When the craving for something sweet strikes, sometimes you need a treat that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a bit of whimsy into life. Enter these Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies! The moment you take a bite, the senses are enveloped in the rich aroma of chocolate paired with the playful crunch of crushed Oreos.
What’s more delightful than a cookie that looks as good as it tastes? Topped with silky chocolate buttercream and adorable gummy worms, these cookies are sure to steal the spotlight at any gathering or simply brighten a quiet evening at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice seeking a fun, memorable treat, this recipe will not disappoint. With their soft, chewy texture and ease of preparation, they’re an indulgent escape from the everyday rush, making your sweet moments extra special. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of these remarkable cookies!
Why Love Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies?
Whimsical Appeal: These cookies aren’t just a treat; they bring a playful vibe to any occasion.
Indulgent Flavor: A rich chocolate base combined with the crunch of Oreos creates a heavenly flavor explosion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping these up in no time!
Festive Delight: Topped with chocolate buttercream and gummy worms, they’re a showstopper for parties and gatherings.
Customizable Options: Want mini bites? It’s easy—just halve the portions for convenient snacking.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with these delightful treats; they’re perfect for breaking away from the mundane, making every moment a delicious celebration!
Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies Ingredients
Indulge in the delightful world of Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies with this easy-to-follow ingredient list!
For the Cookies
- Instant Coffee – Enhances chocolate flavor depth. Substitution: Omit if desired, but it intensifies the chocolate without imparting a coffee taste.
- Hot Water – Activates instant coffee. No substitutions.
- Butter (1/2 cup) – Adds richness and moisture. Use unsalted for better control over sweetness.
- Brown Sugar (3/4 cup) – Contributes to moisture and adds a deep flavor. Can substitute with white sugar for a lighter version.
- Granulated Sugar (2 tbsp) – Sweetness and fluffiness. Could use coconut sugar for a different taste.
- Large Egg (1) – Binds ingredients together. Can use 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce as a vegan alternative.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 & 1/4 cups) – Provides structure. Gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
- Dutch Processed Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup) – Gives a rich chocolate flavor. Natural cocoa powder is a possible substitute but adjust baking soda.
- Baking Soda (1/2 tsp) – Provides leavening. No substitute needed.
- Salt (1/4 tsp) – Enhances overall flavor. Use sea salt for a more nuanced flavor.
- Crushed Oreos (5) – Adds crunch and flavor. Alternative: Any chocolate cookie can work.
- Gummy Worms (8) – Decorative topping to mimic dirt cake theme. Optional; could replace with chocolate sprinkles or mini marshmallows.
For the Chocolate Frosting
- Butter (1/2 cup) – Base for frosting, provides creaminess. Always use unsalted for best results.
- Powdered Sugar (3/4 cup) – Sweetens the frosting. Can substitute with a sugar-free powdered sugar for a healthier option.
- Cocoa Powder (2 tbsp) – Chocolate flavor in frosting. Dutch-processed preferred, but can use natural as alternative.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Adds flavor depth. Avoid if on a vanilla-free diet.
- Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup) – Creaminess and rich texture in frosting. Dark chocolate can be used for a less sweet taste.
How to Make Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and perfectly when placed in the oven.
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Mix Coffee and Water: Combine hot water with instant coffee in a bowl, stirring until dissolved. Set it aside to cool—this step deepens the chocolate flavor.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process adds air and texture to your cookies.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg and cooled coffee mixture until fully combined. The batter should be smooth and glossy after this step.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until everything is mixed—don’t overwork the dough for best results.
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Shape Cookies: Scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough, roll it into a ball, and then roll it in crushed Oreos. Press down gently to about 1-inch thickness and place them on a lined baking sheet.
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Bake Cookies: Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes. They should have set edges but will still look soft in the center.
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Cool and Frost: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack. While cooling, prepare your frosting.
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Make the Frosting: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and let them cool slightly. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth, then mix in the melted chocolate.
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Frost Cookies: Spread or pipe the chocolate frosting onto each cooled cookie. Top off with crushed Oreos and gummy worms for that fun, dirt cake look.
Optional: Add extra crushed Oreos on top of the frosting for an even crunchier treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will add a personal touch to your Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Nutty Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the dough for a delightful texture and flavor boost.
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Minty Fresh: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract into the dough for a refreshing mint chocolate version that’s perfect for the holidays.
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Brownie Style: Pour the cookie dough into a baking pan instead of shaping cookies for a decadent, fudgy brownie version—simply adjust baking time.
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Lower Sugar: Replace granulated sugar with a natural sweetener, like erythritol, for a lower-sugar cookie while still retaining that sweetness.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the butter in both cookies and frosting with plant-based butter for a delicious dairy-free treat.
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Extra Crunch: Mix in chocolate chips or butterscotch chips into the dough before baking for an extra indulgent bite.
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Campfire Treat: Replace gummy worms with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs for a s’mores-inspired cookie variation.
Let your imagination run wild and turn these cookies into a unique masterpiece, bringing joy to every bite!
How to Store and Freeze Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep unfrosted cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Fridge: Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and softness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag; this helps prevent them from sticking together.
Reheating: To enjoy your frozen Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh-baked feel.
Expert Tips for Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies
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Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. This ensures your cookies are light and fluffy instead of dense.
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Chill Dough: If your cookie dough feels soft and sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
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Oven Variability: Baking times can vary by oven. Start checking at 12 minutes—look for slightly firm edges while the center stays soft for that perfect texture.
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Cooling Time: Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting. This step prevents the frosting from melting and maintains its delicious texture.
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Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Swap gummy worms with chocolate sprinkles or mini marshmallows for different themes.
What to Serve with Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies?
Imagine an inviting dessert table filled with delightful treats that perfectly complement each other, making every bite a celebration of flavor.
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Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! A refreshing glass of milk perfectly balances the rich chocolate and creamy frosting.
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Vanilla Ice Cream Sundae: Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess and chill enhance the cookie’s soft texture beautifully.
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Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness, creating a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.
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Chocolate Milkshake: For the ultimate indulgence, pair these cookies with a thick chocolate milkshake that echoes their chocolatey goodness.
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Coffee or Espresso: A steaming cup of coffee or espresso enhances the dessert experience. The depth of coffee pairs wonderfully with chocolate-inspired treats.
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Chocolate Cupcakes: Serve alongside chocolate cupcakes for an epic chocolate dessert duo that can thrill any sweet tooth and tantalize your senses.
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Gummy Bears: Keep it whimsical with a handful of gummy bears, echoing the fun, playful theme of your cookies while adding a bit of chewy sweetness.
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Homemade Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream will contrast beautifully with the cookies’ rich frosting, giving you an extra cloud-like texture with each bite.
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Mini Fruit Tarts: Bright, tart fruits in a buttery crust create a refreshing option that balances the heaviness of these cookies wonderfully.
Make Ahead Options
These Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh cookies with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can prepare the cookie dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 3 months. For the best results, roll the dough into balls and coat them in crushed Oreos before refrigerating or freezing. Then, when you’re ready to serve, simply bake them straight from the fridge or frozen—the bake time may be a minute or two longer. For the frosting, you can make it a day in advance; just keep it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before frosting your cookies. This way, you’ll have delightful, fresh cookies ready whenever the craving strikes!
Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies Recipe FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate cookies instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! While crushed Oreos add a unique flavor and texture, you can substitute them with any chocolate cookie of your choice. This opens up the possibility for variation in taste; consider using chocolate graham crackers or homemade chocolate cookies for a delightful twist.
How should I store my Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies?
Store your frosted Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftover cookies, refrigerate them for up to 7 days for maximum freshness—just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before indulging to enjoy their full flavor and soft texture!
Can I freeze Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies! For best results, freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked sensation.
What can I use as a substitute for instant coffee in the cookie recipe?
If you’re not a coffee fan, you can absolutely omit the instant coffee; however, it does enhance the chocolate flavor remarkably. If you want to keep a bit of that depth without coffee taste, consider adding a dash of espresso powder, or you can substitute with an additional tablespoon of cocoa powder for an even richer chocolate flavor.
Why did my cookies end up too soft or spread out too much?
If your Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies are spreading too much, it’s often due to the dough being too warm or not enough flour in the mixture. If the dough feels soft, you can try chilling it for about 30 minutes before baking. Additionally, ensure you’re measuring flour correctly—scooping too densely can lead to less flour being used. Aim for a light spoon and level method to ensure accuracy!
Crumbl Dirt Cake Cookies - Chewy Chocolate Delight You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Combine hot water with instant coffee in a bowl, stirring until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the large egg and cooled coffee mixture until fully combined.
- Gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until mixed.
- Scoop out about 1/4 cup of dough, roll into a ball, and roll in crushed Oreos. Press down gently and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-13 minutes.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Prepare frosting while cooling.
- Melt chocolate chips in the microwave. Cream together butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla until smooth, then mix in the melted chocolate.
- Spread or pipe frosting onto each cooled cookie. Top with crushed Oreos and gummy worms.