If you’ve been searching for a dessert that perfectly balances warm spices, tender oats, and a luscious creamy filling, look no further. This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of fall baked right into a sandwich cookie. These soft, chewy oatmeal cookies studded with sweet apple bits and spiced just right come together with a dreamy filling that will have you reaching for seconds — and maybe thirds. It’s a nostalgic treat that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe lies in simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is carefully chosen to contribute moisture, spice, or a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that makes these cream pies unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a perfect dough and creamy filling texture without added salt altering the taste.
- Brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses sweetness that complements the warm cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a tender cookie crumb.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture for soft baked cookies.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and provides a fragrant backdrop to the spices.
- All-purpose flour: The structural base ensuring the cookies hold their shape while staying tender.
- Baking soda: Helps cookies rise just enough to be soft and chewy.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: The warm spices that bring the apple-oatmeal combination to life.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give the cookies that classic oatmeal chew and wholesome texture.
- Finely diced apples: Use sweet, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for fresh bursts of juicy flavor in every bite.
- Powdered sugar: For the silky smooth cream filling that melts into the cookie sandwich.
- Heavy cream or milk: Added to adjust the cream filling for perfect spreadability and fluffiness.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Oatmeal Cookies
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until you get a fluffy, light mixture—this creates the perfect base for soft cookies. Incorporate the eggs and vanilla until smooth, which adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold Into Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices. Gradually mix these dry ingredients into the wet batter without overmixing, so you keep the cookies tender. Next, gently fold in the oats and diced apples, which add fantastic texture and juicy bursts throughout the cookie.
Step 3: Portion and Bake
Using a tablespoon measure, scoop the dough onto your baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft and just set. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they firm up just enough for assembling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Cream Filling
Beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Mixing until smooth creates a sweet, silky filling. Add heavy cream or milk one tablespoon at a time to reach a fluffy but spreadable consistency that will hold together nicely between the cookies.
Step 5: Assemble the Cream Pies
Once your cookies have cooled completely, spread or pipe a generous amount of cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie and sandwich it with another cookie. Press gently to distribute the filling without squishing it out. Repeat with all cookies to build your batch of delicious Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe treats.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top of each cream pie for a beautiful finishing touch and an extra hint of spice. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a delicate sweetness and visual appeal that invites you to indulge.
Side Dishes
Pair these cream pies with a warm cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider to enhance the comforting fall flavors. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this treat into an even more decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try rolling the edges of the cream filling in finely chopped toasted nuts or a cinnamon-sugar blend after assembling. You can also serve mini versions for parties or wrap them individually in parchment paper for on-the-go snacks that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the assembled Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe refrigerated in an airtight container. This keeps the cream filling fresh and the cookies moist. For the best texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving so the filling softens beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble pies and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
These cream pies are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually needed. However, for a warm treat, you can pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, letting the cream filling soften slightly without melting.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala are recommended for their juiciness and sweetness, tart apples like Granny Smith can be used if you prefer a tangier bite. Just make sure to peel and dice them finely to ensure even baking.
Is it okay to substitute quick oats for rolled oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture and chew for these cookies. Quick oats tend to absorb more moisture and can make cookies denser, so it’s best to stick with rolled oats if possible.
Can I make the cream filling dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk to create a similarly creamy and delicious filling perfect for dairy-free diets.
How long do these cream pies keep fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, these cream pies stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. The apples in the cookies hold up well, and the cream filling remains soft and flavorful when chilled.
Can I make the cookies ahead and fill them later?
You can bake the oatmeal cookies a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Assemble with the cream filling just before serving for maximum freshness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is truly a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these soft, spiced cookies with their luscious filling will quickly become a cherished favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make a batch—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 12 cream pies (24 cookies total)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies, featuring soft oatmeal cookies infused with warm cinnamon and tender apples, sandwiched together with a luscious vanilla cream filling. Perfect for cozy fall days or any time you crave a comforting, homemade dessert.
Ingredients
For the oatmeal cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup finely diced apples (peeled and patted dry – use sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala)
For the cream filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy, which creates a light texture for your cookies. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add oats and apples: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats and the finely diced, peeled apples, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for that signature oatmeal texture and bursts of apple flavor.
- Form and bake cookies: Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to prevent spreading together. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and centers are just set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare cream filling: In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the filling reaches a fluffy and spreadable consistency.
- Assemble oatmeal cream pies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe the cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies to make 12 delicious cream pies.
Notes
- For less mess, chill the cream filling before assembling to make spreading easier.
- Store assembled oatmeal cream pies in the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enjoy a soft, creamy texture.
