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These Oreo Dirt Cups are fun treats kids of all ages seem to love! The individual cups are filled with chocolate pudding and Oreo crumbs then topped with colorful gummy worms!!

Growing up, the best part of celebrating a birthday was bringing treats to school for snack time! The two treats I brought the most were Cupcake Cones (so nostalgic!) and these Dirt Cups, aka dirt and worms!
These dessert cups are a great way to get the kids in the kitchen! They can help crush the cookies into fine crumbs, mix up the chocolate pudding layer and even press the gummy worms into the dessert. They’ll have so much fun and will take pride in knowing they helped!
Ingredients Needed
- Chocolate Sandwich Cookies – aka Oreos! I use regular, but feel free to use different flavors such as Chocolate Oreo (chocolate filling), Peanut Butter Oreos, Chocolate Hazelnut, etc!
- Milk – Any kind of milk will work (though whole milk will be the most creamy option!)
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – You can try other flavors, too! (different flavor variations below!)
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) – You can use regular or extra creamy.
- Gummy Worms – Or gummy frogs, gummy dinosaurs, whatever you can find!
What Cups Should I Use for Dirt and Worms?
I like to use disposable 6-ounce or 9-ounce clear plastic cups. You can also use small mason jars or other glasses you’ve got on hand! (I like using clear glasses or cups so the layers of pudding and “dirt” show through!)
How to Make Dirt Cups
Crush the Oreo Cookies
You can either place the cookies into a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor. Once the cookies are ready, set them aside.
Make the Pudding Mixture
Whisk together the cold milk and both boxes of instant pudding mix in a large mixing bowl and let sit for 5 minutes. Then, add the whipped topping and fold it in.
Layer It Up!
Add a scoop of the pudding mixture into the bottom of each cup (fill it about 1/3 full). Then, add a heaping tablespoon of Oreo crumbs onto the pudding. Repeat the pudding and the Oreo layer. Finally, add gummy worms on top of the dirt cup! Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Different Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Dirt Cups – Use Chocolate Peanut Butter Oreos and add chopped up peanut butter cups (or Reeses Pieces for a crunch!) between each layer.
- Vanilla Dirt Cups – Use Golden Oreos and white chocolate or vanilla pudding mix.
- Easter Dirt Cups – Add some green-colored coconut on top and add a “Peep,” a chocolate bunny or a candy carrot on top!
- Birthday Dirt Cups – Use the golden birthday (confetti) Oreos and vanilla pudding. Add sprinkles on top and press a candle down the center!
How to make fun Halloween Dirt Cups!
I love how easily these cute dirt cups can transform into Halloween graveyard dirt cups! There are a few different ways to decorate them…
- Add some candy pumpkins onto the top layer of “dirt.”
- Use melted chocolate or black icing to write “RIP” on wafer cookies or Milano cookies and press them into the dirt.
- Top each with a ghost-shaped Peep.
Are Oreo Dirt Cups Gluten-Free?
They totally can be!! Simply swap out the regular Oreos for gluten-free Oreos and you’re good to go!!
Can I make Dirt Cups ahead of time?
These are a great make-ahead dessert. It’s nice having a dessert with individual portions that so you don’t have to worry about scooping up a dessert during a party! The chocolate cookies will get softer over time, though, so keep that in mind.
How to Store Dirt Pudding Cups
These dessert cups need to be stored in the fridge. If you have an airtight container that’s big enough, that works great. If not, simply place them on a sheet pan (or a pan with edges) and cover with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
Make them even EASIER!
Short on time? Here are a couple ways you can simplify the layered pudding cups.
- Do one big layer of pudding and one of the Oreos. This will save time skipping that second layer.
- Do one large layered dessert, by layering the Oreos and pudding mixture in a trifle dish.
Other Easy Dessert Ideas Kids LOVE
Dirt Cups
Ingredients
- 16 chocolate sandwich cookies ie. Oreos
- 4 cups cold milk
- Two 3.4 ounce boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- One 8 ounce tub whipped topping thawed
- 24 gummy worms
Instructions
- Place the cookies in a large resealable baggie and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. (You can use a food processor instead if you'd like). Set aside.16 chocolate sandwich cookies
- Add the cold milk to a large mixing bowl. Dump the two boxes of pudding mix into the milk and whisk until smooth. Let set for 5 minutes to thicken.4 cups cold milk, Two 3.4 ounce boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- Fold in the whipped topping until well-combined.One 8 ounce tub whipped topping
- Fill each of 8 plastic cups with about 1/3 cup of the pudding mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 heaping tablespoon of crushed Oreos on top.
- Repeat for a second layer, using up the remainder of the pudding mixture and crushed Oreos.
- Decorate the top with gummy worms.24 gummy worms