Dirt and Worm Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and easy treat that is perfect for any occasion. With a cake base and chocolate ganache topping, these cookies are both simple to make and delicious.
Easy Dirt Cake Cookies
These dirt and worm cookies are so much fun and ridiculously cute—or maybe a little creepy, depending on how you look at them. I love how easy they are to make since they start with my go-to cake mix cookie base. This fun recipe is perfect to make with kids and is a great make-ahead dessert option for a Halloween party, birthday party, or even a cookie swap.
I’ve mentioned before how much I love a frosted cake mix cookie, and while these ones aren’t technically frosted, they do have a rich ganache topping. They’re very similar to my Grasshopper Cookies, just without the mint buttercream and with Oreo cookie crumbs on top.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix: Provides a perfect base for the cookies and simplifies the baking process.
- Eggs: Add structure and moisture to the cookie dough, helping them bake up soft and chewy.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cookies moist and gives them a tender texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate: Used for the ganache topping. I used chocolate chips because they are cheaper, but chopped chocolate also works.
- Heavy cream: Combines with the chocolate to create a smooth and creamy ganache.
- Crushed Oreo cookies: Create the “dirt” topping, adding a fun crunch.
- Gummy worms: The finishing touch that makes these cookies fun and festive, perfect for a creepy-cute look.
Making the Dirt Cookies
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and canola oil. Mix well until a soft, sticky dough forms.
- Scoop and bake: Use a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the ganache: Add chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and microwave for 45 seconds. Allow the bowl to rest for 1 minute before whisking the chocolate and cream until smooth.
- Top the cookies: Once the cookies are cool, spread a spoonful of ganache (about 1 tablespoon) over each one. Immediately sprinkle crushed Oreos on top to create the “dirt” effect.
- Add the worms: Press a gummy worm into the ganache on top of each cookie, ensuring it sticks.
- Set and serve: Allow the ganache to set before serving. Enjoy your Dirt and Worm Cake Mix Cookies!
Variations and substitutions
Different Cake Mix Flavors: While chocolate is the traditional flavor in ‘dirt and worms’ you can switch up the cake mix flavor to create different types of cookies. Try vanilla, red velvet, or even a Funfetti mix for a colorful twist.
Alternative Toppings: Instead of ganache, you can top the cookies with chocolate frosting, icing, glaze, or buttercream.
Cookie Crumb Toppings: Use different types of chocolate cookie crumbs, such as chocolate wafer cookies instead of Oreos for the “dirt” topping. You can also use graham cracker crumbs or golden Oreos for a ‘sand and worm’ cookie.
Tips for success
- Adjust for cake mix size: This recipe was tested using a 15.25-ounce cake mix. If using a smaller 13.25-ounce box, reduce the oil to 1/3 cup.
- Space the cookies: Leave enough space between the cookie dough balls on the baking sheet (about 2 inches apart) to allow for spreading while they bake.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be set around the edges but still soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool before topping: Ensure your cookies are completely cool before adding the ganache. This prevents the ganache from melting and sliding off the cookies.
- Ganache consistency: Ensure your ganache is smooth and slightly thick. If it’s too runny, let it sit for a few more minutes to thicken before spreading it on the cookies. The easiest way to spread the ganache on the cookies is with the back of a spoon.
- Add toppings to wet ganache: Sprinkle the Oreo crumbs and gently press the gummy candies into the ganache while it is still wet. This ensures the “dirt” and colorful gummy worms stick well to the cookies.
- Crushing Oreos: Use the whole cookie—there’s no need to remove the cream filling. The easiest way to crush the Oreos is with a food processor or by placing the cookies in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
How to Store the Cookies
Store the cookies in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you prefer a firmer ganache or live in a warmer climate, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Note that the consistency of the gummy worms will change slightly once frozen and thawed.
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Dirt and Worm Cake Mix Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup crushed Oreos about 9 whole cookies
- 18 gummy worms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and canola oil. Mix until a soft sticky dough forms.
- Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and microwave for 45 seconds. Allow the bowl to rest for 1 minute before whisking the chocolate and cream to form the ganache.
- Once the cookies are cool, spread a spoonful of ganache (about 1 tablespoon) over each one. Sprinkle the crushed Oreos and gently press the gummy worms into the ganache while it is still wet.
- Allow the ganache to set before serving. Enjoy your Dirt and Worm Cake Mix Cookies!
Notes
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. If you prefer a firmer ganache or live in a warmer climate, you can store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Note, the consistency of the gummy worms will change slightly once frozen and thawed.
- This recipe was tested using a 15.25 ounce cake mix. If using a smaller 13.25 ounce box, reduce the oil to 1/3 cup.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is estimated based on automated calculations and should be considered as an approximation. These estimates are provided as a courtesy. Please use your own brand’s nutritional values to verify accuracy.