Oatmeal Cream Pies

Earlier in the week, I saw a coworker eating an oatmeal cream pie with her lunch, and I was immediately taken back to the days of elementary school, where I would eagerly open my lunchbox to see what goodies my mom had packed for me. That got me thinking that I should try making my own version of the oatmeal cream pie. The recipe ended up being super easy to make, and the end result was amazing. It made 18 “pies”, so I took several into work with me, and everyone agreed: they tasted fresh, the consistency was perfect and they were actually better than the original. Make these as soon as you can, and relive some of the childhood excitement of knowing a treat is waiting for you.

Adapted from this recipe

Ingredients:

For the cookies:
-1 cup butter substitute
-3/4 cup dark brown sugar
-1/2 cup sugar
-1 tablespoon molasses
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-2 eggs
-1 1/2 cups flour
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1 teaspoon baking soda
-1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
-1 1/2 cups quick oats

 For the cream filling:
-2 teaspoons very hot water
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 (7oz) jar marshmallow cream
-1/2 cup shortening
-1/3 cup powdered sugar
-1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

-In a large bowl, cream the butter substitute, sugars, molasses, vanilla, and eggs.

-In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon.

-Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; stir in the oats.

-Place parchment paper onto cookie sheets, and drop the dough by the tablespoon onto the sheets, using an ice cream scoop.

-Bake at 350 F for 10-12 minutes,or until just starting to brown around the edges. Cookies will look moist, but be sure not to overcook.

-While the cookies bake, prepare the filling.

-In a small bowl, dissolve the salt in the hot water and allow to cool completely.

-Combine the marshmallow cream, shortening, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a medium bowl; mix on high until fluffy. Add the cooled salt water to the cream mixture and mix well.

-Spread filling on flat side of one cookie and press second cookie on top to form a "pie".