Dirt Cake Cookies

These dirt cake cookies feature rich chocolate cookies topped with creamy frosting, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and gummy worms. A fun and easy Halloween dessert inspired by classic dirt pudding!

If you grew up eating dirt pudding topped with crushed chocolate cookies and gummy worms, these dirt cake cookies are a fun new way to enjoy such an iconic, nostalgic dessert. 

Made with a rich chocolate cookie base, a black cocoa tinted cookies and cream frosting, and a generous layer of chocolate cookie crumbs, each cookie is finished with gummy worms for a spooky treat! They're perfect for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, or anytime you want to turn your childhood favorite into something a little bit more sophisticated. 

What Are Dirt Cake Cookies?

Dirt cake cookies are inspired by dirt pudding, a classic no-bake dessert made with layers of chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Instead of serving the dessert in a bowl, this cookie version features a rich chocolate cookie base topped with creamy frosting, chocolate cookie crumbs, and gummy worms. They're easy to customize with different toppings and make a great Halloween baking project. 

Why You'll Love These Dirt Cake Cookies

• Inspired by a childhood favorite. All the familiar flavors of dirt pudding come together in cookie form.
• Rich chocolate flavor. A chocolate cookie base pairs perfectly with creamy frosting and chocolate cookie crumbs.
• Perfect for Halloween. Gummy worms and cookie crumb “dirt” give these cookies their signature spooky look. 
• Great for parties. These cookies are easy to serve at Halloween parties, school events, and fall gatherings.
• Fun to decorate. Add the gummy worms, sprinkle on the cookie crumbs, and let everyone help with the finishing touches.

Tips for Making the Best Dirt Cake Cookies

• Don't overmix the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to help keep the cookies tender.
  
• Let the cookies cool completely. Adding frosting while the cookies are still warm can cause it to melt or slide off.
  
• Crush the cookies to your preferred texture. Fine crumbs create a more realistic dirt-like appearance, while a few larger pieces add extra crunch.
  
• Add the gummy worms just before serving. This helps them maintain their shape and keeps the decorations looking fresh.
  
• Make the cookies uniform in size. Using a cookie scoop helps the cookies bake evenly and makes decorating easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are dirt cake cookies made of?

Dirt cake cookies typically feature a chocolate cookie base topped with frosting, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and gummy worms. They're inspired by dirt pudding, a dessert traditionally made with chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and cookie crumbs.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough?

Follow the chilling instructions in your recipe. If the dough is too soft or sticky to handle, chilling it can make scooping easier and help the cookies hold their shape while baking. If your recipe is designed to bake immediately, additional chilling may not be necessary.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes! Store-bought frosting is a convenient option if you're short on time. Choose a thick frosting that will hold the cookie crumbs and gummy worms in place. Homemade frosting also works well if you prefer to make everything from scratch.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the cookies a day or two ahead and store them in an airtight container. For the freshest presentation, frost and decorate them closer to serving time, especially if you're using gummy worms that may become sticky.

Can I freeze dirt cake cookies?

The unfrosted cookies are generally the best option for freezing. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

How do I keep the gummy worms from falling off?

Press the gummy worms gently into the frosting while it's still soft. Adding a little frosting beneath each worm helps hold it in place. If you're transporting the cookies, chill them briefly to help the frosting set before packing.

Can I make these cookies without gummy worms?

Absolutely! The crushed chocolate cookies alone create the classic dirt cake look. You can also use candy pumpkins, chocolate gravestones, or other Halloween-themed decorations.

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil (any neutral oil)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Amoretti® Vanilla Bean Paste
• 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1/4 cup dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Chocolate Frosting

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup Amoretti® Creamy Cookies and Cream Cookie Spread
• 1/4 cup black cocoa powder
• 3 Tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
  

Directions

1. With a medium sized bowl, prepare your dry ingredients: add in the flour, both cocoa powders, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly combined and set to the side.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a large bowl with a hand mixer, add the butter, sugar, and oil. Cream on high for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture has lightened in color.
3. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add in the egg and vanilla bean paste. Mix on high for 1 minute.
4. Trasnfer the dry ingredients into the wet and mix until no streaks of flour remain. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, and at most, overnight. The dough must set in the fridge before baking. This is a sticky dough!
5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 F and then remove the dough from the fridge.
6. With a medium size cookie scoop (1.5 - 2 tablespoons) scoop the cold dough out onto two, parchment-lined baking sheets, placing each scoop about 2 inches apart. 
7. Place one sheet in the oven, on a rack set in the middle, for 12-15 minutes. Place the remaining sheet back in the fridge. Bake one sheet at a time for best results (unless you have two ovens)!
8. Remove from the oven and reshape the cookie with a large, round cookie cutter, and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. 
9. Remove the could dough balls from the fridge and repeat steps 7 & 8.
10. Let the cookies completely cool before frosting.

For the Frosting:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a large bowl with a hand mixer, add the butter, vanilla, and cookies and cream cookie spread. Beat on high until grey in color.
2. Add in the powdered sugar, black cocoa powder, pinch of salt, and heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is soft, light, and fluffy.
3. With the cooled cookie, add about 1-2 tablespoons of frosting on top of each one, spreading the frosting to the edges of the cookie with an offset spatula. Repeat for all cookies.
4. Top every cookie with crushed oreos and 1-3 gummy worms for that iconic dirt pudding look.
5. Serve and enjoy!