If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of fall wrapped up in a sweet, soft treat, then the Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. These irresistible sandwich cookies bring together chewy oatmeal cookies studded with tender pieces of apple and a hint of cinnamon, sandwiched around a luscious, creamy filling that’s just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring slowly with a cup of tea, this recipe is a celebration of cozy flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients that make every bite a little moment of joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste and texture. From the hearty oats to the sweet dried apples, every component adds a layer of flavor or tenderness that makes these cream pies utterly memorable.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your cookies that provides structure without heaviness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy sweetness that perfectly complements apple’s natural tartness.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay tender and chewy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (for cookies and filling): Gives that rich, creamy texture and luscious mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and depth while granulated sugar brings light sweetness.
- Egg: Binds everything together and helps the cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, sweet aroma boosting the overall flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Provide that classic hearty texture and wholesome appeal.
- Dried apples (or freshly chopped and drained): Deliver natural fruity sweetness and a chewy surprise in every bite.
- Raisins (optional): For a little extra chewiness and natural sugary bursts.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a silky smooth, sweet cream filling.
- Heavy cream or milk: Lightens the cream filling to the perfect fluffy consistency.
- Pinch of salt: In the filling, it balances the sweetness beautifully.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a snap. Setting up your station like this gets you ready to bake perfectly shaped cookies without a hitch.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients form the backbone of your cookies, infusing the dough with that delicious cinnamon warmth and helping the cookies rise just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Grab a large mixing bowl to cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the batter, creating cookies with a tender crumb and delightful texture.
Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Beat in one large egg and vanilla extract into your creamed sugars and butter. The egg acts as a binder, while the vanilla adds a sweet, fragrant note that enhances the apple and cinnamon flavors.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Mix and Oats
Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined, then stir in the oats, chopped dried apples, and optional raisins. These add-ins are what make these cookies extra special — chewy, flavorful, and packed with fruity goodness.
Step 6: Shape and Bake Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. Gently flatten each mound with the back of a spoon to form even cookie rounds. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft. Let them cool slightly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the Cream Filling
In a clean bowl, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This luscious filling makes the perfect sweet, silky counterpoint to the oatmeal cookies.
Step 8: Assemble the Cream Pies
Once your cookies are cooled, spread a generous layer of cream filling on the bottom side of one cookie, then sandwich it with another cookie on top. Gently press together and repeat with all cookies and remaining cream. These cream pies are ready for immediate enjoyment or chilling.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a beautiful finishing touch. A small drizzle of caramel sauce also works wonders to compliment the apple’s natural sweetness and add a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
These cream pies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like chai tea, cinnamon-spiced coffee, or even a creamy latte. For those looking for a refreshing contrast, a crisp, tart apple slices or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provide a nice balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the pies on a rustic wooden board or presenting them in a charming vintage box lined with parchment paper for a cozy gift idea. You can also sandwich smaller cookies for bite-sized treats perfect for parties or afternoon tea with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your assembled Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed ensures the cookies stay soft and the cream filling stays fresh without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the cookies and the cream filling separately. Wrap the baked cookies tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag, and store the filling in an airtight container. Freeze for up to one month.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature. Assemble with fresh cream filling or use previously frozen filling that has been softened by whipping briefly. Avoid reheating assembled pies, as the cream filling may melt.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried in the Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh apples work wonderfully, but make sure to finely chop them and drain any excess moisture to keep your cookies from becoming soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with some substitutions. Use vegan butter alternatives and a flax or chia egg for binding. For the cream filling, a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk can be used to maintain the creamy texture.
How long do the cream pies stay fresh?
They’re best enjoyed within three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The cookies hold their texture best during this time, and the cream won’t lose its fluffiness.
Can I add nuts or other dried fruits to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries can add extra crunch and bursts of flavor that complement the cinnamon and apple beautifully.
What is the best way to achieve a fluffy cream filling?
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature and beat it well with powdered sugar before adding the milk or cream. Add the liquid slowly and continue to whip until you reach a light, fluffy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe is one of those genuinely heartwarming treats that you’ll find yourself making again and again. Its cozy blend of cinnamon, apple, and oats paired with a dreamy cream filling makes every bite feel like a comforting hug. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special today!
Print
Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Cream Pies are delightful sandwich cookies featuring soft and chewy oatmeal apple cookies filled with a luscious, creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and studded with dried apples and raisins, they make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup dried apples, finely chopped (or fresh apples, finely chopped and drained)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Cream Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined with the creamed butter and sugars.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Add Oats and Fruit: Stir in the rolled oats, finely chopped dried apples, and raisins if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Flatten Dough: Slightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon to form cookie rounds, ensuring even thickness for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies feel set to the touch.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for several minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely, which is important for easier assembly.
- Prepare Cream Filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. Adjust cream or milk quantity if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Cream Pies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream filling on the bottom side of one cookie.
- Form Sandwiches: Place a second cookie on top of the cream spread to form a sandwich. Repeat this process with the remaining cookies and filling.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cinnamon apple oatmeal cream pies immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- If using fresh apples instead of dried, finely chop and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
- Raisins are optional but add a nice chewy texture and sweetness; feel free to omit if preferred.
- You can substitute heavy cream with milk for the cream filling if needed.
- Make sure cookies are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
- Store assembled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
