Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite as cozy as a warm kitchen filled with the scent of baking spices. Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies bring together the comforting flavors of eggnog and the chewiness of oatmeal cookies, making each bite feel like a warm hug. You’ll love how they capture the essence of the season, from the first taste of creamy eggnog filling to the delightful chew of the spiced oatmeal cookies.
These sweet treats are perfect for family gatherings, cozy brunches, or even that last-minute bake sale. You know those weekends when everything feels a bit busier? These cream pies can be whipped up in no time. Plus, they’re so delicious that everyone, from grandparents to kids, will eagerly ask for seconds. Baking these pies is not just about the snacks; it’s about the joy of creating something special to share with loved ones.
Imagine gathering around the table with your family, cookies sandwiched between cheerful chatter and laughter. There’s something truly magical about creating these moments in the kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.
how to make Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies
Baking these delightful treats is as simple as it is rewarding. Once you gather your ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly they come together. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this cozy baking adventure.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 3 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup eggnog
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that cozy warmth filling your kitchen.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the **softened butter**, **brown sugar**, and **granulated sugar** until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Beat in the **eggs**, one at a time. Don’t rush! Let each egg blend in before adding the next. Then stir in the **vanilla extract**.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, and **salt**. This combination brings out the warm spices that make eggnog so special.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring well after each addition. Your dough will start to come together beautifully.
6. Now, fold in the rolled oats. You want them evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These will spread a little during baking.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake! Allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
9. For the filling, beat together the **butter**, **powdered sugar**, **eggnog**, and **vanilla** in a mixing bowl until fluffy. This hassle-free buttercream is where the magic happens.
10. Spread or pipe the eggnog buttercream onto the flat side of a cooled cookie, sandwiching it with another cookie. There you go, your sweet and festive eggnog oatmeal cream pies are ready to enjoy!
how to serve Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies
Serving these cookies is half the fun! You can present them just as they are, sitting prettily on a dessert platter, or even stack them high for that cozy, inviting look. Imagine setting them out during festive gatherings, where friends reach for one (or two) while sharing holiday stories.
Pair them with a steaming cup of spiced tea or a rich hot chocolate for additional comfort. If you want to get extra festive, a sprinkle of nutmeg on top of your drink can amplify those holiday flavors. Guests will love the pairing, and the combination of textures will leave them smiling.
If you’re hosting a brunch, consider making your eggnog pies miniature! Simply use smaller dollops of dough and filling for bite-sized treats. People will love popping these delightful little bites.
how to store Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies
To keep your cookies fresh and delightful, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the cookies to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll last about a week at room temperature, but trust me, they won’t last that long!
If you want them to stay fresh for even longer, consider freezing them. You can freeze both cookies and filling separately. Just let them thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature before assembling. That way, you can enjoy these festive treats long after the holiday season is over.
tips to make Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a creamy, well-combined batter. If you’re short on time, place the eggs in warm water for a few minutes.
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Don’t Overbake: It can be tempting to leave cookies in a bit longer, but a gentle watch will ensure they stay soft and chewy. Pull them out when they are just lightly browned and let them cool on the baking sheet. They continue cooking a little as they cool.
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Mix Gently: When adding oats and dry ingredients to your butter mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. You want them soft and chewy to create that perfect sandwich with the filling.
variation
Want to switch things up? Try adding chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a delightful twist! The rich chocolate pairs splendidly with the eggnog flavor, adding a touch of indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even stir in some dried cranberries or nuts for a bit of texture and flavor contrast.
Another fun variation is to use flavored eggnog. There are many types available this time of year, like spiced eggnog or even pumpkin spice. Each will lend a unique twist to your filling.
Pro Tips for Success
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Chill the Dough: If you have the time, chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors meld together nicely and can prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
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Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to play with the spice level! If you love nutmeg or cinnamon, feel free to add a bit more. A pinch of ground ginger could also give a wonderful warmth to the mix.
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Pipe the Filling: For a professional touch, try piping the eggnog filling instead of spreading it. Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to create beautiful swirls. Not only does it look impressive, but it also allows for a more even distribution of filling.
Serving Ideas
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Gift Giving: Wrap these delicious pies in a pretty cellophane bag tied with a festive bow. They make thoughtful homemade gifts for neighbors and friends during the holidays.
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Dessert Charcuterie Board: Include your eggnog cream pies on a dessert charcuterie board, along with chocolates, nuts, and seasonal fruits. It’s a fun and festive way to serve dessert during parties.
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Holiday Brunch Feature: Make these Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies the star of your holiday brunch spread. Alongside some warm cider and freshly brewed coffee, they will steal the show.
FAQs
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Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Absolutely! Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they may make the cookies a bit less chewy. Rolled oats are preferred for their texture. -
What type of eggnog should I use?
You can use store-bought or homemade eggnog. Choose your favorite flavor to enhance the pie’s taste. -
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It should work beautifully! -
How can I make the filling dairy-free?
You can replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond milk or coconut milk eggnog. Just keep a close eye on the consistency during mixing.
Quick Recap
Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies are not just another dessert; they embody the warmth and joy of the holiday season. From the soft, chewy cookies to the creamy filling, every bite is a taste of comfort. Bake these delightful treats this weekend, and fill your home with sweet aromas and special memories. You’ll be glad you did!
Eggnog Oatmeal Cream Pies
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Make sure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs At room temperature.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon Can be increased for more spice.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg Use fresh ground for better flavor.
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups rolled oats Quick oats may be used, but rolled oats are preferred.
For the Filling
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened At room temperature.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup eggnog Can use flavored eggnog for variations.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, allowing each to blend in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring well after each addition.
- Fold in the rolled oats until evenly distributed.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool on the baking sheet.
Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, powdered sugar, eggnog, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Spread or pipe the eggnog buttercream onto the flat side of a cooled cookie and sandwich it with another cookie.