1. Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies retain their shape while baking.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

3. Shape and Bake the Cookies

Scoop out 1/4 cup portions of dough (you can use a cookie scoop for uniform sizing) and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each one.

Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently flatten each dough ball slightly—this helps the cookies bake evenly.

Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. The cookies will look slightly underbaked in the center, but they will firm up as they cool.

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Dirt Cake Cookies

Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting on each cookie.

Sprinkle the crushed Oreos over the frosting, pressing lightly to help them stick. Top each cookie with a gummy worm for the classic “dirt cake” look.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the cookies immediately, or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving.