Description
Dirt Cake Cookies combine a rich chocolate cookie base made with Oreo crumbs and black cocoa powder, topped with a luscious chocolate pudding frosting mousse, and finished with playful gummy worms and extra Oreo crumbs. These cookies offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 450 grams)
- 1 cup black cocoa powder
- 3 1/4 cups Oreo crumbs (divided, don’t remove the white filling, crush the entire Oreo; regular Oreo recommended)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Pudding Frosting
- 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy cream (cold)
- 1/3 cup 2% milk (cold)
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- Additional Oreo crumbs
- Gummy worms
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 365°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set this aside for later use.
- Make Cookie Dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix just until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, 2 ½ cups of the crushed Oreo crumbs, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined into a cookie dough.
- Form and Coat Cookies: Portion the dough into 1/4 cup sized balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the remaining ¾ cup of crushed Oreo crumbs to coat the exterior. Place 6 cookie dough balls spaced evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the palm of your hand, gently press down on each ball to slightly flatten.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies at 365°F for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges will appear set while the centers remain soft. This ensures a chewy yet structured cookie.
- Shape Cookies: Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, if some have uneven edges, use a very large round biscuit or cookie cutter and, without cutting, gently press in a circular motion around each cookie to tuck in edges and create uniform rounds. This step must be done quickly before they fully set.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl or a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, combine instant chocolate pudding mix, heavy cream, 2% milk, powdered sugar, Dutch process cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and thick, about 1 minute. The frosting mousse can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Assemble Cookies: When ready, transfer the chocolate pudding frosting into a pastry bag or a ziplock bag with a snipped corner. Pipe the mousse generously onto each cooled cookie.
- Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle additional Oreo crumbs on top of the mousse and place a gummy worm on each cookie for the classic dirt cake look. These cookies can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Do not remove the white filling from Oreos when crushing for the cookie dough—it adds moisture and flavor.
- Use black cocoa powder for a deep, rich chocolate flavor and an intense color.
- Pressing the cookie edges with a biscuit cutter after baking ensures uniform shape and a neat presentation.
- The frosting mousse can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Store assembled cookies in the refrigerator to keep the mousse fresh and firm, up to 4 days.
- For best results, serve cookies chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
