Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth that craves something playful and utterly irresistible, Dirt Cake Cookies are just what you need to brighten your day. These cookies combine the deep, rich flavor of cocoa with the crunchy goodness of Oreos, all topped off with creamy chocolate frosting and quirky gummy worms that make each bite a delightful adventure. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply to treat yourself, Dirt Cake Cookies are a fun and delicious twist on classic chocolate cookies that everyone will rave about.

Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but each plays a crucial role in bringing the Dirt Cake Cookies to life, balancing chocolatey richness, texture, and that playful “dirt” appearance.

  • All-purpose flour: The base that holds the cookie dough together for perfect chewiness.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and dark color that’s essential for ‘dirt’ effect.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully soft.
  • Salt: Enhances all the chocolatey goodness while balancing sweetness.
  • Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Makes the cookies rich and tender.
  • Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a slight molasses note to deepen flavor.
  • White granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and crunch.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and brightness to the chocolate.
  • Large eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients for structure and softness.
  • Oreo pieces: Give delightful chunks of crunch and classic cookies and cream flavor.
  • Oreo crumbs: Essential for mixing into the dough and topping to perfect the dirt look.
  • Unsalted butter (room temperature): Used in the frosting for creamy texture.
  • Powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens the frosting with a silky smooth finish.
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted): For rich chocolate frosting color and taste.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
  • Gummy worms: The whimsical topping that gives these Dirt Cake Cookies their fun ‘garden dirt’ appearance.

How to Make Dirt Cake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Mix

Begin by blending Oreo cookies into small and medium-sized pieces using a food processor. Then, pulse some Oreos into fine crumbs. These will be folded into the cookie dough for texture and sprinkled on top later for decoration. Set them aside while you work on the dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and a light, fluffy dough that will bake up beautifully.

Step 3: Cream the Sugars and Butter

In a separate bowl, beat the cooled melted butter with both the brown sugar and granulated white sugar on high speed for about two minutes. This step incorporates air for a light, tender cookie base.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in the pure vanilla extract and the eggs one at a time, beating on medium speed to combine everything well. This adds moisture and binds the dough for that perfect cookie structure.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Oreos

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, using low speed to just combine – you don’t want to overmix! Then gently fold in the Oreo pieces and crumbs, ensuring every bite will have delightful chocolate crunch.

Step 6: Chill and Prepare for Baking

Let the cookie dough rest in the bowl for 10 minutes; this brief chill helps the cookies spread evenly while baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Use a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to place six generous dough balls onto each lined cookie sheet. Bake one sheet at a time for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting won’t melt and slide off.

Step 9: Make the Chocolate Frosting

Beat the room-temperature butter on high speed for three minutes until fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low to combine. Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then beat on high until the frosting is smooth, creamy, and scoopable.

Step 10: Decorate Your Dirt Cake Cookies

Scoop chocolate frosting onto each cooled cookie using a small cookie scoop. Spread the frosting evenly with an offset spatula, then sprinkle additional Oreo crumbs on top. Finally, add a gummy worm to complete the playful dirt effect that gives these cookies their name.

How to Serve Dirt Cake Cookies

Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The gummy worms truly bring these cookies to life, adding whimsy and that nostalgic “dirt” look that makes them instantly fun. Sprinkle extra Oreo crumbs for an earthy texture that’s as charming as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Serve Dirt Cake Cookies with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of rich hot chocolate. These pairings complement the rich chocolate flavors and enhance the overall indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special occasion, arrange Dirt Cake Cookies on a platter lined with crushed Oreos or edible “dirt.” Consider serving them in mini plant pots for an extra playful touch that will have everyone smiling before they even take a bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Dirt Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their chewy texture and keeps the frosting fresh without becoming sticky.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment layers between to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To enjoy the cookies after freezing, allow them to thaw at room temperature. You can briefly warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds if you prefer the frosting soft and melty, but they are delicious either way.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie besides Oreos in Dirt Cake Cookies?

Absolutely! While Oreos give the classic dirt look and flavor, you can substitute other chocolate sandwich cookies or even chocolate chip cookies broken into pieces to change things up.

What makes the cookie dough rest before baking important?

Resting the dough allows the flour to hydrate and the fats to firm up, which prevents cookies from spreading too thin, resulting in a perfectly shaped, chewy cookie.

Is the chocolate frosting hard to make from scratch?

Not at all! This chocolate frosting is straightforward with simple ingredients and just a few minutes of mixing. It’s creamy and spreads easily, making decorating quick and fun.

Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?

For vegan versions, you would need to swap out the eggs, butter, and cream-based frosting with suitable plant-based alternatives. Gluten-free flours can be tried but may alter texture slightly. Experimenting with substitutions can yield tasty results!

Why add gummy worms on top?

The gummy worms are the whimsical finishing touch that gives Dirt Cake Cookies their name and fun appearance, bringing a playful element that kids and adults love alike.

Final Thoughts

Dirt Cake Cookies are one of those charming treats that feel like a little celebration in every bite. With their rich chocolate flavor, crunchy Oreo bits, and cheeky gummy worm topping, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table. Don’t wait to make a batch — your sweet tooth will thank you for it!

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Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe

These Dirt Cake Cookies are a decadent treat combining rich chocolate Oreo cookies with a creamy chocolate frosting and fun gummy worms on top. With a soft, chocolatey cookie base studded with Oreo pieces and topped with luscious cocoa-flavored frosting and crunchy Oreo crumbs, these cookies are perfect for parties, kids’ events, or anytime you want a playful and indulgent dessert.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes per batch
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 large cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Salt

Cookie Dough

  • 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)

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 (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oreo Pieces and Flour Mixture: Using a food processor, blend Oreos into small to medium pieces, then blend further to create Oreo crumbs. Set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Beat Butter and Sugars: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat melted and cooled butter with brown sugar and white sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract and eggs on medium speed until fully combined.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Fold in Oreo Pieces and Crumbs: Add the Oreo pieces and Oreo crumbs and gently mix until evenly incorporated.
  6. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 10 minutes to help with spreading during baking.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Scoop the Dough: Using a large cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons), place six cookie dough balls per cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
  9. Bake: Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and cookies are slightly firm.
  10. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  11. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: In a clean mixing bowl, beat room temperature butter on high speed for 3 minutes until creamy.
  12. Add Powdered Sugar and Cocoa: Add sifted powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder to the butter and mix on low speed until combined.
  13. Flavor and Finish Frosting: Add vanilla extract and salt, then beat on high speed until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  14. Decorate Cookies: Using a small cookie scoop, place dollops of chocolate frosting onto each cooled cookie. Use an offset icing spatula to spread the frosting evenly. Sprinkle with Oreo crumbs and top each cookie with a gummy worm for a fun dirt cake effect.

Notes

  • Make sure the melted butter is cooled before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.
  • Resting the dough helps prevent excessive spreading during baking.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder in both the dough and frosting.
  • Use fresh room temperature eggs for better incorporation and texture.
  • Gummy worms add a fun visual theme but can be omitted or substituted with other decorations.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Dirt cake cookies, Oreo cookies, chocolate cookies, gummy worm cookies, chocolate frosting, fun dessert

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