Dirt Cookies are a delightful treat that combines rich, fudgy flavors with a playful, crumbly texture. These cookies are packed with decadent chocolate, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. With just 40 minutes from start to finish, they’re an easy yet impressive dessert to whip up for any occasion. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that’s utterly irresistible.
These cookies are not only indulgent but also surprisingly simple to make, with a recipe that yields 22 servings. The blend of buttery richness and cocoa creates a heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one solo, Dirt Cookies are sure to bring a smile with their nostalgic charm and irresistible taste.
Ingredients for Dirt Cookies
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk, room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- For the Frosting:
- 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese
- 6 Tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 ⅔ cups (333 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (50 g) natural cocoa powder
- 6 Oreo cookies, pulverized to fine crumbs
- Gummy worms, for decorating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugars together until creamy and well combined.
- Add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until completely combined.
- Scoop the cookie dough by 2 Tablespoon-sized scoops and roll between your palms to make smooth balls. Place on the baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” (5 cm) apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes.
- Within one minute of removing the cookies from the oven, gently flatten the surface of each cookie using a 1-cup measuring cup (this creates a smooth surface for decorating). Let the cookies cool completely.
- For the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir until combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar until completely combined.
- Add the cocoa powder and stir until the frosting is uniform.
- Assemble the cookies: Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies (use a piping bag fitted with an open tip for a neat finish).
- Sprinkle the Oreo crumbs evenly over the frosting, then gently nestle 1-2 gummy worms on top of each cookie. Enjoy!
Fun Serving Suggestions for Dirt Cookies
These dirt cookies are perfect for themed parties or kids’ events! Serve them on a platter with extra gummy worms scattered around for a playful touch. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. For a party, consider adding a sign that says “Edible Dirt” to spark curiosity and smiles.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Cookies Fresh
Store your dirt cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve already frosted them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months—just thaw and frost when ready to enjoy!
Creative Recipe Variations to Try
Switch things up by using chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Oreos for a different flavor. You can also add a pinch of espresso powder to the cookie dough for a rich, mocha twist. For a nutty crunch, mix in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Feeling adventurous? Swap the gummy worms for sour gummy candies for a tangy surprise!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, prepare the cookie dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply scoop and bake as directed. For the frosting, use a food processor to quickly pulverize the Oreos into fine crumbs. If you’re in a rush, skip the piping bag and spread the frosting with a butter knife—it’ll still look delicious!
Equipment Guidance for Perfect Cookies
For smooth, evenly baked cookies, use a light-colored baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A 1-cup measuring cup is perfect for flattening the cookies right out of the oven. If piping the frosting, a large open star tip works beautifully for a professional finish. Don’t forget an offset spatula for smoothing the frosting effortlessly!
Dirt Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk room temperature preferred
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 2/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder
- 6 oreo cookies pulverized to fine crumbs
- Gummy worms for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream butter and sugars together until creamy and well combined.
- Add egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until completely combined.
- Scoop cookie dough by 2 Tablespoon-sized scoops and roll between your palms to make a smooth ball. Place on baking sheet, spacing cookies at least 2” (5cm) apart and bake in 350F (175C) oven for 10-11 minutes.
- Within one minute of removing cookies from the oven, gently flatten the surface of the cookie using a 1-cup measuring cup (this will give you a smooth surface for decorating the cookie). While cookies are cooling, prepare your frosting.
- For the frosting Combine cream cheese and butter in a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer to beat until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, stir until combined.
- With mixer on low speed, gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined.
- Add cocoa powder and stir until completely incorporated and frosting is uniform.
- Assembly Spread or pipe frosting onto cooled cookies (I like to use a piping bag fitted with an open tip to pipe the frosting then smooth it with an offset spatula).
- Sprinkle cookie crumbs evenly over the frosting then gently nestle 1-2 gummy worms on top of the frosting. Enjoy!