Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the spirit of the holidays, look no further! These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a delightful combination of soft gingerbread oatmeal cookies and luscious cream filling, topped off with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of nostalgia that remind us of family gatherings and festive cheer. Perfect for sharing, these cookies will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

These pies are great for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special or for holiday parties where you want to impress your friends and family. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and indulging in these tasty treats!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the cookies and fillings in advance, saving you time on busy days.
• Delicious flavor: The warm spices combined with creamy filling and salted caramel create an incredible taste experience.
• Festive appeal: These cookies are perfect for any holiday gathering or as a sweet gift for loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies use simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need to make these delightful treats!

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
• A pinch of salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize these oatmeal cream pies to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Change the filling: Swap out the cream filling with a chocolate ganache or peppermint frosting for a seasonal twist.
• Try different spices: Experiment with adding nutmeg or cardamom to give it a unique flavor profile.
• Make them mini: Use a smaller cookie scoop to create bite-sized treats perfect for sharing!

How to Make Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before we get started on the delicious dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients together first helps distribute each component evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy. You want this mixture to be light in color—this adds air into the batter, making your cookies fluffy and tender. Next, mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla until everything is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add those dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cookies soft.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), drop balls of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden. Allow them to cool on the pan for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Filling

In another large bowl, beat the softened butter on high speed until it’s light and fluffy—about five minutes. Gradually add in powdered sugar while continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and milk; beat until well combined.

Step 7: Make Your Salted Caramel Filling

To create that delicious salted caramel filling, mix together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Adjust its consistency by adding more maple syrup if desired—this is where you can customize it based on how runny or thick you want it!

Step 8: Assemble Your Cream Pies

Take half of your cooled cookies and pipe or spread cream filling around their edges. Leave a small hole in the center so you can add that heavenly salted caramel! Place about one teaspoon of caramel in each center before topping with another cookie.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

And there you have it! Your Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are ready to delight everyone around you. Serve them fresh or store them for later—they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Making these delightful cream pies is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with room temperature butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing, leading to softer cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mixing just until combined prevents the cookies from becoming tough, keeping them chewy and tender.
• Chill the Cookie Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the flavors and help the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
• Adjust Salted Caramel Consistency: Feel free to tweak the maple syrup in your caramel to achieve your desired consistency. A thinner caramel can drizzle beautifully over your pies, while a thicker one will stay put!
• Let Cookies Cool Completely: Allowing the cookies to cool fully before filling them prevents the cream from melting and ensures a delightful texture in every bite.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies

Serving these scrumptious cookies is all about presentation! Here are some ideas on how to showcase your homemade treats beautifully.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream atop each pie adds a light and fluffy touch that complements the rich flavors.
• Crushed Ginger Snap Cookies: Sprinkling crushed ginger snaps on top gives a delightful crunch and enhances the ginger flavor.
• Drizzle of Extra Salted Caramel: A light drizzle of additional salted caramel over the assembled pies not only looks beautiful but also adds extra sweetness!

Side Dishes

• Spiced Apple Cider: This warm drink pairs perfectly with gingerbread flavors, creating a cozy atmosphere for enjoying your treats.
• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla bean ice cream contrasts nicely with the chewy oatmeal cookies and tangy salted caramel.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and citrus provides a bright balance to the sweetness of the pies.
• Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea complement the gingerbread perfectly, making it an ideal beverage pairing for this dessert.

Now you’re all set to impress your friends and family with these delightful Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies! Enjoy every festive moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies make for an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy a festive treat anytime. With proper storage, you can savor their delightful flavors long after baking!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cream-filled cookie sandwiches in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• To freeze, assemble the cookie sandwiches and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!

Reheating

• If you’d like your cookies warm, preheat your oven to 350F.
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes.
• Enjoy them warm and gooey for a delightful experience!

FAQs

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

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats in Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Quick oats are not recommended as they might change the texture of the cookies. Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a chewy texture that perfectly complements the gingerbread flavor.

How do I store leftover Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and delicious while preserving their festive flavors.

Can I make these Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of almond butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an alternative to almond butter, try cashew butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options will still provide that creamy texture without compromising flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are truly a special treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The combination of soft gingerbread cookies with smooth cream filling and rich salted caramel makes each bite irresistible! I hope you enjoy making these delightful pies as much as I do. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season or any time you need a little sweetness in your day. Happy baking!