Hi friends! If you’re looking for a fun and spooky Halloween dessert that’s easy enough for kids to help with but tasty enough for adults to enjoy, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups.

I’ve been making these for years during October, and they’ve become a sweet little tradition in our home. There’s just something about seeing my kids giggling while “burying” gummy worms into their chocolate pudding cups that makes my mama heart so happy. These cups aren’t just desserts—they’re memories in the making.

Today, I’ll walk you through how to make them step by step, share creative variations (like dirt cups without Cool Whip or even grown-up dirt cups for adults), answer some FAQs, and give you my best tips for preparing them ahead of time.

Whether you’re planning a big Halloween bash or just want a silly treat for a weeknight dinner, this Oreo dirt cup recipe is a winner every single time.

Table of Contents

Why I Love Making Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups

One of the things I love most about these dirt cups is how approachable they are.

No baking required – You don’t even need to turn on the oven.
Kid-friendly assembly – My kids crush the cookies and layer the pudding. It’s messy, but in the best way!
Budget-friendly – Just a few simple ingredients.
Customizable – You can go spooky, silly, or classy depending on how you decorate them.

And honestly, sometimes I’m tired from all the fall festivities—pumpkin patches, hayrides, costume shopping… you know the drill. Having an easy dirt pudding recipe like this in my back pocket saves my sanity.

Layered Halloween dirt cup dessert with chocolate pudding, cream filling, crushed Oreo cookies, and colorful gummy worms on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your shopping list for Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups:

16 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos)
4 cups cold milk
Two (3.4 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
One (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
24 gummy worms

Tip: If you want a richer flavor, use chocolate fudge pudding instead of regular chocolate. It’s my secret weapon when I want these to feel extra indulgent.

How to Make Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups

These dirt cups come together in just a few easy steps. Even if you’ve never made a dessert before, you can totally pull this off.

1: Crush the Cookies

Place your Oreos in a large zip-top bag.
Use a rolling pin to crush them into crumbs. (This is the part my kids love the most—they call it “cookie smashing.”)
If you’re short on time, pulse them in a food processor until they’re fine.

2: Make the Pudding Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant pudding mix.
Stir until smooth and let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.

3: Fold in Whipped Topping

Once your pudding has set, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
Don’t overmix—you want it to stay light and fluffy.

4: Layer the Cups

Spoon about ⅓ cup of pudding mixture into the bottom of each clear plastic cup.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of crushed cookies on top.
Repeat the layers until you’re out of pudding and crumbs.
Make sure the last layer is cookie crumbs so it looks like dirt.

5: Decorate with Gummy Worms

Just before serving, tuck in a few gummy worms so it looks like they’re crawling out of the “graveyard.”
Optional: Add cookies with “RIP” written in icing to make edible tombstones.

And there you have it—spooky, fun, and oh-so delicious!

Creative Variations for Dirt Cups

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some of my favorite twists:

Dirt Cups Without Cool Whip

If you’re avoiding processed whipped topping, you can use freshly whipped cream. Just beat heavy cream with a little sugar until soft peaks form, then fold it into your pudding.

Dirt Cups with Pre-Made Pudding

Busy week? Grab snack-pack chocolate puddings from the grocery store. Just top with crushed Oreos and worms. Done in minutes.

Dirt Cups for Adults

For an adult version, stir in a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or coffee liqueur into the pudding before layering. It adds a cozy grown-up flavor that’s perfect for a Halloween cocktail party.

Dirt Cake Alternative

Don’t want individual cups? Make this in a 9×13 dish. It’s basically the same process, just layered in one big pan and sliced into squares.

Personal Tips for Success

Clear cups work best – It shows off the layers and looks way cuter on a party table.
Add toppings right before serving – The worms can get sticky if they sit too long.
Get the kids involved – They love crushing cookies and adding the “worms.”
Chill before serving – Letting the cups sit in the fridge for at least an hour makes them even better.

I’ll be honest—I’ve learned most of these through trial and error. One year, I made them too early in the day and left the gummy worms on. By the time we served them at night, the worms had melted into the “dirt.” Lesson learned!

FAQs About Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups

What ingredients do I need to make Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups?

You’ll need Oreos, pudding mix, milk, whipped topping, and gummy worms.

Can I make these dirt cups ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can assemble the pudding and cookie layers a day in advance. Just wait to add gummy worms until serving.

How long do Oreo dirt cups last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days, but they’re best eaten within 24 hours.

Are these Halloween dirt cups kid-friendly?

Absolutely—they’re made for kids! Mine love decorating their own cups.

Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?

Yes, chocolate graham crackers or chocolate chip cookies work too.

Halloween dirt cup dessert layered with chocolate pudding, cream filling, crushed Oreos, and topped with colorful gummy worms.

Pair These Dirt Cups with More Halloween Fun

Planning a whole Halloween spread? These pair beautifully with:

Stylish Indoor Halloween Decorations to set the spooky vibe.
Easy Halloween Treats with Royal Icing for extra dessert fun.
Boutique-Style Fall Cookie Recipes to round out your seasonal sweet table.

Save This Recipe on Pinterest

I share all my seasonal recipes and decorating tips over on Pinterest. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later and follow me here Sophia Decor Style on Pinterest.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a Halloween dessert that’s easy, festive, and guaranteed to make your kids smile, these Graveyard Oreo Cookies Dirt Cups are the way to go. They’re simple enough for beginners, fun enough to double as an activity, and delicious enough to please a crowd.

I hope you give them a try this season. And if you do, please tag me @sophiadecorstyle so I can see your spooky creations. I’m so grateful you’re here sharing these little family traditions with me—it makes cooking and celebrating even sweeter.

Now tell me—what’s your favorite Halloween treat? Drop it in the comments below so we can swap ideas!