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Easy Halloween Dirt Cups with Gummy Worms (Kid-Approved)

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These easy Halloween dirt cups with gummy worms are proof that the best things in life often come from happy accidents. They’re simple enough for a weeknight, fun enough for a party, and delicious enough to make everyone forget they’re eating instant pudding.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (preferably Jell-O brand)
  • 3 cups cold whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (14.3-ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos, about 36 cookies)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 (5-ounce) bag gummy worms (sour or regular)
  • Optional: candy eyeballs, plastic spiders, or crushed graham crackers for decoration

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups of cold whole milk. If using heavy cream, replace 1 cup of milk with the cream. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Add vanilla extract and whisk once more. Let it sit for 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. While the pudding is setting, crush the chocolate sandwich cookies. Use a food processor to pulse until fine crumbs form, or place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and slightly larger pieces. Pour crumbs into a small bowl and drizzle with melted butter. Toss with a fork until evenly distributed. Set aside.
  3. Grab your cups or glasses. Start with a layer of cookie crumbs at the bottom—about 2 tablespoons per cup. Spoon or pour the pudding over the crumbs, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Tap cups gently on the counter to settle the pudding and remove air bubbles.
  4. Press 2-3 gummy worms into the pudding in each cup, letting some stick out the sides to look like they’re crawling out of the dirt.
  5. Sprinkle a generous layer of remaining cookie crumbs over the top of each cup (about 3 tablespoons per cup) to completely cover the pudding and hide the worms. If using candy eyeballs or plastic spiders, press them into the top layer now.
  6. Place assembled cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (2-3 hours is even better) to allow the pudding to fully set and the cookie crumbs to soften slightly.
  7. Right before serving, add a few extra gummy worms on top for dramatic effect. Serve cold.

Notes

For best results, use cold milk and avoid overmixing the pudding. Let the butter cool slightly before mixing with cookie crumbs to prevent clumping. Chilling for at least 1 hour is essential for proper texture. These taste even better the next day. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not freeze.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dirt cups, gummy worms, chocolate pudding, easy dessert, kid-friendly, no-bake, spooky treats, Halloween party

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-halloween-dirt-cups-with-gummy-worms-kid-approved/