If you love the original, these Crumbl dirt cake cookies bring that bakery magic home. I'm talking about thick, soft chocolate cookies topped with silky chocolate frosting, Oreo “dirt,” and a few colorful gummy worms. It’s the nostalgic dirt cake you grew up with, but in a cookie that eats like a whole dessert. And you don't have to share.
This is my “go to” copycat Crumbl cookies recipe when I want something fun and chocolatey that still uses things I already have on hand. If you’re a fan of the dirt cake cookie Crumbl made famous, this dirt cake Crumbl cookie copycat delivers the same vibe without leaving the house, and it'll save you a buck or two.
Why You’ll Love These Dirt Cake Cookies with Worms
- Bakery-big cookies: Thick, soft centers with lightly crisp edges that feel special on a dessert tray. Prepare to wow them at your next School bake sale!
- Nostalgic flavor: Chocolate cookie, chocolate frosting, Oreo “dirt,” and gummy worms for that “kid at heart” moment, just like my Dirt Worm Cups!
- Party perfect: Decorate with extra “dirt” and worms for birthdays, bake sales, or Halloween.
- Make-ahead friendly: Bake the cookies and mix the frosting in advance, then decorate before serving.
- Customizable topping: Go extra crumbly, add sprinkles, or swap the worms for a more elegant look.
- Freezer approved: Unfrosted cookies freeze beautifully for future cravings.
Gather Your Crumbl Cookie Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – softened so it creams easily; also for the frosting
- Granulated sugar + brown sugar – balance of spread, moisture, and chew
- Eggs – room temperature helps the dough come together
- Vanilla extract – rounds out the cocoa and frosting
- All-purpose flour – spoon and level for accuracy
- Cocoa powder – Dutch process gives deeper color and flavor (natural works, too)
- Baking soda – lift so the cookies stay thick and soft
- Salt – wakes up the chocolate
- Powdered sugar – for that smooth, pipeable frosting
- Milk or heavy cream – adjusts frosting to your favorite swirly texture
- Instant chocolate pudding mix, optional – for classic dirt cake flavor in the frosting; see card
- Cream cheese, optional – adds tang to the frosting if you like a dirt cake vibe
- Oreo cookies – crushed fine for “dirt,” with a few bigger bits for texture
- Gummy worms – for the full dirt cake look, totally optional but very fun
How To Make Them Step by Step
- Frost and “plant” the dirt: Whip the chocolate frosting until silky. Spread or pipe swirls on cooled cookies. Sprinkle on Oreo “dirt,” then tuck in a gummy worm or two. Chill 10 to 15 minutes to set the frosting if you’re stacking or packing.
- Mix and scoop: Make the chocolate cookie dough, then scoop bakery-sized mounds onto a parchment-lined sheet. Chill briefly if your kitchen is warm for thicker cookies.
- Bake to soft centers: Bake until the edges are set and the centers still look slightly soft. Let the cookies cool on the sheet a few minutes, then move to a rack. Don’t overbake if you want that signature soft bite.
David's Tips
- Measure flour right: Too much flour = cakey cookies. Spoon and level or use a scale.
- Chill for thick cookies: A short chill helps control spread and keeps centers gooey.
- Crush Oreos fine: Fine crumbs make the best “dirt,” with a few larger bits for crunch.
- Let cookies cool: Frosting will melt on warm cookies, so give them time.
- Flavor boost: A half teaspoon of espresso powder deepens the chocolate without tasting like coffee.
Make it Your Own
- Black cocoa look: Swap a tablespoon of cocoa for black cocoa for dramatic color.
- Double dirt: Mix a little Oreo crumb into the frosting and sprinkle more on top.
- Pudding or no pudding: Skip pudding mix and use classic chocolate buttercream if you prefer.
- Cream cheese twist: Add a bit of cream cheese to the frosting for that true dirt cake tang.
- Holiday spin: Orange and purple worms for Halloween or pastel sprinkles for birthdays. So easy to change up the themes!
- Mini cookies: Make smaller scoops, reduce bake time, and serve a trio per plate and making them perfect for any party!
More Chocolate Delicious Desserts
- Oreo Fluff Salad
- Gluten Free Chocolate Lava Cake
- Instant Pot Oreo Cheesecake
- Easy Double Chocolate Cookies
- Sea Salt Chocolate Almond Clusters
Copycat Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups of Flour
- ⅔ cup of Cocoa
- 1 teaspoon of Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon of Salt
- 1 ½ cups of Butter softened
- 1 cup of White Sugar
- ⅔ cup of Brown Sugar packed
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of Vanilla
- Milk Chocolate Icing
- ½ a cup of Oreo Crumbs
- Gummy Worms
Instructions
- Start by sifting together your flour, cocoa, soda, and salt.
- Cream together your butter, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- Add in eggs and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Stir in your flour mixture.
- Add a tablespoon of batter to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes.
- Let cook completely.
- Pipe icing onto the top.
- Sprinkle with cookie crumbs and add two worms to the top.
- Serve and enjoy the homemade goodness!
Recipe FAQs
Do I need to chill the dough?
A short chill helps keep the cookies thick and reduces spread, especially in warm kitchens.
Can I make smaller cookies?
Yes. Use a medium scoop and start checking doneness a few minutes earlier.
Double Stuf or regular Oreos?
Either works. Double Stuf is great if you want bigger bits mixed into the “dirt.”
Can I make the frosting ahead?
Yes. Refrigerate, then bring to room temp and re-whip with a splash of milk or cream.
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