Ginger Cream Pies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings warmth to any occasion, these Ginger Cream Pies are just what you need! With their chewy ginger molasses cookies and fluffy vegan marshmallow frosting, they wrap up the cozy essence of home-baked goodness. They’re perfect for family gatherings, festive celebrations, or even a sweet surprise after a busy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite of these little beauties, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

This recipe is not just about flavor; it’s about creating memories. The combination of spices and sweetness in these cookies will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your apron and let’s dive into making these irresistible Ginger Cream Pies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Chewy and Flavorful: The ginger molasses cookies are soft and packed with warm spices that dance on your palate.
• Family-Friendly: These treats are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them the perfect dessert to share!
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, whipping up these delights is a breeze.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the holidays or a casual get-together, these pies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the cookies ahead of time and assemble them when you’re ready to serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Ginger Cream Pies is simple because the ingredients are wholesome and easy to find. 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 Frosting

• 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cookie dough for a citrusy twist.
• Nutty Goodness: Mix in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Spicy Kick: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Chocolate Delight: Swap some flour for cocoa powder to create chocolate ginger cream pies – an unexpected delight!

How to Make Ginger Cream Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout your cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and both sugars until creamy. This step is important because it helps incorporate air into the mixture, making your cookies light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Now add in the egg and vanilla extract followed by the molasses. Mix until everything is well combined. The molasses not only adds sweetness but gives those lovely cookies their rich flavor and dark color.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies—nobody wants that!

Step 5: Form Your Cookies

Scoop out tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving enough space between each scoop as they will spread while baking. Bake for about 10 minutes until they are set but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This cooling time allows them to firm up nicely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cookies cool down, prepare the frosting by beating together softened butter with vegan marshmallow cream until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar until you reach your desired sweetness.

Step 8: Assemble Your Ginger Cream Pies

To assemble, spread frosting on one cookie half and top it with another cookie half. Press gently so that they stick together but don’t squish out all that creamy goodness!

Enjoy these delicious Ginger Cream Pies with family and friends—they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Pro Tips for Making Ginger Cream Pies

Creating the perfect Ginger Cream Pies can be a joyous experience, and these tips will help ensure your cookies are a delightful success!

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerating your cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in chewy, thick cookies.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile of your Ginger Cream Pies. A robust spice mix will provide that warm, cozy flavor we all love in ginger desserts.
• Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Using precise measurements ensures that the texture and taste of your cookies turn out just right. Invest in a digital kitchen scale for best results.
• Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be soft but set around the edges—overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Let Them Cool Completely: Allowing your cookies to cool on a wire rack before frosting them is essential. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps maintain its fluffy texture.

How to Serve Ginger Cream Pies

These Ginger Cream Pies are not only tasty but also visually appealing, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Here are some fun presentation ideas!

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar Dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful touch and enhances sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A sprinkle of cinnamon on top gives an aromatic finish that complements the ginger perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a lovely contrast to the spiced cookies, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds a burst of freshness and balances out the sweetness of the pies.
• Spiced Chai Tea: A warm cup of spiced chai tea pairs beautifully with these cookies, enhancing their flavors with rich spices.
• Chocolate Dipping Sauce: For those who love chocolate, a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate sauce elevates these treats into an even more decadent dessert experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Ginger Cream Pies will be a hit at any occasion! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Ginger Cream Pies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious treats throughout the week. Their delightful flavors and chewy texture make them a hit at any gathering or just as a comforting snack at home.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your Ginger Cream Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate them for an extended freshness of up to a week.
• To maintain their softness, place a piece of bread in the container with the cookies.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before serving!

Reheating

• For a warm treat, microwave the cookies for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookies for 5-7 minutes.
• Enjoy them fresh and gooey with their cream filling!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Ginger Cream Pies:

Can I use a different type of flour for Ginger Cream Pies?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends! Just ensure that it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to achieve the right texture.

How can I make my Ginger Cream Pies more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like cardamom or even a dash of cayenne can elevate the flavor profile of your Ginger Cream Pies. Experiment and find your perfect blend!

What can I substitute in place of molasses for these Ginger Cream Pies?

If you don’t have molasses on hand, dark corn syrup or honey can work as substitutes. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor.

Are these Ginger Cream Pies vegan?

While this recipe includes butter and egg, you can easily veganize it by using plant-based butter and flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Ginger Cream Pies as I am! Their delightful blend of spices and creamy filling will surely bring warmth to your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them solo, they promise to be a sweet addition to your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!