Copycat Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookie: A Nostalgic Treat Made at Home

There’s something magical about biting into a soft, warm Crumbl cookie that takes you straight back to childhood memories. Today, I’m sharing my perfected copycat recipe for the iconic Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookie that rivals the original in both taste and appearance. This chocolate cookie masterpiece topped with cream cheese frosting and crumbled Oreos brings all the nostalgic flavors of a classic dirt cake into cookie form. Let me guide you through creating this delectable treat in your own kitchen!

What Makes These Dirt Cake Cookies Special

The Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookie combines two beloved desserts: the classic childhood dirt cake (that pudding and cookie crumble treat often served in plastic flower pots) and Crumbl’s signature oversized, soft-baked cookies. When I first tried recreating these at home, I discovered that getting the perfect balance of chocolate flavor in the cookie base while maintaining that signature soft-yet-sturdy Crumbl texture was the key to success.

My recipe uses a combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder for depth of flavor, while the cream cheese frosting provides the perfect tangy complement to the rich chocolate base. The cookie crumbs on top don’t just add visual appeal—they provide a delightful textural contrast that makes each bite interesting.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Chocolate Cookie Base:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 4 ounces (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
• 2¾ cups (344g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (42g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred for deeper color)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping:

• 15 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• Optional: 5-6 gummy worms for decoration

Special Equipment Needed

Kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cookie scoop (3-4 tablespoon capacity)
• Cooling rack
• Food processor or zip-top bag for crushing cookies
• Offset spatula for frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Pour in the melted and slightly cooled chocolate, mixing until completely incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together well. If it seems too soft, refrigerate for 30 minutes before shaping.

Shaping and Baking

1. Using a large cookie scoop (about 3-4 tablespoons), portion the dough into balls.
2. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 3 inches apart as they will spread during baking.
3. Gently flatten each dough ball to about ¾-inch thickness with the palm of your hand.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center but set around the edges.
5. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. If the frosting seems too soft, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before using.

Assembly

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie, leaving a small border around the edge.
2. Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed, or place in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
3. Sprinkle the crushed Oreos generously over the frosting to create the “dirt” effect.
4. If desired, partially insert gummy worms into the frosting for the classic dirt cake look.

Key Tips for Perfect Dirt Cake Cookies

Getting these cookies just right takes attention to detail. Here are my top tips for success:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures proper incorporation and the best texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
• Properly measure your flour: Use the spoon-and-level method rather than scooping directly with the measuring cup.
• Slightly underbake: These cookies should be soft in the center when they come out of the oven.
• Cool completely before frosting: Applying frosting to warm cookies will cause it to melt.
• Chill the frosting if needed: If your kitchen is warm, the frosting might be too soft. A quick chill in the refrigerator helps.
• Crush the Oreos right before using: This keeps them crisp and prevents them from absorbing moisture from the air.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per cookie (based on a yield of 16 large cookies):

Variations to Try

While the classic dirt cake cookie is amazing on its own, I’ve experimented with several delicious variations:

Mint Dirt Cake

Add ½ teaspoon of mint extract to the frosting and use mint Oreos for the “dirt” topping.

Chocolate Covered “Worms”

Instead of gummy worms, try using chocolate-covered pretzel sticks partially inserted into the frosting for a more sophisticated take.

Peanut Butter Dirt

Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the frosting and top with a mixture of crushed Oreos and crushed Reese’s Pieces.

Birthday Dirt

Mix rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough, use Golden Oreos for the “dirt,” and add more sprinkles on top for a festive twist.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These cookies can be prepared in advance and stored properly to maintain their freshness:

• Cookie dough: Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Baked unfrosted cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Frosting: Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
• Fully assembled cookies: Best enjoyed within 24 hours but can be stored in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced bakers sometimes encounter problems. Here are solutions to common issues:

Cookies Spreading Too Much

• The butter might be too warm. Chill the dough for 30-60 minutes before baking.
• Check that your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer.
• Make sure you’re using the correct amount of flour.

Cookies Too Dry or Cakey

• You might be using too much flour. Remember to spoon and level when measuring.
• Don’t overbake; the centers should still look slightly underdone when you remove them from the oven.
• Check that you’re using the correct proportion of butter.

Frosting Too Runny

• Make sure both the butter and cream cheese are just softened, not melted.
• If the frosting is still too soft, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time.
• Refrigerate the frosting for 15-20 minutes to firm it up.

Oreo Topping Getting Soggy

• Add the crushed Oreos just before serving.
• For make-ahead cookies, store the crushed Oreos separately and sprinkle on just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are a showstopper on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

• Create a dessert platter with these cookies as the centerpiece, surrounded by chocolate-dipped strawberries and chocolate milk shots.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Pair with a glass of cold milk for the classic cookie experience.
• For a themed party, display the cookies in new, clean small terra cotta pots lined with parchment paper for an authentic “dirt cake” presentation.
• Serve with hot chocolate topped with whipped cream during cooler months.

Cost Analysis

Making these cookies at home is not only fun but can be cost-effective compared to buying them from Crumbl. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate cost (prices may vary by location):

This recipe yields approximately 16 large cookies, making each cookie cost about $1.11. Compare this to Crumbl’s price of around $4-5 per cookie, and you’re saving significantly!

Why This Recipe Works

After numerous test batches, I’ve discovered several key factors that make this copycat recipe so successful:

1. The combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder provides both richness and deep chocolate flavor.
2. The addition of cornstarch helps create that signature soft-yet-sturdy Crumbl texture.
3. The cream cheese frosting offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that complements the chocolate base.
4. The ratio of butter to sugar to flour has been carefully calibrated to achieve the proper spread and texture.
5. Slightly underbaking the cookies ensures they stay soft even after cooling.

The result is a cookie that captures the essence of both dirt cake and Crumbl’s famous texture, creating a nostalgic treat that’s worthy of sharing (if you’re feeling generous).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make smaller cookies instead of the large Crumbl-sized ones? A: Absolutely! Use a smaller cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) and reduce the baking time to 8-10 minutes. This will yield approximately 30-36 smaller cookies.

Q: Can I use a box cake mix to make these cookies faster? A: While you can use a chocolate cake mix as a shortcut (combine with 1/3 cup oil and 2 eggs), the texture and flavor won’t be as authentic. The from-scratch recipe produces a much closer match to Crumbl’s cookies.

Q: Is it necessary to use both melted chocolate and cocoa powder? A: For the most authentic flavor, yes. The melted chocolate provides richness and depth, while the cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor. If you must omit one, keep the cocoa powder and add an extra 2 tablespoons of butter to compensate for the missing fat from the chocolate.

Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free? A: Yes, though the texture will be slightly different. Use dairy-free butter substitutes, dairy-free cream cheese, and dairy-free chocolate. Make sure your Oreos are dairy-free (traditional Oreos are actually dairy-free, but check the packaging to be sure).

Q: How can I ensure my cream cheese frosting is the right consistency? A: The frosting should hold its shape but be easily spreadable. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar 1/4 cup at a time. If it’s too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can these cookies be frozen after they’re frosted and decorated? A: While possible, I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled cookies as the texture of the frosting and Oreo topping will change upon thawing. It’s better to freeze the baked cookies unfrosted, then thaw and decorate them when ready to serve.

Q: Why did my cookies come out flat? A: Cookies can flatten if the butter is too warm, the oven temperature is too low, or the flour is undermeasured. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking or adding an additional 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the dough.

Q: Can I use regular Oreos instead of Double Stuf? A: Yes, any variety of Oreos will work for the topping. I sometimes use regular Oreos, but Double Stuf creates a slightly more dramatic look with their white filling showing in the “dirt.”

Final Thoughts

Creating these Copycat Dirt Cake Crumbl Cookies has become a favorite weekend activity in my kitchen. There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating such an iconic treat at home—not only do you save money, but you can also customize them to your exact preferences.

The combination of a rich chocolate cookie base, tangy cream cheese frosting, and crumbly Oreo topping creates a multi-dimensional dessert experience that captures all the joy of both dirt cake and Crumbl’s famous cookies. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, I’m confident they’ll become a requested favorite from friends and family.

Remember, the key to success is patience during the mixing and baking process, and having fun with the decorating. There’s no wrong way to top these cookies—more “dirt,” extra worms, or even adding some chocolate rocks can make them even more whimsical.

I’d love to hear about your experience making these cookies and any creative variations you come up with. Happy baking!