture!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats for Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yes, you can use quick oats if that’s what you have on hand. However, using old-fashioned rolled oats gives these cookies a chewier texture that many find preferable.

How can I make Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies gluten-free?

To make these cream pies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Can I substitute almond butter in the cream filling?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for alternatives, peanut butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully as well and will still give you that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies! They’re not just delicious but also bring a festive warmth to any gathering. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself after a long day, these cookies are sure to bring smiles. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!