Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies
These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies feature soft and chewy gingerbread oatmeal cookies filled with a smooth cream filling and an easy homemade salted caramel. Each bite is a perfect blend of warm spices, sweet cream, and rich salted caramel, making them the ultimate holiday treat.
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Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Salted butter
Brown sugar, preferably dark
Molasses
Egg
Vanilla extract
Old-fashioned rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Ground ginger
Ground cinnamon
Ground cloves
Salt
Powdered sugar
Milk of choice
Coconut or avocado oil
Smooth almond butter
Maple syrup
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cookies:
Soft and Chewy Texture: The gingerbread oatmeal cookies are perfectly soft and chewy, offering a delightful bite in every sandwich.
Irresistible Flavor Combination: Warm gingerbread spices, creamy filling, and rich salted caramel come together to create a perfectly balanced sweet-and-salty treat.
Perfect Holiday Dessert: With classic gingerbread flavors and a festive twist, these cream pies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or cozy nights at home.
Creamy and Caramel-Filled Center: Each cookie sandwich is generously filled with a smooth cream filling and easy homemade salted caramel, delivering layers of flavor in every bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cream pies can be made ahead and stored, making them a convenient option for busy holiday schedules.
Beautiful Presentation: The sandwich-style cookies are visually appealing and make a stunning addition to any dessert table.
Easy to Customize: While perfect as is, you can experiment by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or dusting the cookies with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These cream pies are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Tips for Making Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:
Skip the Chilling Step: This recipe doesn’t require the cookie dough to be chilled, making it faster and easier to prepare without compromising on the soft, chewy texture.
Use High-Quality Spices: Freshly ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves enhance the warm, aromatic flavors in the gingerbread oatmeal cookies.
Bake Until Just Set: Watch the cookies carefully and remove them from the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly soft for the perfect chewy texture.
Cool Completely Before Filling: Let the cookies cool fully before adding the cream and caramel fillings to ensure the fillings don’t melt or become runny.
Pipe the Fillings for Neatness: Use piping bags or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to apply the cream filling and salted caramel evenly for a polished look.
Match Cookies by Size: Pair cookies of similar sizes to create uniform sandwiches with even layers of filling.
Soften Butter for the Filling: Ensure the butter for the cream filling is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Store in the Refrigerator: Keep assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Customize Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to the cream filling for extra depth, or experiment with different caramel flavors for a unique twist.
How to Store Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies:
Room Temperature for Short-Term Storage: If serving within a few hours, store the assembled cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the fillings from becoming too soft.
Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: For storage beyond a few hours, place the cream pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Refrigeration keeps the cream filling and salted caramel fresh and prevents the cookies from becoming too soft.
Separate Layers with Parchment Paper: When storing multiple layers of cream pies, separate each layer with parchment paper to avoid them sticking together.
Freeze for Longer Storage: Wrap each cream pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw Gently in the Refrigerator: If frozen, thaw the cream pies in the refrigerator overnight to maintain their texture and flavor.
Refrigerate Fillings Separately for Make-Ahead Prep: If making the cookies ahead, store the cream filling and salted caramel separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the cream pies just before serving for the freshest results.
Serve at Room Temperature: Bring refrigerated or thawed cream pies to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore their soft, chewy texture.
FAQs:
Q: What makes these oatmeal cream pies unique?
A: These cream pies feature soft and chewy gingerbread oatmeal cookies filled with a smooth cream filling and an easy homemade salted caramel, offering a delicious blend of warm spices, sweetness, and a touch of salty richness.
Q: Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?
A: Yes, the salted caramel can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?
A: No, this recipe does not require chilling the cookie dough. You can bake the cookies immediately, saving time while still achieving a soft and chewy texture.
Q: How should I store the assembled cream pies?
A: Store the assembled cream pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I freeze these cream pies?
A: Yes, you can freeze the fully assembled cream pies. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: What’s the best way to assemble the cream pies?
A: Pipe the cream filling and salted caramel onto the flat side of one cookie, then gently press another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Piping helps ensure even layers.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?
A: While homemade salted caramel adds a personal touch and fresh flavor, you can use store-bought caramel as a substitute in a pinch.
Q: Do the cream pies need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, because of the cream filling and salted caramel, the assembled pies should be refrigerated if not served immediately to keep the fillings fresh and stable.
Q: Can I make the cookies without the fillings?
A: Absolutely! The gingerbread oatmeal cookies are delicious on their own or with a simple glaze or sprinkle of powdered sugar.
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