Description
These Dirt and Worm Cake Mix Cookies are a fun and spooky treat perfect for Halloween or any playful occasion. Made from a simple chocolate cake mix dough, baked into soft cookies, and topped with rich ganache, crushed Oreos, and gummy worms, they offer a delightful combination of chocolatey goodness and creepy-crawly fun.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
Toppings
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and canola oil. Mix thoroughly until a soft sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Scoop and Bake Cookies: Use a medium cookie scoop to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cookies are firm.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before adding toppings.
- Prepare Ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the chocolate chips and microwave for 45 seconds. Let the mixture rest for 1 minute before whisking until smooth and creamy to make the ganache.
- Top Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread about 1 tablespoon of ganache over each cookie. Immediately sprinkle crushed Oreos on top and gently press gummy worms into the ganache to create the dirt and worm effect.
- Set Ganache: Allow the ganache to set at room temperature before serving, so it firms up nicely and holds the toppings in place.
Notes
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- If a firmer ganache is preferred or in warmer climates, refrigerate the cookies for up to one week; bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Store for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before serving. Note that gummy worms may slightly change texture after freezing.
- If using a smaller 13.25 ounce cake mix box, reduce the oil to 1/3 cup to maintain dough consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
