Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies – A Festive Twist on a Classic Treat
If there’s one holiday dessert that instantly sparks nostalgia, coziness, and the irresistible scent of Christmas spices drifting through the kitchen, it’s Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies. These festive cookie sandwiches are a seasonal twist on the beloved classic—soft, chewy oatmeal cookies paired with a fluffy vanilla cream filling—made even more magical with warm spices, apple cider, and holiday colors. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas party, packaging homemade gifts, or planning a festive dessert board, this recipe is guaranteed to become a yearly favorite.
From the moment these cookies bake and lightly caramelize around the edges, filling your home with cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple notes, you’ll know you’re in for something truly special. And because they store beautifully and taste even better the second day, these cream pies are a perfect make-ahead option for busy holiday weeks.
In this in-depth Christmas baking guide, you’ll discover everything you need to make flawless Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies: festive ingredient notes, expert baking tips, fun variations, storage directions, serving suggestions, and more. This is more than a recipe—it’s a full baking experience that captures the magic of the season.
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies
These aren’t your average oatmeal cream pies. This holiday-inspired version is bursting with flavor, texture, and festive cheer. Here’s why you’ll make them every December:
1. Soft, Chewy, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
The perfect cream pie begins with a cookie that is gently crisp around the edges and irresistibly soft in the center. Apple cider adds moisture while brown sugar boosts chewiness.
2. Holiday Flavors in Every Bite
A carefully balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional cloves creates the classic “Christmas bakery” aroma and flavor profile.
3. Perfectly Whipped Vanilla Filling
The cream filling is silky, fluffy, and smooth—sweet but not overly sugary. It spreads beautifully and holds up well between the cookies.
4. Crowd-Friendly and Kid-Approved
No fancy decorating skills needed—yet they look impressive, taste gourmet, and offer that nostalgic holiday comfort food vibe.
5. Ideal for Gifting and Parties
Wrap them in wax paper, place them in treat boxes, or serve them on a dessert board. They keep beautifully for days.
Ingredients for Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies
You’ll only need simple pantry staples plus a few festive additions to elevate the flavor. The ingredients are divided into two components: cookie batter and filling.
Cookie Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 0.5 tsp nutmeg
- 0.25 tsp cloves (optional but adds holiday warmth)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg, large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.75 cup apple cider
Filling
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp cream or milk
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to ensure even browning.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly distributes the spices evenly, which enhances holiday flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In another mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter and brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy—this step gives your cookies the soft, pillowy structure that oatmeal cream pies are known for.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating until everything is combined, forming a smooth base for the cookie batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture. Alternate between adding dry ingredients and apple cider to prevent overmixing and to maintain a soft, silky texture.
6. Scoop and Shape
Drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop or tablespoon. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart—they spread slightly while baking. Give each mound a gentle flatten with the back of a spoon to help shape the classic cream pie form.
7. Bake to Perfection
Place the cookies in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re set on top and lightly golden around the edges. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks so they don’t melt the filling later.
8. Prepare the Filling
In a new bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Add cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency—smooth, spreadable, and fluffy.
9. Assemble Your Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies
Pair cookies of the same size. Spread a generous amount of vanilla cream on the bottom of one cookie, then sandwich with another. Press gently until the filling spreads to the edges.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies
1. Don’t Overbake
Overbaked cookies will become too firm and won’t deliver that signature cream pie softness. Remove them when the edges just start to turn golden.
2. Chill the Cookies Before Filling
If your cookies feel warm, chill them briefly so the cream doesn’t melt.
3. Add Festive Decorations
Roll the cookie edges in holiday sprinkles for a fun, colorful finish.
4. Infuse Stronger Holiday Flavor
Add orange zest, cardamom, or a splash of rum extract for more Christmas flair.
5. Make Them Gluten-Free
Use a high-quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free rolled oats.
Variations
Take your cream pies to the next level with these seasonal twists:
1. Peppermint Twist
Add crushed candy canes to the filling.
2. Gingerbread Version
Replace ¼ cup flour with molasses and boost the spices.
3. Chocolate-Dipped Cream Pies
Dip half of each cookie sandwich in melted dark or white chocolate.
4. Cranberry Orange Cream Pies
Fold dried cranberries into the batter and add orange zest to the filling.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm apple cider or hot cocoa.
- Add them to a holiday cookie charcuterie board.
- Wrap individually as edible gifts for teachers, coworkers, or friends.
- Serve chilled for a firmer texture or room temperature for extra softness.
Storage
These cookies store beautifully, making them great for holiday meal prep.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days for firmer cream.
- Freeze assembled cookies for up to 2 months.
Fun Christmas Fact
Oatmeal cookies date back to the 1800s, but their transformation into cream-filled sandwiches is a uniquely American innovation. By adding Christmas spices and festive flair, this recipe blends nostalgic tradition with modern holiday baking trends—creating a cookie that feels both classic and joyfully new.
Christmas Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.
