Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cream Pies (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 - 1 cup brown sugar.
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar.
04 - 2 large eggs.
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract.
06 - 1½ cups all-purpose flour.
07 - 1 tsp baking soda.
08 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
09 - ½ tsp ground nutmeg.
10 - ½ tsp salt.
11 - 1½ cups old-fashioned oats.
12 - 1 cup finely grated carrots.
13 - ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional).
14 - ½ cup raisins (optional).
15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
16 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for filling).
17 - 4 cups powdered sugar.
18 - 1 tsp vanilla extract (for filling).

Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened butter, 1 cup brown sugar, and ½ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
03 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and ½ tsp salt.
05 - Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
06 - Fold in 1½ cups old-fashioned oats, 1 cup grated carrots, and optional walnuts or raisins.
07 - Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto prepared baking sheets, flatten slightly, and space 2 inches apart.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let cookies cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
09 - For the filling: Beat 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter together until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, whipping until light and fluffy.
10 - Spread cream filling on the flat side of half the cookies and top with the remaining cookies to create sandwich cookies.

Notes:

01 - These oatmeal cream pies combine the flavors of carrot cake with soft, chewy cookies and a rich cream cheese filling.
02 - Optional mix-ins like walnuts or raisins add texture and flavor.