Name: Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/3 cup tightly packed brown sugar; 2 tbsp milk powder; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup heavy cream; 1/4 tsp vanilla; 4 egg yolks; 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup tightly packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 11 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something utterly indulgent and joyfully chewy, you are going to love this Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe. These cookies combine the hearty texture of classic oatmeal cookies with a luscious, gooey filling inspired by crack pie, creating a dessert that’s addictive in the best way possible. Every bite offers a perfect balance of buttery sweetness and chewy oats, making these cookies a showstopper at any gathering or a delightful treat to elevate your afternoon snack time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a thick, beige dough mixed with visible oat flakes, which has a rough and chunky texture. A white spatula with some colorful specks is stuck inside the dough and partially visible on the right side of the bowl. The bowl is resting on a bright pink cloth over a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a bottle and a gold measuring spoon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe. Each one plays a vital role in contributing to the exceptional flavor and texture, from the creamy filling to the chewy cookie base.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the perfect tender crumb in both filling and cookie.
Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a rich, caramel-like depth to the cookies and filling alike.
Milk powder: Enhances the creaminess and boosts the filling’s smooth texture.
Cornstarch: Works as a thickening agent to keep the filling luxuriously gooey without being runny.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors in every bite.
Unsalted butter: The key to richness and that melt-in-your-mouth quality, used in both melted and room temperature forms.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the filling.
Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that complements the buttery filling and spiced oatmeal.
Egg yolks and whole eggs: Contribute to the structure and promote a chewy yet tender texture.
All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary framework for the cookie dough.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: Bring heartiness, texture, and a wholesome note to counterbalance the sweet filling.
Baking soda: Helps achieve lightness and proper rise in the cookies.

How to Make Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan to ensure nothing sticks. In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk powder (strained through a fine mesh sieve if grainy), cornstarch, and salt on low speed. This delicate mix lays the foundation for a smooth and sweet crack pie-inspired filling.

Step 2: Mix in Butter and Cream

Add the melted butter to the dry ingredient mixture on low speed and mix until everything’s moistened, about 1-2 minutes. Next, pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to mix on low until all streaks of cream vanish. This step ensures the filling is creamy and well combined before the eggs join the party.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg Yolks

Add the egg yolks, two at a time, mixing on low speed until the batter becomes glossy and smooth. This glossy finish signals the filling is ready to be baked, turning into the luscious, gooey layer we’re aiming for.

Step 4: Bake and Chill the Filling

Pour the filling into your prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling around the edges. It might appear thin and buttery at first but rest assured—it will thicken as it cools. Let it cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set perfectly.

Step 5: Whip the Filling

Once chilled and set, scoop out the sticky filling from the pan (get ready—it’s wonderfully sticky!). Using a stand or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the filling on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s luxuriously smooth and spreadable. To make scooping easier, spray your spoon with nonstick spray and place scoops onto a wax paper-lined plate or tray. Pop them in the freezer while you prepare your oatmeal cookie dough.

Step 6: Make the Oatmeal Cookie Dough

Preheat your oven again to 350°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt in a bowl, whisking them together. Cream together the butter and sugars with your mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, finishing by hand if needed to ensure all the oats and flour are evenly mixed without overworking the dough.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies with Filling

Scoop the dough onto your baking sheet using a large ice cream scoop or 1/4 cup measure, spacing only about 4 or 5 cookies at a time as they spread significantly. Lightly press the dough tops to create a flat surface for the filling. Dollop a frozen scoop of the crack pie filling on top of each cookie, then bake for 12-14 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still slightly pale in the center to keep that irresistible gooeyness. Cooling completely is essential so the filling can set properly before serving.

How to Serve Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe

A dark round tray holds about seven large, rough-textured oatmeal cookies with a light brown color and small oatmeal pieces visible throughout, each dusted with a thin layer of white powdered sugar mostly centered on top. The cookies rest on crinkled white parchment paper inside the tray. Around the tray, five more cookies are scattered on a white marbled surface, all similarly dusted with powdered sugar. A soft, white cloth with light gray stripes is partly visible under the tray in the top area. On the right side, part of a white bowl filled with more white powdered sugar is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar lightly sprinkles a touch of elegance over these rustic cookies while adding a subtle sweetness that’s just perfect. For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness of the filling and deepen the flavor complexity.

Side Dishes

Pair these gooey oatmeal cookies with a cold glass of milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea to balance out their rich, buttery filling. They also go wonderfully alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling decadent and want to turn dessert into an unforgettable experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies in a charming cookie tower or arranging them on a rustic wooden board to wow guests at your next party. For a playful twist, serve them with small bowls of additional crack pie filling and oats for dipping or crumbling over, making snack time interactive and extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them tightly sealed to preserve their chewy texture and prevent the filling from drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving.

Reheating

Warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes, just enough to soften the filling and reheate the oats’ toasted flavor without drying out the cookies. This step revives their fresh-baked magic and makes them feel like they just came out of your oven.

FAQs

What is crack pie filling?

Crack pie filling is a rich, buttery, custard-like mixture traditionally made with butter, sugars, eggs, and cream. It’s known for its irresistible sweetness and gooey texture, making it a popular indulgence in sweet pies and, in this recipe, cookie fillings.

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

While you can substitute quick oats, the texture will be less chewy and more cakey. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the cookies that delightful hearty bite, which balances perfectly with the soft filling.

Do I need special equipment for this recipe?

A stand mixer with a paddle and whisk attachment makes mixing easier and more efficient, but a hand mixer or simply vigorous whisking by hand can work as well. Just be patient when whipping the filling to reach the right smooth consistency.

How sticky is the filling? Will it make a mess?

The filling is delightfully sticky but in the best possible way. Using nonstick spray on your scooping utensil helps manage the stickiness, and chilling the filling solidifies it enough to handle more easily during assembly.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free oats, but be aware that the texture might differ slightly. Experimenting is part of the fun, and these cookies still turn out delicious with a gluten-free twist!

Final Thoughts

Making these Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe is truly a rewarding experience that brings together beloved flavors and textures into one unforgettable cookie. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or yourself, these cookies promise to delight with every bite. Don’t wait to give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you endlessly for it!