Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies: The Perfect Treat for Any Time of Day

If you’ve ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right, then you know there’s one simple solution—cookies. And not just any cookies, but homemade oatmeal cream pies. I’m talking about those soft, chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched with a luscious, creamy filling. Honestly, there’s something about the combination of oats, cinnamon, and a sweet, smooth filling that just makes everything better.

These homemade oatmeal cream pies are a complete game-changer. They bring the nostalgic feeling of store-bought oatmeal cream pies but with a freshness and warmth that only homemade treats can provide. This recipe has become one of my go-to favorites for everything from quick snacks to family gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that you can whip up on a whim, and everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds). Best of all, the process is so simple—no fancy ingredients, no complicated techniques—just a few basic steps that lead to a big payoff.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

Let’s get real for a second. Oatmeal cream pies are delicious, but when they’re homemade, they go from “good” to “amazing” in no time. First of all, these cookies are perfectly soft and chewy with a slight crisp on the edges. That’s the beauty of oatmeal cookies—they’re hearty but never too hard. The flavor profile is a comforting mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar that creates a warm, almost cozy taste. Then there’s the cream filling. It’s the kind of filling that’s just sweet enough to balance the cookies without being overwhelming.

Another reason I absolutely love this recipe is how easy it is. If you can mix some ingredients and turn on an oven, you’re good to go. There’s no need to stress about complicated steps or fancy kitchen tools—just a bowl, a mixer (or your good old-fashioned arm strength), and a baking sheet. Plus, these oatmeal cream pies are perfect for so many occasions. Whether you’re looking for something to pack in lunchboxes, need a sweet treat for an afternoon pick-me-up, or just want something to enjoy with your evening cup of tea, these are a total win.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Oatmeal Cream Pies

Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at the simple ingredients you’ll need. I bet you already have most of them hanging out in your pantry.

For the Oatmeal Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (don’t use quick oats)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk (or more, depending on the consistency you prefer)

Pretty simple, right? You probably have most of these items sitting in your kitchen already. If you’ve ever baked cookies, you’ll recognize these ingredients. But what makes these oatmeal cream pies special is the perfect combination of oats, cinnamon, and creamy goodness.

How to Make These Amazing Oatmeal Cream Pies

Here’s where the magic happens. Making these homemade oatmeal cream pies couldn’t be easier. The process is straightforward and doesn’t require any special skills—just a little time and some love.

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup. This step is a must because it helps prevent the cookies from sticking, making your life way easier when it comes time to transfer them.

Now, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. You want to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential because it creates that wonderful chewy texture in the cookies. I typically use a hand mixer for this, but you can easily do it by hand if you’re feeling a bit stronger today.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Once the butter and sugar are nice and creamy, add in your egg and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until it’s fully incorporated. At this point, you’ll start to see everything come together into a smooth, fluffy mixture.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step helps ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents any lumps in the dough.

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing as you go. It’s important not to rush this step. You want everything well combined, but you also don’t want to overmix, or the dough could become too dense. Keep mixing until the dough comes together and you have a nice, thick batter.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough

Next, grab a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. You want to space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake. I usually get about 18 cookies from this recipe, but it depends on how big or small you like your cookies.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Now, it’s time to bake! Pop the baking sheets into the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown, but the centers are still soft. Don’t worry if they look a little underdone—remember, the cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheets once you take them out of the oven. Plus, they firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Step 6: Let the Cookies Cool

After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial because if you try to add the filling while the cookies are warm, it will just melt right off. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!

Step 7: Make the Cream Filling

While the cookies are cooling, it’s time to make the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the filling is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach a creamy, spreadable consistency. You want the filling to be thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it’s hard to spread.

Step 8: Assemble the Oatmeal Cream Pies

Once the cookies are fully cooled, it’s time to put everything together. Spread a generous amount of cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie. Then, top it with another cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat this process with the rest of the cookies and filling.

Tips for Making Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pies

• Use Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Do not use quick oats for this recipe. Old-fashioned oats have a chewier texture, which is what you want for these cookies. Quick oats just won’t give you that perfect bite.
• Let the Cookies Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to assemble them right away, but trust me—if the cookies are too warm, the filling will melt and get messy. Let them cool completely before filling them.
• Customize the Filling: If you want to get a little creative, try adding some peanut butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips to the filling. This can add a fun twist to the classic flavor.
• Make Ahead: These cookies are perfect for making in advance. You can store them in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze them for later. Just let them thaw for a few minutes before enjoying.

Why These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies Are a Must-Make

I know, you’re probably wondering if they’re really worth the effort. The answer? Absolutely. If you’re a fan of sweet treats with a little bit of nostalgia, these oatmeal cream pies are for you. They’re perfect for any occasion and are guaranteed to make your day just a little bit sweeter.

There’s something so comforting about biting into one of these oatmeal cream pies. The soft cookies, the smooth filling—it’s a combination that never gets old. And, once you’ve made them from scratch, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. Homemade is always better, and these oatmeal cream pies are proof of that.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not give this recipe a try? You won’t be disappointed. I promise!