Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
If you’re searching for a sweet treat that tastes just like autumn coziness wrapped in a chewy, cloud-like cookie, look no further than these Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies. Soft, spiced oatmeal cookies with tender apple pieces sandwich a dreamy cinnamon-vanilla cream filling for a nostalgic twist that’ll make you swoon. Whether you want to bake something special for friends or simply enjoy a little moment of comfort for yourself, this delightful recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a portable dessert masterpiece. Trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back to these little gems all year long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients really sets the stage for magic with Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies. Each component brings something crucial to the table, from the buttery cookie base and juicy fresh apples to the fluffy, spiced cream filling – every bite is pure joy.
- Unsalted Butter (for cookies and filling): The foundation for rich flavor and soft, chewy texture. Use room temperature butter for best results.
- Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes and a hint of moisture to keep cookies extra tender.
- Granulated Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create those delightfully crisp edges.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and lend the cookies a bit of lift.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts warmth and brings out all the delicate, homey flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the cookies perfectly sturdy without being dense.
- Baking Soda: Ensures a gentle rise and light, pillowy centers.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with cozy, fragrant goodness.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and sharpening the flavors.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Give these cream pies their signature chewiness and rustic oat texture.
- Finely Diced Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Juicy apple bits add bursts of fresh fruit and complement the cinnamon beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, fluffy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Heavy Cream or Milk: Just a splash for a creamy, spreadable filling.
- Pinch of Salt (for filling): Keeps the sweetness balanced and highlights the cinnamon in the cream.
- Optional: Apple Butter: Stir into the filling for even more apple flavor – perfect for autumn lovers.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper – this simple step makes cleanup effortless and keeps your cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and pale – this is key for cookies that taste bakery-fresh.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in your eggs and pour in the vanilla extract, then beat well. This helps everything blend smoothly and infuses the dough with glorious vanilla aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in your rolled oats and those glorious little apple bits until just combined – don’t overmix, or your cookies might become tough.
Step 6: Scoop and Space
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each – the dough will spread a bit as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are golden brown and the centers look set but slightly soft. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this prevents breakage.
Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Filling
While the cookies cool, whip up your filling: beat the softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, cream or milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until ultra-smooth and fluffy. If you want extra apple goodness, blend in a spoonful of apple butter here.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cream Pies
Once the cookies are completely cool, generously spread or pipe cream filling onto the flat side of half the cookies. Top each with a second cookie to create perfect Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies sandwiches. Press gently so the filling peeks out the edges but doesn’t squish out.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes these pies look extra inviting, or you could drizzle a teensy bit of caramel sauce for a bakery-worthy finish. If you’re feeling fancy, add a touch of grated apple or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon on the plate for a photo-ready treat.
Side Dishes
Pair Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies with hot apple cider, spicy chai tea, or a velvety cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy snack. They also play beautifully alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an elegant dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Make a dessert board with cream pies, sliced fresh apple, cheese, and nuts for an autumn-inspired spread. For festive gatherings, wrap each pie in parchment and tie with kitchen twine – instant homemade gifts. Or serve them mini-style for brunch or tea parties as a delightful one-bite treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for a softer bite, or in the fridge for a firmer, chillier texture. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days – perfect for treating yourself throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, these cream pies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container separated by parchment. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or so before enjoying.
Reheating
While you won’t need to reheat these pies for freshness, you can let chilled pies sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the cream. If you crave that “just-baked” taste, warm a single assembled pie in the microwave for about 7 seconds – just enough to bring back that hint of gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best chewy texture, but in a pinch, quick oats will work. The cookies might turn out slightly softer and less hearty, but still completely delicious.
What type Dessert
I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for their sweetness and crisp texture, but you can experiment with Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Gala for extra juiciness.
How can I keep my cookies from spreading too much?
If your dough seems overly sticky, a quick chill in the fridge (about 15-20 minutes) before baking helps the cookies hold their shape and creates thicker pies.
Is it possible to make the cream filling dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap in a vegan butter substitute and use a dairy-free milk or cream alternative in the filling. The flavor and texture will still be luscious and dreamy.
Can I add nuts or extra mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. A sprinkle of raisins or dried cranberries also plays beautifully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with homemade treats all over again, these Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies are the perfect excuse to share a little sweetness. Give them a try, and watch every bite disappear with happy sighs – you might just start a new baking tradition!
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Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 cream pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies, a perfect combination of soft oatmeal cookies filled with a creamy, spiced apple butter filling.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup finely diced peeled apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji)
For the filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Stir in oats and apple: Fold in the oats and diced apple until just combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool and prepare filling: Cool the cookies, then make the filling by beating butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, cinnamon, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Assemble pies: Spread or pipe the filling onto half the cookies and sandwich with the remaining cookies.
Notes
- Refrigerate assembled pies for a firmer texture or enjoy at room temperature.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra apple flavor, add a tablespoon of apple butter to the filling.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cream pie
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
