There’s a comforting nostalgia in every bite of a homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies. These cookies bring the classic flavor you remember with the simplicity you crave. Soft, chewy oats meet a creamy, dreamy filling in a breeze, perfect for busy parents and baking beginners alike. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make soft cookies and a silky filling from pantry staples, so you can enjoy a bakery-worthy treat without the fuss. Grab your apron; this quick bake becomes a dependable weeknight win.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Classic nostalgic flavor that hits the sweet spot.
- Soft, chewy cookies paired with a smooth, creamy filling.
- Generous, sandwich-style cookies that feel special.
- Simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have.
- A crowd-pleasing dessert that travels well and disappears fast.
Ingredients
For the Oatmeal Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
For the Cream Filling
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or half and half
Notes & Substitutions
- Softened butter helps the dough come together and the filling pipe smoothly.
- Oat type affects texture: quick oats yield crisper cookies, old-fashioned for chewier cookies.
- According to Serious Eats, different types of oats offer distinct textures suited for various baked goods.
- Brown sugar adds moisture and depth; if lumps exist, whisk to break them up.
- Milk alternatives (almond, soy) work in filling with a touch more or less liquid.
- Quality vanilla can elevate both parts; opt for real vanilla bean extract if you can.
How to Make Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
For the Oatmeal Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment.
- In a mixer, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Add to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in oats until incorporated.
- For large cookies, use a 3-tablespoon scoop; for smaller cookies, about 1.5 tablespoons. Space dough on sheets.
- Bake until edges are golden and centers set, 10–15 minutes depending on size.
- Move cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before filling.
For the Cream Filling
- Beat softened butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar; beat until smooth.
- Add vanilla and milk; mix to combine.
- Increase to medium-high and beat 3–5 minutes until light and creamy. If needed, whisk in a splash more milk to reach spreading consistency.
Assembly
- Pair cookies by size.
- Pipe or spread filling on the flat side of half the cookies.
- Top with the matching cookies to form sandwiches.
- Gently press to distribute the filling.
Pro Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Ensure butter is truly softened for even mixing.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to keep cookies tender.
- Fluff the buttercream by beating well—air makes it creamy.
- Leave space when piping to prevent filling from squishing out.
- Bake a test batch to dial in your preferred cookie texture.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a tall glass of milk for a classic pairing.
- Great as an after-school treat or party dessert.
- Pack for picnics or weekend potlucks.
Storage Instructions
- Store airtight in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezing Instructions
- Individually wrap each pie and freeze in a tightly sealed container.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Flavor Variations
- Fold in chocolate chips or drizzle a chocolate glaze over the cookies.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a hint of cinnamon to the filling for flair.
- Try a splash of almond or maple extract in the filling.
- Zest citrus into the filling for a bright note.
Nutrition Information
A single large oatmeal cream pie sandwich is rich, balanced by oats and cream. The estimate below reflects typical homemade portions and can vary with ingredient brands.
| Serving Size | 1 large sandwich cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 621 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 98 g |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 39 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g |
| Sugar | 29 g |
| Sodium | 277 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of oats work best for these cookies?
Old-fashioned oats yield chewier cookies, while quick oats give a crisper bite. For a middle ground, use quick oats with slightly longer bake time.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free oats. Check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well.
Why is my buttercream filling too thin or thick?
Too thin: add a touch more confectioners’ sugar. Too thick: thin with a teaspoon of milk or half-and-half until you reach the right pipeable consistency.
Conclusion
Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies prove that cozy, comforting flavors can stay simple. With a soft, oat-filled cookie and a lush cream filling, these treats feel indulgent without being fussy. Give the recipe a try, tweak to your liking, and share with friends or family. If you give it a go, drop a comment or share a photo—I’d love to hear how your batch turned out and which variation you tried.

Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies
Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Paddle Attachment
- Large bowl
- Medium bowl
- whisk
- Cookie Sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
- wire rack
- Piping bag
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups quick or old fashioned oats
For the Cream Filling
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk or half and half
Instructions
Cookie Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars in a mixer until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, then mix in the oats until just combined.
- Scoop dough onto prepared cookie sheets; use a large scoop for 13-15 minute bake time or a medium scoop for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the cream filling once cookies are fully cooled.
Cream Filling Preparation & Assembly
- Beat softened butter in a stand mixer on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until lightened in color and fluffy.
- Reduce speed to low, gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and milk until combined.
- Increase mixer speed to medium-high and beat for another 3-5 minutes. Adjust consistency with additional milk or half-and-half if needed.
- Pipe or spread cream filling onto the flat side of half the cooled cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to assemble.


