Malted Oatmeal Cream Pies
My dad, a high school teacher, still gets Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies. I liked the idea of making something similar but from scratch.
My dad, a high school teacher, still gets Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pies. I liked the idea of making something similar but from scratch.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon malted milk powder (such as carnation original)
- 3 cups quick or old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups confectioners' sugar plus more if needed
- 1 tablespoon malted milk powder (such as carnation original)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk plus more if needed
- Carbohydrate 77.7099595660829 g
- Cholesterol 149.256493055529 mg
- Fat 34.9046703822361 g
- Fiber 3.08107785191912 g
- Protein 7.65282173807149 g
- Saturated Fat 19.6749795799082 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (151g)
- Sodium 343.975069698258 mg
- Sugar 74.6288817141638 g
- Trans Fat 2.81675867367167 g
- Calories 644 calories
Step-by-step
- Make the cookies: Whisk the flour, malted milk powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
- Pulse the oats and almonds in a food processor until coarsely ground; set aside.
- Beat the butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then beat in the vanilla.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour mixture until just combined.
- Add the oat mixture and beat until just combined.
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop 1/4-cup balls of dough (about 24), about 2 inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Freeze until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake the cookies until just golden and crisp around the edges, 15 to 17 minutes.
- Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Make the filling: Beat the butter with the confectioners' sugar and malted milk powder in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-low speed until combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low; add the milk and vanilla and beat until just combined.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, at least 5 minutes. (Add more milk if the filling is too thick; add more confectioners' sugar if it's too thin.)
- Sandwich the filling between the cookies.
A Home Baker's Delight: Malted Oatmeal Cream Pies
As a busy mom, time is a precious commodity. Between juggling work, school runs, and keeping the house somewhat tidy, finding time for elaborate baking projects is often a luxury. But, sometimes, the craving for a comforting, homemade treat is just too strong to ignore. This is where my Malted Oatmeal Cream Pies come in. They’re a delightful blend of nostalgia and deliciousness, a far cry from the store-bought versions, yet surprisingly straightforward to make.
The inspiration struck during one of my many late-night baking sessions. I remembered my own childhood love for those classic oatmeal creme pies, and I yearned to create a healthier, more wholesome version. I also wanted something I could make ahead of time, perfect for those busy mornings when a quick breakfast or after-school treat is essential. These pies ticked all the boxes.
The recipe itself is a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and surprising flavors. The malted milk powder adds a unique depth that elevates these pies above the ordinary. It’s that subtle, almost nutty flavor that sets them apart from your average oatmeal cookie. And grinding the oats, as the recipe suggests, is a game changer; it creates a beautifully textured cookie, almost crumbly but still firm enough to hold the luscious filling.
The process itself is satisfying, a rhythmic dance of whisking, beating, and assembling. It's a recipe that allows for small hands to join in (with proper supervision, of course!), making it a perfect activity for a rainy afternoon or a family bonding experience. The aroma alone is enough to fill your home with warmth and the promise of something truly special. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of a busy lifestyle, moments of simple pleasures, like baking, can bring untold joy.
But the best part? These Malted Oatmeal Cream Pies are versatile. They're a fantastic addition to lunchboxes, a delightful treat for an after-school snack, or even a sophisticated dessert to serve to guests. They're easily customizable too; feel free to experiment with different types of oats or even add in chocolate chips for an extra decadent twist. I’ve even experimented with adding dried cranberries for a touch of tartness, a delicious variation that my kids adore.
These pies aren’t just about the taste; they're about the memories they create. The smiles on my children's faces as they eagerly await their first bite are priceless. These aren't just cookies; they’re a symbol of love, a tangible expression of care baked from the heart, a little piece of homemade happiness. And in the fast-paced world we live in, isn’t that something truly special?
So, the next time you're craving a delicious and comforting treat, give these Malted Oatmeal Cream Pies a try. They're sure to become a new family favorite. And who knows, they might even spark a new tradition in your own home. I'm always looking for new recipe ideas and ways to make baking fun, so feel free to share your own baking adventures in the comments below.
