Name: Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-490691H7M7S
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 extract; 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

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Imagine biting into a cookie that’s not only soft and chewy with all the wholesome goodness of oatmeal but also topped with a luscious, caramel-like filling that practically melts in your mouth. That’s exactly what you get with the Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe, a decadent treat combining the hearty texture of oats and the irresistible richness of classic crack pie filling. These cookies are a blissful balance of gooey sweetness and comforting chewiness that will have you coming back for just one more, and trust me, they’re totally worth every indulgent bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large metal mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a thick, crumbly, light brown dough that has a rough texture and bits of small grains visible. The dough clings slightly to the sides of the bowl, showing it is sticky but firm. Next to the bowl, a white container holds a single brown egg, adding a simple contrast to the scene. The image is taken from above, highlighting the texture and mixture in the bowl clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s both textured and indulgent. Every element plays a key role—oats bring chewiness, butter adds richness, and the unique filling is what sets this recipe apart from ordinary cookies.

Granulated sugar (3/4 cup for filling, 1/2 cup for cookies): Sweetens the filling and cookie dough evenly without overpowering.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup for filling, 3/4 cup for cookies): Adds deep molasses flavor and moisture, perfect for chewiness.
Milk powder (2 tbsp for filling): Enhances creaminess and helps thicken the crack pie filling beautifully.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp for filling): Provides that silky, gooey texture to the filling that’s impossible to resist.
Salt (3/4 tsp for filling, 1 tsp for cookies): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted for filling, 1 cup room temp for cookies): Gives richness and that tender texture for both components.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup for filling): Adds decadence and smooths out the crack pie filling perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp for filling, 1 tsp for cookies): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
Egg yolks (4 for filling): Create a luscious, custard-like consistency in the filling.
Whole egg + 1 egg yolk (for cookies): Help bind and enrich the oatmeal cookie dough.
All-purpose flour (1 cup for cookies): Gives structure to the cookie, balancing the oats and filling.
Old-fashioned rolled oats (3 cups for cookies): Provide hearty chew and wholesome texture in every bite.
Baking soda (1 tsp for cookies): Ensures the cookies rise just right to hold the gooey topping.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Crack Pie Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350F and greasing an 8×8-inch pan because this filling needs a sturdy base to bake beautifully. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, combine the sugars, milk powder, cornstarch, and salt on low speed until everything is well blended. A quick tip: if your milk powder feels grainy, push it through a sieve first to keep the filling silky smooth. Slowly add melted butter while mixing just until the dry ingredients are moistened.

Step 2: Incorporate Cream, Vanilla, and Egg Yolks

Add the heavy cream and vanilla, mixing on low until the batter looks completely homogenous with no white streaks of cream left. Then, add the egg yolks a couple at a time, still mixing on low speed, until the batter turns glossy and smooth. This step creates the signature gooey, custard-like texture that makes this filling so addictive.

Step 3: Bake and Chill the Filling

Pour the filling into your prepared pan and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Look for bubbling edges and a golden brown color – the center will still look slightly soft, but that’s perfect since it thickens as it cools. Let it come to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling step is key because it helps the filling firm up so you can scoop it later without a sticky mess.

Step 4: Prepare the Oatmeal Cookie Dough

With the oven still at 350F, line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. In a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy—this aeration is what makes the cookies tender. Beat in the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then slowly add the dry mix. The dough will be thick and sturdy, so don’t be shy about finishing the mixing by hand, making sure to scrape down the sides.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Cookies

Using a large ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup, portion out the dough onto the prepared pan, no more than 4 or 5 at a time, since they spread quite a bit. Lightly press down on each mound to create a flat surface for your filling. Using a teaspoon, scoop out chilled filling from the freezer (spray the spoon with nonstick spray to manage stickiness) and place a dollop on each cookie. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until edges turn a soft golden brown but centers remain pale. Cool completely so the filling sets to that perfect gooey finish.

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

The image shows two round oatmeal cookies with a golden-brown color and a rough, crumbly texture. Each cookie has a light dusting of white powdered sugar on top, concentrated mostly in the middle and spreading lightly outward. One cookie is on a white marbled surface near the center, while the other is slightly overlapping on the right side. A silver sifter with a wooden handle, filled with powdered sugar, is placed above the cookies over a soft beige striped cloth. In the lower part of the image, part of a round metal tray with similar cookies lined with white parchment paper is visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A delicate dusting of powdered sugar elevates these cookies beautifully, adding just a touch of extra sweetness and a snowy finish. For a little extra flair, you can also sprinkle finely chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the textures.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that’s simply unforgettable. You can also enjoy them alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk — the gooey filling balances perfectly with any comforting beverage.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the cookies on a rustic wooden platter with edible flowers or fresh berries for a charming contrast. You might also sandwich two cookies together with extra crack pie filling for an irresistible twist on a classic cookie sandwich presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep the cookies soft and the filling luscious. If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate them—they’ll last about a week there.

Freezing

If you want to save them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To warm up your cookies, pop them in a 300F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds to revive that ooey-gooey filling and fresh-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make the crack pie filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! The filling actually benefits from chilling overnight as it firms up and develops those luscious textures, making it easier to scoop and nestle on your cookies.

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

Old-fashioned oats give the best texture and chew, but in a pinch, you can use quick oats. Just be aware the cookies will have a slightly different texture—softer and less hearty.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

This recipe doesn’t require chilling the dough, but if your kitchen is warm, a short chill helps keep the cookies from spreading too much for a thicker cookie base.

What does the milk powder do in the filling?

Milk powder adds creaminess and depth to the filling without extra liquid, helping it thicken to that gooey, luscious consistency that’s the star of these cookies.

Can I substitute the heavy cream in the filling?

Heavy cream is ideal for richness and texture, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though keep in mind the filling won’t be as rich or gooey.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cookie that feels both familiar and utterly inventive, the Gooey Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Crack Pie Filling Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that come together in a delightfully addictive treat. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile and a happy sigh with every bite. So grab your ingredients, get that oven warmed up, and prepare for some seriously delicious cookie magic.