Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe

Introduction

Dirt Cake Cookies combine rich chocolate flavor with crunchy Oreo pieces and a creamy chocolate frosting, topped with playful gummy worms for a fun twist. These cookies are perfect for parties or any time you want a whimsical treat that guests of all ages will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup Oreo pieces
• 1/2 cup Oreo crumbs, plus extra for topping
• 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting)
• 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (for frosting)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1/4 tsp salt (for frosting)
• Oreo crumbs, for decoration
• Gummy worms, for decoration

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using a food processor, blend Oreo cookies into small and medium pieces. Then process some Oreos into fine crumbs. Set both aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, beat the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and white sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the Oreo pieces and Oreo crumbs gently until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let the cookie dough rest in the bowl for 10 minutes to help control spreading.
7. Step 7: Use a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop cookie dough onto the prepared sheets, placing 6 balls per sheet.
8. Step 8: Bake one cookie sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes. Allow cookies to rest on the hot pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Cool completely before frosting.
9. Step 9: To make the chocolate frosting, beat the room temperature butter on high speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
10. Step 10: Add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the butter. Mix on low speed until combined, then add vanilla extract and salt. Beat on high speed until smooth and fluffy.
11. Step 11: Use a small cookie scoop to add frosting on top of each cooled cookie. Spread the frosting evenly using an offset spatula.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle Oreo crumbs over the frosting and top each cookie with a gummy worm for decoration and a fun, “dirt” effect.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, try mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips with the Oreos.
• You can substitute the gummy worms with mini marshmallows or chocolate sprinkles if preferred.
• Make sure the melted butter for the dough is cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the eggs.
• Resting the dough before baking helps maintain the cookie shape and improves texture.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week or freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. If refrigerated, let cookies come to room temperature before frosting. Frosted cookies are best eaten within 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of Oreos?

Yes, you can substitute Oreos with chocolate chips or other favorite cookies, but the distinctive “dirt” texture will be less pronounced.

Do the cookies need to be room temperature before frosting?

Yes, allowing the cookies to cool completely ensures the frosting won’t melt and will spread smoothly.

Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 91 reviews

Dirt Cake Cookies are rich and chocolatey treats combining fudgy chocolate Oreo cookies with a creamy chocolate frosting, decorated with gummy worms to create a fun, dirt-inspired look. Perfect for parties or any chocolate lover looking for a decadent cookie with a playful twist.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 39 minutes
• Yield: 12 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert, Cookies
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
• 1 cup Brown sugar (packed, light or dark)
• 1/2 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 Large eggs (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup Oreo pieces
• 1/2 cup Oreo crumbs (plus extra to top the cookies)

Chocolate Frosting

• 1 1/4 cup Unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 3/4 cup Powdered sugar (sifted)
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• Oreo crumbs (for decoration)
• Gummy worms

Instructions

1. Prepare Oreo Pieces and Crumbs: Using a food processor, blend Oreo cookies into small and medium pieces first, then process some Oreos into fine crumbs. Set both aside for use in the cookie dough and decoration.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even mixing and avoid lumps.
3. Beat Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to beat the cooled melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on high speed for two minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on medium speed until fully combined.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies.
6. Add Oreo Pieces and Crumbs: Gently fold in the Oreo pieces and Oreo crumbs until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Rest the Dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Let the dough rest in the bowl for 10 minutes to help the cookies spread evenly during baking.
8. Scoop Dough: Using a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), scoop the dough onto the cookie sheets, placing 6 dough balls per sheet to allow room for spreading.
9. Bake Cookies: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until set but still soft in the center.
10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking to firm up, then transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
11. Make Chocolate Frosting: With a mixer, beat the room temperature butter on high speed for three minutes until fluffy.
12. Add Sugar, Cocoa, Vanilla, and Salt: Gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low until combined. Then add vanilla extract and salt; beat on high speed until smooth and creamy.
13. Decorate Cookies: Use a small cookie scoop to dollop the chocolate frosting on top of each cooled cookie. Spread the frosting evenly with an offset icing spatula, then sprinkle with extra Oreo crumbs and top each cookie with a gummy worm for a fun dirt cake effect.

Notes

• Make sure the melted butter is completely cooled before mixing with sugars to avoid cooking the eggs when added.
• Resting the dough before baking improves spread and texture.
• Bake one sheet at a time for even heat distribution and consistent baking.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: Chocolate Oreo Cookies, Dirt Cake Cookies, Chocolate Cookies, Oreo Cookies, Chocolate Frosting, Gummy Worm Cookies, Fun Dessert