Growing up, there was nothing quite like digging into a cup of dirt cake at birthday parties. The combination of chocolate cookies, creamy pudding, and gummy worms created a dessert that was as fun to look at as it was to eat. Today, I’m thrilled to share my perfected copycat recipe for Crumbl’s famous Dirt Cake Cookies – a treat that transforms that childhood favorite into a gourmet cookie experience.
After countless test batches (and a very happy neighborhood that got to sample them all), I’ve nailed the exact texture and flavor profile that makes these cookies irresistible. This isn’t just any chocolate cookie – it’s a rich, soft-centered chocolate canvas topped with silky cream cheese frosting, crushed Oreo “dirt,” and those nostalgic gummy worms that bring back memories with every bite.
What Makes These Dirt Cake Cookies Special
The magic of these cookies lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The cookie base stays slightly underbaked in the center, creating that signature Crumbl softness that melts in your mouth. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness, while the Oreo crumbs provide a satisfying crunch. And of course, those gummy worms on top aren’t just decorative – they’re the playful finishing touch that makes everyone smile.
What truly sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail. I’ve incorporated a touch of instant coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste – a professional baker’s secret that makes chocolate desserts taste more chocolatey. I’ve also developed a specific chilling and baking process that ensures the cookies spread to the perfect diameter while maintaining that all-important soft center.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Dirt Cake Cookies
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the star ingredients that make these cookies spectacular:
- High-quality cocoa powder: The foundation of the rich chocolate flavor
- Brown sugar: Provides moisture and a subtle molasses note
- Instant coffee granules: Enhances chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste
- Cold cream cheese: Essential for the perfect frosting texture
- Oreo cookies: The “dirt” element that brings it all together
- Gummy worms: Because it wouldn’t be dirt cake without them!
Equipment You’ll Need
To recreate these cookies properly, having the right tools makes all the difference:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoon capacity)
- Baking sheets and parchment paper
- Cooling racks
- Piping bag with round tip (or ziplock bag with corner cut)
- Food processor or plastic bag for crushing Oreos
The Complete Copycat Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookie Recipe
Cookie Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220g) packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional but recommended)
- 2 tablespoons milk
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, cold
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Toppings:
- 15 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 24 gummy worms (approximately)
Cookie Base Instructions:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant coffee granules.
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add milk and mix until incorporated. The dough will be thick but soft.
- Using a large cookie scoop (about 1/4 cup capacity), portion the dough into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cover and refrigerate the dough balls for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours. This step is crucial for proper spreading during baking.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place 6 chilled dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 3 inches apart.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes. The cookies should appear slightly underdone in the center but set around the edges.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions:
- In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cold cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
- Mix in vanilla extract and salt.
- Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- If the frosting seems too thick, add 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream. If too thin, add additional powdered sugar.
Assembly Instructions:
- Once cookies are completely cooled, transfer the cream cheese frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (or use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off).
- Pipe a generous swirl of frosting on top of each cookie, leaving a small border around the edge.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreos over the frosting to create the “dirt” effect.
- Place 2-3 gummy worms on top of each cookie, slightly pressing them into the frosting and “dirt.”
- For best results, refrigerate cookies for 30 minutes to allow frosting to set before serving.
Tips for Cookie Perfection
To achieve true Crumbl-quality results, these professional tips make all the difference:
Cookie Base Success Tips:
| Technique | Why It Matters | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Proper Butter Temperature | Ensures proper structure and spread | Butter should be soft enough to indent with a finger but not melting or greasy |
| Accurate Flour Measurement | Prevents dry cookies | Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife rather than scooping directly |
| Chilling the Dough | Controls spread and enhances flavor | Don’t skip this step! Minimum 1 hour in refrigerator |
| Timing the Bake | Achieves signature soft center | Remove from oven when edges are set but center still looks slightly underbaked |
| Even Sizing | Ensures consistent baking | Use a large cookie scoop for uniform portions |
Frosting Success Tips:
| Technique | Why It Matters | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Cream Cheese | Creates proper texture | Use straight from refrigerator for best structure |
| Room Temperature Butter | Blends smoothly | Allow butter to soften naturally for 30-60 minutes |
| Proper Sugar Incorporation | Prevents lumps | Add gradually and mix completely before adding more |
| Optimal Piping Temperature | Improves control | If frosting gets too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before piping |
| Strategic Assembly | Maintains visual appeal | Pipe frosting, add Oreos, then worms last to prevent color bleeding |
Make-Ahead and Storage Information
These cookies are perfect for planning ahead, as many components can be prepared in advance:
Make-Ahead Options:
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cookie Dough Balls (unbaked) | Refrigerated in airtight container | Up to 3 days |
| Cookie Dough Balls (unbaked) | Frozen in freezer bag | Up to 3 months |
| Baked Cookies (unfrosted) | Airtight container at room temperature | Up to 3 days |
| Cream Cheese Frosting | Refrigerated in airtight container | Up to 5 days |
| Fully Assembled Cookies | Refrigerated in airtight container | Up to 3 days |
If freezing cookie dough, allow the dough balls to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Storage Tips:
Since these cookies contain cream cheese frosting, they should be refrigerated after assembly. Here’s how to keep them at their best:
- Store in a single layer in an airtight container
- Place wax paper between layers if stacking is necessary
- Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe faithfully recreates the classic Crumbl version, you can put your own spin on these cookies:
Seasonal Twists:
| Holiday | Variation Idea | How to Execute |
|---|---|---|
| Halloween | Spooky Dirt Cookies | Add edible plastic spiders, candy eyes, or Halloween-themed sprinkles |
| Christmas | Winter Wonderland | Use white chocolate cookies as the base, blue-tinted frosting, crushed golden Oreos, and sour strip “worms” |
| Spring | Garden Theme | Add edible flower decorations alongside the worms |
| Summer | Beach Dirt Cups | Add a few graham cracker crumbs to the Oreos for “sand” and blue gummy sharks instead of worms |
Dietary Adaptations:
For those with specific dietary needs, these modifications work well:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a quality cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar in the cookie base by 25% and use a lighter frosting layer
- Egg-Free: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water)
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are a standout dessert on their own, but here are some ways to make them even more special:
- Serve with a glass of cold milk for the classic cookie experience
- Create a dessert board featuring these cookies alongside fresh berries and chocolate truffles
- For a fun party presentation, serve them on a tray lined with crushed Oreos to enhance the “dirt” theme
- Pair with coffee or hot chocolate for an indulgent afternoon treat
- For kids’ parties, create a “worm hunt” game where each cookie has a different number of worms hidden within the “dirt”
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even experienced bakers sometimes run into challenges. Here’s how to address the most common problems with these cookies:
Cookie Base Problems:
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cookies spread too much | Butter too warm or insufficient chilling | Ensure butter is not melting; chill dough longer |
| Cookies don’t spread enough | Oven temperature too low or too much flour | Check oven with thermometer; measure flour correctly |
| Cookies too dry | Overbaking or too much flour | Reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes; measure ingredients by weight if possible |
| Cookies too greasy | Too much butter or butter too warm | Double-check measurements; chill dough thoroughly |
Frosting Problems:
| Issue | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frosting too runny | Cream cheese or butter too warm | Refrigerate frosting for 15-20 minutes before using |
| Lumpy frosting | Cream cheese not softened properly | Let stand 5 minutes after initial mixing, then beat again |
| Frosting too stiff | Too much powdered sugar or too cold | Add 1-2 tsp milk; let warm slightly before piping |
| Frosting separating | Ingredients at different temperatures | Start over ensuring butter is room temp and cream cheese is cold |
Why This Recipe Works Better Than Others
After testing multiple versions of dirt cake cookies, I’ve identified the key factors that make this recipe superior:
- The instant coffee trick: A professional baker’s secret that amplifies chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste
- Cold cream cheese method: Using cold (not room temperature) cream cheese creates the perfect frosting texture
- Precise chilling time: The 1-hour minimum chill ensures cookies that spread properly but maintain a thick, gooey center
- Higher cocoa content: Using ¾ cup instead of the standard ½ cup delivers a richer chocolate experience
- Specific baking temperature and time: 350°F for 11-13 minutes creates the exact texture Crumbl is famous for
Q&A Section
Q: Can I make these cookies smaller than the Crumbl size? A: Absolutely! For regular-sized cookies, use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes. You’ll get approximately 24 cookies instead of 12.
Q: Do I really need to use Dutch-process cocoa? A: While regular cocoa powder will work, Dutch-process cocoa gives these cookies their distinctive rich color and smooth chocolate flavor. If you can find it, it’s worth using!
Q: Can I make these without a stand mixer? A: Yes! A hand mixer works perfectly fine. You can even make them by hand with a wooden spoon, though you’ll need to put in some elbow grease for the creaming step.
Q: My frosting looks curdled. What went wrong? A: This usually happens when the butter and cream cheese are at very different temperatures. Make sure your butter is properly softened (but not melted) while the cream cheese is cold. Beat the two together thoroughly before adding any powdered sugar.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking? A: The edges should be set and no longer shiny, but the centers will still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. Trust the timing – it’s better to underbake slightly than overbake.
Q: Can I use chocolate sandwich cookies other than Oreos? A: Any chocolate sandwich cookie will work! Store brands, Newman-O’s, or other varieties all crush up beautifully for the “dirt” effect.
Q: My cookies didn’t spread enough. What happened? A: This is usually caused by either too much flour (make sure you’re measuring correctly) or the dough being too cold. Let the dough balls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking if they’ve been chilled for more than a few hours.
Q: How far in advance can I assemble these for a party? A: For the freshest taste and best appearance, I recommend assembling them no more than 24 hours before serving. Keep them refrigerated until about 20 minutes before serving time.
The History Behind Dirt Cake
Understanding the inspiration behind these cookies adds another layer of appreciation. Dirt cake itself emerged as a popular dessert in the 1980s, combining chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and gummy worms in a playful presentation that often included plastic flowers or toy shovels. It became a birthday party staple throughout the 1990s, making it a nostalgic treat for many millennials.
Crumbl Cookies, founded in 2017, has become famous for their rotating weekly menu of uniquely flavored cookies. Their Dirt Cake Cookie appeared as a limited-time offering that perfectly captured the nostalgic flavors of the classic dessert in cookie form, instantly becoming a fan favorite.
This copycat recipe allows you to enjoy that special treat anytime, without having to wait for it to reappear on Crumbl’s rotating menu.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Copycat Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookies at home gives you the best of both worlds – the nostalgic joy of dirt cake combined with the gourmet cookie experience that has made Crumbl so popular. The contrast between the rich chocolate cookie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, crunchy cookie “dirt,” and chewy gummy worms creates a multi-sensory dessert experience that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or to satisfy a specific craving, this recipe delivers professional-quality results that might just be better than the original. The attention to detail in each component and the assembly process ensures cookies that not only look impressive but taste absolutely incredible.
So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of cookies that perfectly captures the playful spirit of dirt cake in a sophisticated, bakery-worthy treat!
