Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies with Freshly Milled Flour
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Oatmeal Cream Pies have a comforting, nostalgic charm that gives them a whole new level of deliciousness, especially when made from scratch with fresh milled flour. The slight nuttiness of the fresh flour elevates these classic treats, adding a delightful depth to each bite. These oatmeal cream pies are the perfect combination of rustic charm and homemade goodness, enriched with the fresh flavor of milled flour that gives them a whole new level of deliciousness. As you mix and bake, the inviting aroma fills your kitchen, promising a sweet reward at the end.
These little treats strike a perfect balance between chewy oatmeal cookies and a creamy, dreamy filling that’s not too sweet. Their chewy cookies and creamy filling invite you to enjoy them any time—from casual snack moments to sharing with friends over coffee. Baking these is not just about making dessert but creating a little warmth and joy in your kitchen.
For more fresh milled recipes, try our Soft Braided Brioche Bread or our Strawberries and Cream Crepes.
What Makes This Recipe Great
Fresh milled flour adds a unique flavor.
Using freshly milled flour provides extra flavor and introduces a subtly nutty and wholesome note, which elevates these oatmeal cream pies beyond your standard grocery store version. The flour’s freshness makes the texture pleasantly tender while retaining a satisfying heartiness.
Classic nostalgia meets homemade goodness.
This recipe brings back the childhood joy of little debbie oatmeal cream pies, but with the pride of making them yourself. This homemade version is a fun way to enjoy a beloved treat with cleaner ingredients you control.
Balanced creaminess and chewiness.
The soft but sturdy oatmeal cookies sandwich a luscious cream filling that’s not overly sweet or heavy and creates a heavenly oatmeal cream pie. This creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more, whether you’re savoring them after breakfast or as a cozy snack.
Overview of Core Ingredients and Substitutions
Fresh Milled Flour Fresh milled flour is the secret ingredient here that gives these cream pies that incredible depth of flavor. It provides a fresh, wholesome base for the cookies, offering a richer flavor than store-bought flour. If you can’t mill your own, high-quality whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached all-purpose flour can work as alternatives.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats Rolled oats add texture and a heartwarming chew to the cookies. Quick oats might be tempting for speed, but they result in a softer, less chewy cookie.
Butter Butter gives these pies a tender crumb and rich flavor.
Maple Sugar Using maple sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor, complementing the oats perfectly. It’s fine to use granulated sugar as well.
Vanilla Extract Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and warmth of the cream filling. Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation vanilla works in a pinch.
Powdered Sugar The powdered sugar keeps the cream filling smooth and silky. If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the quantity slightly.
Tips for a Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pie
#1 Keep the oats whole
Using rolled oats instead of quick oats preserves the texture and chew that make these pies special. Whole oats create a heartier bite that pairs beautifully with the sweet cream filling.
#2 Chill the dough before baking
Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading. This little extra step ensures your pies have the best results.
#3 Use room temperature butter for the filling
Room temperature butter whips up into a fluffier cream filling, making for a lighter and more enjoyable mouthfeel. Cold butter tends to result in a denser texture.
#4 Don’t overmix the filling
Overmixing can introduce too much air, making the cream too stiff or prone to sinking. Mix until just combined for a perfectly creamy center.
#5 Freshly mill the flour close to baking time
The flavor and texture benefits of fresh milled flour are best when used shortly after milling. If storing, keep it in an airtight container in a cool place to maintain freshness.
Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking pans
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Cooling racks
How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookies:
2 cups fresh milled soft white wheat flour, finely milled (216 grams)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
3 cups rolled oats (300 grams)
1 ¼ cups softened butter (300 grams)
1 ¼ cups maple sugar or sugar (225 grams)
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
Cream Filling:
¾ cup cold butter (175 grams)
2 ½ cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
Directions
- Cream together the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in egg, vanilla, and molasses.
- Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a separate bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop out the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure the cookies are pretty even in size.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-14 minutes.
- To make the cream filling, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes in a large bowl, gradually increasing to high speed.
- Add in half of the powdered sugar and mix together.
- Add in the heavy cream and vanilla.
- Add the rest of the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Once the oatmeal cookies have cooled, spread the icing onto one cookie and top with another cookie. Continue with the rest of the cookies.
Recipe Variations
Gluten-Free Version:
Swap fresh milled flour with a gluten-free flour blend that holds up well in baking.
Spiced Up:
Add more cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of ground ginger to the cookie dough for a warm spice twist.
Nutty Filling:
Mix finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the cream filling for added crunch and flavor.
Chocolate Twist:
Add mini chocolate chips to the cookie dough or swirl melted chocolate into the filling for a chocolatey surprise.
Flavor Boosters
Toast the oats
Lightly toasting the rolled oats before adding them to the dough brings out their nutty aroma, adding a deeper flavor to your cookies.
Vanilla bean paste in the filling
Substitute vanilla extract with vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor and delightful flecks in your cream.
Add a pinch of salt to the filling
A subtle pinch of salt in the cream filling enhances sweetness and balances the overall flavor without being noticeable.
Brown butter in the cookies
Using browned butter for the cookie dough adds a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the oats beautifully.
What To Serve With Oatmeal Cream Pies
Warm milk or chai tea
Both pair wonderfully with the mellow sweetness of the cream pies, creating a cozy calm moment.
Fresh fruit
Berries, apple slices, or pear chunks provide a juicy contrast and fresh bite alongside your dessert.
Vanilla ice cream
Serve the pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent, creamy match made in heaven.
Coffee or espresso
The slight bitterness of coffee beautifully balances these sweet treats, especially when enjoyed during a relaxed afternoon break.
Yogurt parfait
Layer crumbled oatmeal cream pies with yogurt and fruit for a fun twist on breakfast or a light dessert.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe
Cookies Spread Too Much
If your cookies flatten out too much, make sure the dough is chilled before baking. Also, check that you are measuring the flour properly, as too little flour causes spreading.
Cream Filling Is Too Runny
Ensure your butter is at room temperature and powdered sugar is sifted to avoid lumps. If the filling remains loose, add a bit more powdered sugar in small increments until it thickens.
Cookies Are Too Hard
Overbaking can dry out the cookies. Check them at the minimum baking time and pull them out when the edges just start to brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for softness.
Filling Tastes Too Sweet
Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or add a small pinch of salt to the cream to balance the sweetness.
Cookies Fall Apart When Assembled
Make sure cookies are fully cooled before sandwiching the cream. Slightly warm or fresh-out-of-oven cookies might be fragile.
Freezing & Storing Leftovers
Freezing:
You can freeze fully assembled oatmeal cream pies by wrapping each individually in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Storing:
Store the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Ways to Use Leftovers
Oatmeal Cream Pie Milkshake
Blend leftover pies with milk and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic, creamy drink.
Cookie Crumb Topping
Crumble leftover cookies over yogurt, ice cream, or pudding for added texture and flavor.
Dessert Parfaits
Layer crumbled pies with whipped cream and fresh fruit in a glass for a quick, elegant dessert.
Pie Truffles
Mix crumbled cookies with extra cream filling, roll into balls, and chill for bite-sized treats.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Use leftover cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches with any flavor you like.
Extra FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
You can, but quick oats will produce a softer cookie with less chew, which changes the traditional texture of oatmeal cream pies.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Yes. Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and improves texture.
Can I make the cream filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cream can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before assembling for best spreading consistency.
Are these pies suitable for freezing before assembly?
You can freeze the baked cookies separately, then assemble with fresh cream filling after thawing for the best texture.
What is the best way to store these if I don’t refrigerate?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Beyond that, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness.
Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies with Freshly Milled Flour
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookies:
- 2 cups fresh milled soft white wheat flour finely milled (216 grams)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 3 cups rolled oats (300 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups softened butter (300 grams)
- 1 ¼ cups maple sugar or sugar (225 grams)
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses
Cream Filling:
- ¾ cup cold butter (175 grams)
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
- Cream together the butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in egg, vanilla, and molasses.
- Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves in a separate bowl.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Scoop out the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, making sure the cookies are pretty even in size.
- Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake for 10-14 minutes.
- To make the cream filling, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2 minutes in a large bowl, gradually increasing to high speed.
- Add in half of the powdered sugar and mix together.
- Add in the heavy cream and vanilla.
- Add the rest of the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
- Once the oatmeal cookies have cooled, spread the icing onto one cookie and top with another cookie. Continue with the rest of the cookies.
