Welcome, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and the sweet, spicy flavors of carrot cake. If you’re a fan of indulgent treats, you’ll fall head over heels for these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies. Imagine two spiced, moist oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with a luscious, creamy filling. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or treating yourself, this recipe will deliver every time. Let’s dive into the heartwarming world of carrot cake and oatmeal cookies, blended to perfection!
Introduction
Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies are the perfect dessert for anyone craving a comforting, homemade treat. Rooted in classic American baking, this dish brings together the nostalgic flavors of carrot cake, complete with cinnamon, nutmeg, and oats, in a new, portable form. The addition of a cream cheese filling turns this dessert into a gourmet, irresistible delight. Whether you’re a carrot cake fanatic or just someone who loves chewy cookies, this recipe will surely hit the spot.
The Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies are easy to make, and you can prepare them in under an hour. They have the warmth and richness of classic oatmeal cream pies but with a seasonal twist that elevates the flavors. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will become a new favorite in no time.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
To make these delicious Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry if you need to make adjustments for dietary restrictions; we’ve got substitution suggestions to keep everyone happy!
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies – Step by Step
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3 minutes. Adding air into the butter helps create a soft and chewy cookie base for your Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and structure to your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Stir in Oats, Carrots, and Optional Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 cup of finely grated carrots. If you like a little extra texture, now is the time to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or raisins (optional). These ingredients give the cookies that classic Carrot Cake taste, with a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of a spoon to help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; you want the cookies to stay soft and chewy in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While your cookies cool, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the filling is light and fluffy. This luscious filling will take your Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies to the next level.
Step 9: Assemble the Cream Pies
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the bottom side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches, pressing them together gently. And just like that, you have perfect Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies!
Helpful Tips for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Grate Your Carrots Finely: For the best texture, use finely grated carrots. Large chunks of carrot can make the cookies uneven and less cohesive.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Both the butter and cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Add a Little Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
Cooking Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Oven Temperature: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F before baking. This allows the cookies to bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown edge.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg will make all the difference in this recipe. Their robust flavors bring warmth and depth to the cookies.
- Best Cookie Texture Hack: If you prefer chewier cookies, try underbaking them by a minute or two. This keeps the center soft while the edges remain crisp.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
These Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect afternoon snack or dessert. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with a bit of caramel sauce. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can also crumble them into parfaits or layer them in a trifle.
Nutritional Information
These delightful cream pies may feel indulgent, but they also pack a bit of nutritional value thanks to the oats and carrots. Plus, walnuts add a healthy dose of omega-3s, and the cream cheese provides calcium. Here’s a snapshot of the nutritional benefits.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Storage and Leftovers for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine), store your Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready to enjoy, you can either eat them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. These pies also freeze well! Just wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help the cookies hold their structure.
2. Can I omit the nuts and raisins?
Absolutely. The nuts and raisins are optional, so feel free to leave them out if you prefer a smoother texture or want to avoid allergens.
3. Can I make the filling less sweet?
You can adjust the sweetness of the cream cheese filling by reducing the amount of powdered sugar. Start with 3 cups and add more to taste if needed.
4. Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Yes, but the texture will be slightly different. Old-fashioned oats provide more chewiness, while quick oats create a softer cookie.
Related Recipes for Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pie Lovers
For more delicious treats like these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies, check out these similar recipes from Optimal Recipes:
Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread: A Zesty Loaf Recipe
Caramelized Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Conclusion
We hope you love these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies as much as we do! They’re a delightful blend of flavors and textures, bringing together the warmth of carrot cake and the chewy goodness of oatmeal cookies. Don’t forget to share your thoughts, variations, or tips in the comments below! Happy baking! 😊
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Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies – Soft, Chewy & Delicious
Description
Welcome, fellow food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a dessert that combines the best of two worlds: soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and the sweet, spicy flavors of carrot cake. If you’re a fan of indulgent treats, you’ll fall head over heels for these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies. Imagine two spiced, moist oatmeal cookies sandwiched together with a luscious, creamy filling. Whether you’re making these for a family gathering or treating yourself, this recipe will deliver every time. Let’s dive into the heartwarming world of carrot cake and oatmeal cookies, blended to perfection!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies won’t stick, and cleanup will be a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3 minutes. Adding air into the butter helps create a soft and chewy cookie base for your Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and structure to your cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Stir in Oats, Carrots, and Optional Add-ins
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of old-fashioned oats and 1 cup of finely grated carrots. If you like a little extra texture, now is the time to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or raisins (optional). These ingredients give the cookies that classic Carrot Cake taste, with a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. Flatten each scoop slightly with the back of a spoon to help the cookies bake evenly.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. Be careful not to overbake; you want the cookies to stay soft and chewy in the center. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
While your cookies cool, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the filling is light and fluffy. This luscious filling will take your Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies to the next level.
Step 9: Assemble the Cream Pies
Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese filling onto the bottom side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches, pressing them together gently. And just like that, you have perfect Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Grate Your Carrots Finely: For the best texture, use finely grated carrots. Large chunks of carrot can make the cookies uneven and less cohesive.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Both the butter and cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and optimal texture.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Add a Little Zest: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese filling.
