An oatmeal cream pie (also spelled oatmeal "creme" pies) are an old fashioned cookie that's been around for decades and for good reason. We know of the iconic Little Debbie version (I ate far too many as a kid) but now I much prefer them without all the self stabilizing additives, artificial flavors and added color. And of course made with fresh butter instead of various oils is better.

These homemade oatmeal cream pies are a family favorite which makes sense because they are basically an upgraded oatmeal cookie with a frosting filling. They are easy to make and the flavors never disappoint!

With each cookie you get a welcome blend of chewy textures, crisp golden brown edges a soft center (as it should be), with oat-y flavors and highlights warm winter spices and hints of deep molasses. Then for the filling it's a buttery, creamy, frosting type filling, with its sweetness balanced by a small addition of cream cheese (I preferred this option to using cream with the butter and sugar when taste testing).

It's a memorable treat that will always satisfy those homemade cookie cravings. Enjoy them together with family or friends, and serve them with a chilled glass of milk, or warm apple cider during the colder months.

Halloween Gingerbread Cookies

After just one bite I have the feeling these will become a new Halloween tradition for you. Not only are they such a cute Halloween cookie, but they are an intensely delicious treat too (every time I make them I think I eat half the batch myself!).

They have an abundance of warm ginger (which can be toned down for little kids and cut in half if preferred), and the deeply flavored, thick molasses keeps them soft for days. And that crisp bright icing is the perfect contrast and finish.

Forget trick-or-treat candy—this is the new highlight of the season. And if you do have kids at home let them help decorate they'll have a blast! Decorate skeleton gingerbread Halloween cookies as part of a Halloween class party activity, family Halloween party treat, or take them to a Halloween party to make a seriously spooky impression.

Special Equipment Needed for Halloween Gingerbread Men

You'll need the kitchen standards here such as an electric mixer, rolling pin, cookie sheets, parchment paper, a kitchen scale or measuring cups. Then also:

• Black edible food marker: I tested two different brands and preferred the Wilton edible markers.
• A piping bag for the icing.
• Small plain round tip such as #3 or #4 size.
• Gingerbread cookie cutter.

Classic Ginger Molasses Cookies

So what's the difference between molasses cookies and gingersnaps? While both have similar flavors molasses cookies are soft, moist and chewy while gingersnaps are crisp, snappier and drier. Personally I prefer the first because of those tempting textural attributes.

These are a popular Christmas cookie that has stood the test of time and for good reason. They are a great tradition with their festive spiced flavors, a pretty sparkly finish, plus they are fun and easy to make.

These old fashioned treats have a very robust, inviting flavor that you'll crave time and time again! Truly a holiday staple.

Baste over grilled chicken and pair with easiest coleslaw and grilled corn on the cob to complete the meal!

Easy BBQ Sauce

Here you blend pantry staples with those refrigerator door condiments to create an incredibly flavorful and crave-able barbecue sauce everyone will request again and again!

BBQ sauce is a classic summertime staple and when you top your next grilled dinner with a this easy homemade bbq sauce you may just never look back to store-bought.

It's likely to take over you're new favorite spot beating out those famous grocery store brands like Sweet Baby Rays, Stubbs and Bull's Eye.

All it takes is a bit of measuring and simmering on the stove and you’ve got the perfect DIY sauce. Then from there you've got endless possibilities of ways to use it up (scroll down for some ideas).

Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread men are such a Christmas classic and it's about time I finally got around to sharing a recipe!

I've always loved gingerbread cookies but I'm not so much of a fan of the cracker-like ones so I made these to be a slightly softer cookie. If you do prefer a crispier cookie just roll the dough a bit thinner than listed and even bake a little longer if needed.

I made these cookies to be a little more mild on the molasses flavor so they'll still be kid friendly.

You'll that the dough was easy to work with and doesn't need a long time to chill.

These are so good and definitely a cookie that both young and old alike will love! Plus they're so fun to decorate, every holiday season you need to decorate at least one batch of cookies right?

My kids got my first test batch to decorate and I gave them tons of sprinkles to decorate and they were in Heaven!

And who doesn't love the scent of gingerbread cookies baking? It is Heavenly!

I hope these make it to your holiday cookie tray! The are such a delicious tradition and we all need a delicious, reliable gingerbread cookie recipe.

These ribs are unbelievably tender. We've had bad ribs that you have to chew of the bone and that are unfavorably tough. These are anything but. The meat falls right off the bone and melts in your mouth!

Slow Cooker Ribs with a Homemade BBQ Sauce

Another thing I really love about this recipe is this homemade bbq sauce. It's flavored just how I like. It's lightly sweet and tangy, it's rich and has good depth, and it's slightly smokey with a little kick.

The other great thing is that there will be extra sauce so you can grill chicken the next day and slather it with lots of this bbq sauce.

When in a rush you can use some of your favorite bottled barbecue sauce but I highly highly recommend trying this homemade sauce when you've got the time. It's so easy to throw together it's just a bit of measuring and simmering.

Perfect Christmas Breakfast

My family loves these waffles! I like that they aren't as strong as a lot of gingerbread treats out there, so in other words they aren't too intensely flavored for the kids to enjoy.

They have the perfect balance of rich molasses and warm spices, and there couldn't be a better finish for them than that sweet and tangy cream cheese glaze!

White Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies Cut in Fun Star Shapes

I never used to care for homemade gingerbread cookies—that was until I made these soft gingerbread cookies. They totally changed my opinion on gingerbread men.

Before, I used to think of them as more of a decoration. Unfortunately, sometimes pretty cookies just don't taste as good! This gingerbread recipe is both gorgeous AND delicious. They're so fun to make with some Christmas music on in the background, then enjoy with some hot chocolate.

Since I loved them so much this year, I made them with the same dough but cut them into star shapes and added white chocolate, because gingerbread and white chocolate are the perfect flavor combination.

Seriously... a match made in Heaven.

These cookies have plenty of spice and molasses flavor, making them just perfectly festive. Especially with the finishing touch of shimmery white sprinkles!

I chose to do half of the cookies drizzled with the chocolate and half dipped in chocolate because I liked the look of the combo but do whichever you like—just be sure to have enough white chocolate if you go the dipping route.

Gingerbread Bars, the Perfect Holiday Treat!

These bars are a nice meet in the middle kind of gingerbread. They aren't overly spiced, more of a mellow yet still deliciously gingery bar. So kids and adults alike will love them.

Sometimes when I make gingerbread with a lot of ginger or molasses it can be a little too strong for my kids but these are perfect.

It still had enough ginger and molasses in them that I loved them and it wasn't too much for my kids because they loved them just as much.

Another great thing about these is that they are so easy to make. I like bars because you don't have to bake up individual portions like cookies, instead you just spread it all into one pan.

Feel free to add as many festive Christmas sprinkles as you'd like. I couldn't resist adding some itty bitty little gingerbread men to mine as well.

If you really want to get into things you could make some homemade mini gingerbread men like I did here. Then just keep them in the freezer and add them to all your gingerbread treats throughout the month.

Try these gingerbread bars soon, you just can't go wrong with these during this time of year! Who could resist? They'll be enjoyed down the the last little crumb.

More Gingerbread Recipes You'll Love!

• Gingerbread Cookies
• White Chocolate Gingerbread Star Cookies
• Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Gingerbread Pancakes

Only 5 days until Christmas!! It always comes and goes so quickly but thankfully it comes every year. I love Christmas and how excited my kids get for it every year!

It's just like the movie Elf where Buddy screams "Santa's coming!!" That has been my kids for the last month.

There's just no holiday like it and it's my favorite day of the year. And every Christmas we have some sort of festive breakfast like these gingerbread pancakes!

They taste just like a gingerbread cookie but in tender pancake form! They are brimming with spices and packed with the rich gingerbread flavor of blackstrap molasses. A spritz of lemon juice or lemon zest really balances the earthy and spicy flavors ginger and cloves, and you can sweeten them up with more dark brown sugar or vanilla extract.

These would also be delicious with some sort of cinnamon syrup, which I haven't yet shared a recipe for but if you have one or can find one I think it would be a could pairing. Maple syrup is also delicious with these though if you don't want to put in the extra effort. We also use chocolate chips, whipped cream, and festive Christmas sprinkles.