Ginger Cream Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings warmth and comfort, you’ve come to the right place! These Ginger Cream Pies are not just any cookies; they are a sweet embrace of chewy ginger molasses cookies filled with fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting. Every bite is like a cozy hug, making them perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying on a busy weeknight. I can assure you, once you try these out, they will become a staple in your home!

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just need a little treat to brighten your day, these Ginger Cream Pies will surely be a hit. They are easy to whip up and even more fun to share with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, these Ginger Cream Pies come together effortlessly.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and spicy flavors of ginger combined with creamy frosting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Bake the cookies in advance, and whip up the filling just before serving for maximum freshness.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday party, a potluck, or a cozy night in with your favorite movie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for these Ginger Cream Pies is half the fun! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies

• 2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup molasses (cooking or fancy molasses work best)

For the Filling

• 1/3 cup white sugar (or coarse sugar)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup vegan marshmallows cream (about 1/2 of a 7.5 ounce jar)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 – 1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream

Variations

One of the best things about these Ginger Cream Pies is their flexibility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Zest: Mix in the zest of an orange or lemon for an added citrusy spark.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice to change up the flavor profile.
• Nutty Twist: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the cookie dough for extra texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Ginger Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. Pre-measuring them makes mixing much easier and helps ensure that you don’t forget anything!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. This step is important because it evenly distributes all the spices throughout the dough.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your mixture, which helps create soft cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and molasses to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until combined; this adds moisture and flavor to our delicious cookie base.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until they are set but still soft in the middle. Let them cool on the pan before transferring them to wire racks.

Step 7: Make the Filling

While your cookies cool down, prepare the filling by beating together softened butter with vegan marshmallow cream and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.

Step 8: Assemble Ginger Cream Pies

Once cooled, spread a generous amount of filling on one cookie and top it with another cookie to create a sandwich. Press gently but firmly so everything sticks together beautifully.

And there you have it—your very own batch of deliciously chewy Ginger Cream Pies! Enjoy them fresh or store them in an airtight container for later indulgence. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Ginger Cream Pies

Making Ginger Cream Pies is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll be sure to impress everyone with your baking skills!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter and egg to room temperature ensures that they incorporate smoothly into the dough, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

• Chill the dough: After mixing your cookie dough, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, maintaining their perfect shape.

• Don’t skip the molasses: Molasses adds a rich flavor and chewiness to your cookies. It’s essential for achieving that classic ginger taste, so use a good quality molasses for the best results.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer less sweetness, feel free to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting. Balancing the flavors will allow the spices in the cookie to shine through.

• Store properly: To keep your Ginger Cream Pies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay deliciously soft for several days!

How to Serve Ginger Cream Pies

Ginger Cream Pies are not just tasty; they also make a beautiful presentation. Here are some ways to serve them that will surely impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a beautiful finish and enhances the visual appeal without overwhelming the flavors.

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A dash of cinnamon on top of each pie can enhance the warm spice notes and make them even more inviting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla coconut ice cream: This creamy dessert pairs wonderfully with Ginger Cream Pies, providing a cool contrast to the warm spices in the cookies.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the pies, making for a lighter accompaniment.

• Chai tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea complement ginger perfectly and create a cozy pairing that’s great for any gathering.

• Nutty granola: A side of crunchy nutty granola adds texture and can be enjoyed as a snack alongside your sweet treats, enhancing their flavor profile.

Enjoy crafting these delightful Ginger Cream Pies and serving them up with flair! Your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Ginger Cream Pies are a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, which means when the sweet cravings hit, you’ll be ready with a delightful treat. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover ginger cream pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• To freeze the ginger cream pies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, let the ginger cream pies thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
• If you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about Ginger Cream Pies that might help!

Can I make Ginger Cream Pies gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. This will still give you those delicious chewy cookies.

How long do Ginger Cream Pies last?

When stored properly, these delightful cookies will stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or even longer if refrigerated.

Are Ginger Cream Pies vegan-friendly?

Yes! This recipe uses vegan marshmallow cream and can easily be adapted by using plant-based butter alternatives. Enjoy these scrumptious treats without worrying about animal products!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has brought to mine! These Ginger Cream Pies are not only tasty but also perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any time you need a pick-me-up. I encourage you to try making them yourself; I’m sure you’ll love every bite. Happy baking!