Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal

These Salted Caramel Gingerbread Oatmeal Cream Pies are a cozy treat perfect for when you want a little homemade magic with familiar pantry ingredients. They have a perfect blend of spice and sweetness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon. I started making these when I wanted an alternative to typical holiday cookies and now they are requested year-round in my house.

I mixed these up spontaneously after finding molasses and salted caramel in my pantry and we ended up sharing them at our family movie night

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: add a hearty chew and rustic texture look for thick rolled oats not instant for best body
• All-purpose flour: creates a tender base choose a fresh flour that is not overly sifted to keep some structure
• Baking soda: helps cookies rise and spread just right ensure it is fresh for proper leavening
• Ground ginger: brings classic warmth this should be fresh ground or from a sealed container for vibrant spice
• Ground cinnamon: enriches with familiar sweet earthiness pick a quality brand for best flavor
• Ground cloves: contribute a subtle sharpness a little goes a long way so measure carefully
• Salt: balances sweetness and enhances flavors choose fine sea salt for an even mix
• Unsalted butter: used for control over salt amount and creaminess always soften butter before mixing for smooth batter
• Brown sugar: adds moisture and deep caramel notes pick light or dark packed firmly for richness
• Granulated sugar: helps with crispness and sweetness measure accurately for consistency
• Large egg: binds the dough and adds moisture fresh eggs produce the best rise and texture
• Molasses: imparts the signature gingerbread tang look for unsulfured molasses for a pure deep flavor
• Vanilla extract: rounds out and smooths the overall taste use pure vanilla for best aroma
• For the filling, butter: brings creaminess soften beforehand for easiest mixing
• Powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens use sifted for lump free frosting
• Salted caramel sauce: introduces a luxurious punch balance choose a good quality sauce or homemade if possible
• Vanilla extract: for flavor depth add a splash for the best aroma
• A pinch of sea salt: finishes the frosting adding complexity and contrast

Instructions

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these together carefully ensuring spices are well distributed. This step lays the foundation for even flavor and proper texture throughout the cookie.

Cream Butter and Sugars:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar using a mixer or sturdy spoon. Continue until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This air incorporation helps create a tender crumb in your finished cookie.

Add Wet Ingredients:

Beat in the large egg followed by molasses and vanilla extract until fully combined. The molasses is key for that deep gingerbread flavor and moisture so be sure not to skip or substitute with syrup. The wet ingredients will loosen the batter making it easier to combine with dry.

Combine Dry with Wet:

Gradually stir the dry oat and flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until no dry streaks remain. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle and patient. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Shape Cookies:

Drop tablespoon-size balls of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets spacing them about two inches apart. This space allows cookies to spread evenly without merging. For uniform cookies use a cookie scoop or measure carefully.

Bake the Cookies:

Place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Look for firm edges and centers that have set but remain slightly soft. Remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely, don’t skip this step or the filling won’t spread well.

Prepare the Filling:

Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, salted caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Continue mixing until smooth and spreadable. Adjust salted caramel quantity to taste for more or less richness.

Assemble Cream Pies:

Spread a generous amount of filling on the underside of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Press gently to spread filling evenly but avoid squeezing it out. Repeat with remaining cookies and chill if desired to firm up the filling before serving.

My favorite ingredient is the ginger which brings a sparkle of warmth and pairs beautifully with the salted caramel. I remember sharing these with my grandmother who insisted on pairing them with her afternoon cup of tea creating a comforting tradition I cherish.

Storage Tips

Store these cream pies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. They keep well up to four days at room temperature or up to one week refrigerated. Before serving bring to room temperature for best softness.

Ingredient Swaps

You can swap rolled oats for quick oats in a pinch though the texture will be softer. Use coconut oil in place of butter for a dairy-free version but expect a slightly different taste. Replace the salted caramel with softened dulce de leche for a different kind of sweetness.

Serving Ideas

These cream pies are lovely alongside a hot cup of chai or a simple black coffee. Slice into halves and serve as bite-sized treats for gatherings. They also make a special addition atop ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

This recipe blends warm spices with creamy salted caramel for an irresistible treat. Perfect any time you want a cozy homemade dessert with a touch of nostalgia.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What spices enhance the gingerbread flavor?

Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create the warm, aromatic spice blend essential to gingerbread flavors.

→ How do oats influence the texture?

Rolled oats add a hearty chew and rustic texture, complementing the softness of the gingerbread dough.

→ What role does molasses play in the dough?

Molasses contributes deep sweetness and moisture, enriching the dough’s flavor and color.

→ How should the cookies be cooled before filling?

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks to firm up and prevent the filling from melting.

→ What makes the caramel filling balanced in taste?

The salted caramel adds a subtle saltiness that balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor depth.

→ Can the filling be refrigerated before assembling?

Yes, chilling the filling slightly can make it easier to spread without melting the cookies.