Oatmeal Creme Pies

Remember the thrill of unwrapping a soft, sweet Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie as a kid? This recipe brings that same nostalgic joy into your kitchen, only better. These oatmeal creme pies are a homemade dupe of the classic snack, but fresher, softer, and packed with real flavor.

I remember how I used to come home from school to find a pack waiting in the snack drawer. It was the best part of my day. Now, making them from scratch brings back those same memories—only this time, the flavor is even richer.

Close-up of homemade oatmeal creme pies with soft oat cookies and thick vanilla filling stacked on a plate

Whether you’re baking for your kids or just craving a bite of the past, these cookies will make you feel like a kid again. Ready to taste the upgrade? Let’s make them.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies that stay moist for days
  • Rich and fluffy vanilla filling that tastes better than store-bought
  • A nostalgic throwback to your favorite childhood snack
  • Simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have
  • No preservatives or artificial flavors
  • Easy to make ahead, store, or freeze for later
  • Perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or a treat-yourself moment

Once you try one, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them in a box.

Plate of oatmeal creme pies with thick vanilla filling and chewy oat cookies on a marble background

Ingredient Spotlight: Why Each One Matters

Understanding your ingredients makes a big difference. Here’s how each one works behind the scenes to create the perfect oatmeal creme pies.

Salted Butter
Adds richness and just enough salt to balance the sweetness. Using salted butter means you don’t need to add much extra salt.

Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar
Brown sugar keeps the cookies moist and chewy while white sugar helps them hold their shape. The mix gives you the best texture and sweetness.

Molasses
This is the secret to that deep, warm flavor you remember from the store-bought version. It also helps with the chewiness.

Eggs
They bind the dough and add structure. Room temperature eggs mix in more smoothly, giving you an even texture.

All-Purpose Flour
Provides the base for the cookies. It holds everything together while keeping them soft.

Baking Soda
This gives the cookies a little lift so they don’t come out too flat.

Cinnamon
Adds a cozy, spiced note that pairs perfectly with the oats and molasses.

Old-Fashioned Oats
These bring that classic oatmeal cookie texture. They’re chewy and hearty, but still soft after baking.

Cinnamon Chips
They melt slightly while baking and give little bursts of flavor in every bite. Optional, but worth adding.

Chilled Dough and Butter
Using cold ingredients and chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too thin. This gives you a thick, bakery-style cookie with a tender bite.

Each of these ingredients has a purpose. When they come together, the result is better than the snack you remember.

How to Make Oatmeal Creme Pies

Follow these simple steps to bake soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with a creamy filling that brings every bite to life.

Close-up of oatmeal creme pie cookie dough with oats in a glass bowl and a spoon inside

1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats so the cookies don’t stick and brown evenly.

Nine unbaked oatmeal cookie dough balls spaced evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Set this bowl aside for later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes one to two minutes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the molasses, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat for another minute until everything is fully combined and the color is lighter.

5. Combine Wet and Dry
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Beat on low until there are no dry spots left in the dough.

6. Add the Oats and Cinnamon Chips
Stir in the oats and cinnamon chips until they are spread evenly throughout the dough. The dough will be thick but easy to scoop.

7. Scoop and Space the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets with space between each ball. The cookies will spread while baking.

8. Bake the Cookies
Place the sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The centers should look just set, not raw. The edges will be lightly golden.

Nine golden brown oatmeal cookies cooling on a wire rack after baking, ready for assembling creme pies

9. Cool on the Pan First
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for five to ten minutes after baking. This lets them firm up before moving.

10. Transfer to Wire Racks
After resting, move the cookies to wire racks so they can cool completely before adding the filling.

Make the Filling While Cookies Bake

1. Beat Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and smooth. Start with one cup of powdered sugar and then add the second after it mixes in to avoid a mess.

2. Add Vanilla and Cream
Pour in the vanilla extract and whipping cream. Beat for about a minute until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

Assemble the Sandwich Cookies

1. Match Cookie Sizes
Find cookies that are close in size and shape so your sandwich cookies look uniform.

2. Add the Filling
Spread about one tablespoon of the filling on the bottom of one cookie. Place another cookie on top, bottom side down, to make a sandwich.

3. Let Them Set
Place the assembled cookies in the fridge or let them rest at room temperature until the filling firms up slightly.

Now you’ve got oatmeal creme pies that look and taste bakery-quality, but made right at home.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

These oatmeal creme pies are easy to prepare ahead of time and store for later. Here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious.

Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cookie dough up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes to make scooping easier.

Storing Baked Cookies
Once the sandwich cookies are assembled, place them in an airtight container. They will stay soft at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing Unbaked Dough
Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, place the frozen dough on a baking sheet and add one or two extra minutes to the baking time. No need to thaw.

Freezing Assembled Cookies
Wrap each sandwich cookie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

These tips make it easy to always have a batch ready, whether you want to prep ahead for a party or save a few for later cravings.

Close-up of homemade oatmeal creme pies with soft oat cookies and thick vanilla filling

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even the best bakers hit a few bumps. Here are quick solutions to the most common issues with oatmeal creme pies so you can get perfect results every time.

Why did the cookies spread and become flat?
This usually happens when the butter is too soft or melted before mixing. Another common reason is skipping the chilling step. Make sure your butter is cold but workable and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the fat stay solid long enough to hold the cookie’s shape in the oven.

Why were the cookies dry and hard?
Overbaking is often the culprit. These cookies should be pulled from the oven when the center still looks slightly soft. They’ll continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet as they cool. Going even a minute too long can dry them out.

Why is my filling too runny or too stiff?
If the filling is runny, the butter may have been too soft or the cream too warm. Chill the mixture briefly and beat again. If the filling is too thick, add a tiny splash of cream and beat until smooth.

How can I get perfectly matched cookie pairs?
Use a cookie scoop to keep portion sizes consistent. For even baking, bake one tray at a time in the center of the oven and rotate halfway through.

Why are my cookies crumbly?
This might be from too much flour. Always spoon and level flour into the measuring cup rather than scooping it straight from the bag. Overmixing can also make the cookies tough, so stop mixing once the dry ingredients are just combined.

With these fixes and tips, you’ll get chewy, soft oatmeal creme pies every time.

Print
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Close-up of homemade oatmeal creme pies with soft oat cookies and thick vanilla filling stacked on a plate

Oatmeal Creme Pies


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  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 16 pies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy oatmeal cookies with a creamy vanilla filling that tastes better than store-bought. A nostalgic treat made fresh at home with simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 and 1/4 cups (20 Tbsp; 282g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon (15ml) unsulphured or dark molasses
  • 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 3 cups (255g) quick oats (not whole oats)
  • Cream Filling:
  • 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line three baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat until combined.
  5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until no dry spots remain.
  6. Stir in quick oats until evenly distributed.
  7. Scoop dough, roll into balls, and place on prepared baking sheets with space between each.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Edges should be golden, centers just set.
  9. Cool on baking sheet for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
  10. For the filling: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add confectioners’ sugar.
  11. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
  12. Match cookies by size, spread filling on one, and top with another to make sandwiches.
  13. Let set at room temperature or chill until the filling firms.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, 1 week in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Let come to room temp before serving for best texture.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pie
  • Calories: 283
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Sodium: 159mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 46mg

A Sweet Finish Worth Every Bite

These oatmeal creme pies bring all the comfort of the original snack with the bonus of homemade freshness. Each bite combines soft oatmeal cookies and creamy vanilla filling in a way that tastes even better than you remember.

They’re easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these sandwich cookies hit the sweet spot every time.

Tried the recipe? Leave a comment or rating and let others know how they turned out. Happy baking.

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FAQs

What do oatmeal cream pies taste like?

They have a soft and chewy texture with a warm, sweet flavor. The cookies are mildly spiced with cinnamon, and the creamy vanilla filling adds a rich, smooth contrast that melts in your mouth.

What is the white stuff in oatmeal cream pies?

The white filling is a simple vanilla cream made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream. It’s light, fluffy, and sweet, balancing perfectly with the soft oatmeal cookies.

What flavors are in oatmeal cream pie?

The main flavors include cinnamon, vanilla, brown sugar, and a hint of molasses. Together, they create that nostalgic taste similar to the classic snack version.

Are oatmeal creme pies healthy?

These are more of a sweet treat than a health food. However, you can make them a bit lighter by swapping in whole wheat flour, using less sugar, or substituting in coconut oil or plant-based butter.

How long do oatmeal creme pies last?

At room temperature, they stay fresh for about three days. In the refrigerator, they can last up to one week. For longer storage, freezing is the best option.Can you freeze

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