Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

You remember that dirt cake from childhood, right? The one with chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and those silly gummy worms?

These Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies bring that same fun in a soft, chewy cookie. They’re rich, chocolatey, and topped with a creamy frosting that looks just like “dirt.”

Cookie crumbs and a playful gummy worm finish them off.

Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies
Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

I wanted something that blended a chocolate cookie with the whimsy of dirt cake. So, I made these.

You get deep cocoa flavor, crunchy Oreos, and smooth chocolate buttercream in every bite.

I’ll show you how to make them step-by-step. You’ll find easy ingredient swaps and storage tips, too.

Bake them ahead for parties or family nights. Whether you love baking or just want a quick dessert, these cookies will hit the spot.

Why You Will Love Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

Love classic dirt cake but want something easier to share? These cookies are for you.

Every bite gives you that mix of chocolate pudding flavor, Oreo crumbs, and creamy frosting—just in cookie form.

These soft chocolate cookies are chewy in the center and a little crisp at the edge. The Oreo crumb coating adds a gentle crunch.

If you’ve tried Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies, you’ll notice a similar flavor and bakery-style look. The difference? You can make these at home, no fancy tools needed.

Have fun decorating them. Add some gummy worms or candy rocks for a playful touch.

They’re perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you want a nostalgic dessert.

Reasons you’ll love them:

  • Deep chocolate flavor from cocoa and Oreos
  • Soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth
  • Easy to bake and decorate at home
  • Kid-friendly and fun for themed parties
  • Inspired by the nostalgic dirt cake dessert you grew up with

How To Make Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

You’ll build these cookies in three parts. First, a soft chocolate base. Then, a smooth frosting.

The simple topping makes them look like dirt. You won’t need special equipment.

Ingredients

Grab unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar for the cookie dough. These give a chewy texture and balanced sweetness.

Add one large egg and vanilla extract for moisture and flavor.

Use unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate taste. Combine it with all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

For the frosting, mix butter, cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, and a little heavy cream. Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and grab some gummy worms for topping.

Instruments

You’ll want a stand mixer or hand mixer for creaming butter and sugar. A mixing bowl, measuring cups, and spoons help with accuracy.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies don’t stick. A cookie scoop gives you even dough balls.

Let cookies cool on a cooling rack after baking. A spatula helps scrape the bowl, and a Ziploc or piping bag makes frosting easy.

Crush Oreos with a rolling pin or food processor.

Step-By-Step Instruction

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract.
  4. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
  5. Scoop dough into balls and place on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until the edges set. Let them rest 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
  7. Beat frosting ingredients until smooth.
  8. Spread or pipe frosting on cooled cookies. Sprinkle with crushed Oreos and press a gummy worm on top.

Tips & Tricks

Take your time with the small steps. They really do make a difference.

Use room temperature ingredients. Butter, eggs, and sugar blend better this way.

Measure flour correctly. Spoon it into the cup and level it off. Too much flour makes cookies dense.

Don’t overbake. Pull cookies out when edges are set but centers look soft. They’ll finish baking as they cool.

For the creamy frosting, beat butter until light before adding sugar and cocoa. This gives a fluffy texture.

Let cookies cool before frosting. If they’re warm, the frosting melts.

Decorate while frosting is soft so crumbs and worms stick. Press them in gently.

Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container if you want to plan ahead. Frost right before serving for best taste.

Ingredient Substitute

Don’t have every ingredient? No worries—there are easy swaps.

If you run out of powdered sugar, blend regular granulated sugar until fine. It works for both chocolate frosting and chocolate buttercream, though texture may be a bit gritty.

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. The frosting will be lighter, but still spreads well. Coconut cream works for dairy-free.

For chocolate buttercream, mix butter and shortening if you want a firmer texture. Margarine or plant-based butter work for dairy-free.

Missing cocoa powder? Melt some chocolate chips and stir into the buttercream. It adds a deeper flavor.

Here’s a quick list:

  • Powdered sugar → blended granulated sugar
  • Heavy cream → whole milk or coconut cream
  • Butter → margarine or plant-based butter
  • Cocoa powder → melted chocolate chips

These swaps help you stay flexible and still get soft, rich cookies.

What To Serve With Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

When you bake a batch, you’ll want something to go with their rich flavor. These cookies already look fun with Oreos and frosting.

Keep it simple with cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. Both balance the sweetness and cut through the frosting.

If you want something lighter, try iced tea or lemonade. Especially nice on warm days.

For a fun twist, serve cookies with gummy worms. They match the “dirt” theme and add a chewy bite.

Press a few gummy worms into the frosting for a playful look.

Want to make dessert more indulgent? Serve cookies with:

  • Vanilla or chocolate ice cream
  • A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
  • A sprinkle of sea salt

Pair with sharp cheese or a small charcuterie board for something savory. The salty flavors balance all the chocolate.

You can also serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries. Their bright flavor and color pop next to the cookies.

How To Store Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

You want your cookies soft and fresh, right? Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container.

If you’ll eat them soon, store at room temperature in a single layer. They stay soft for about 2 days.

For longer storage, put them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep up to 7 days.

Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving so the frosting softens.

If you freeze, store unfrosted cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag. They last up to 2 months.

Add frosting and decorations after thawing for best texture.

Quick tips:

  • Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Don’t stack frosted cookies on top of each other.
  • Keep them away from strong-smelling foods in the fridge or freezer.

With these steps, your chocolate dirt cake cookies will stay soft and flavorful for days.

Nutritional Value

When you bake chocolate dirt cake cookies, you get a rich chocolate flavor. That flavor comes from cocoa and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.

These cookies are a treat. It’s probably smart to know what’s in them before grabbing another.

A single cookie has about 100–140 calories. The size and frosting change that number.

Most calories come from sugar and fat. That’s what gives the cookie its soft texture and sweet taste.

Here’s a quick look at one cookie:

  • Carbohydrates: about 14–18 g
  • Fat: around 5–7 g
  • Protein: about 1–2 g
  • Sugar: roughly 10–12 g

You’ll get small bits of calcium and iron from cocoa and flour. Frosting or buttercream adds more calories and fat, especially with butter or cream cheese.

If you have food allergies, check your ingredients. These cookies often use wheat, eggs, milk, soy, and nuts if made in a shared kitchen.

You can swap in lighter options, like reduced-fat cream cheese or less frosting. The flavor stays chocolatey and satisfying, but the portion feels more balanced.

Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

These Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies combine fudgy chocolate cookies with creamy pudding, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms for a playful, nostalgic dessert twist.
Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Spoon or cookie scoop

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 3.4 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups crushed Oreos
  • Gummy worms for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs and vanilla extract; beat until well combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully combined.
  • Stir in chocolate chips and pudding mix until evenly distributed.
  • Scoop cookie dough onto the baking sheet, spacing evenly.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are soft.
  • Let cookies cool, then top with crushed Oreos and gummy worms for the “dirt cake” look.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approx.):
  • Calories: 230
  • Total Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 120mg
Keyword Chocolate Dirt Cake Cookies

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