Oatmeal Buttercream Pie Cookies

I grew up in a family where sugary treats and junk food were not the norm. Perhaps that’s why I’ve become an avid baker. The “junk food” that made an appearance most frequently was chocolate covered almonds. Although, I could always count on my Dad to keep the freezer stocked with ice cream. Aside from those two things though, I was pretty deprived (then)/fortunate (now). My knowledge of treats was left up to the outside world and friends.

I can’t remember where I was or who I was with when I tasted my first whoopie pie or oatmeal pie cookie. I do remember that it was a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie. Two soft oatmeal cookies flavored with molasses and cinnamon sandwiching a super sweet and rich cream center. I was hooked. And so grateful to know desserts like that existed.

Last year was the first time I made a homemade variety when I baked these Oatmeal Cream Whoopie Pies. If it sounds like something you’d like, I encourage you to try! The recipe is similar but the inside cream is marshmallow based. The inside cream of the recipe today (and below), is buttercream. Pick your poison! :-p

They’re really easy to make. You bake off a batch of super soft cookies with warming cinnamon and cloves, molasses, and oats. While they cool, you whip together the buttercream and then create your sandwiches. I save this recipe for special occasions because they’re my definition of the ultimate indulgence (or junk food). But we all have to indulge sometimes, and these are perfect for those times.