Description

These Graveyard Dirt Cupcakes with Oreo “Tombstones” are spooky, chocolatey, and irresistibly fun to decorate. Perfect for Halloween parties or cozy nights in, they’re topped with crushed Oreos, tombstone cookies, and creepy candies that make dessert a little spooky and a whole lot of fun.

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup yogurt (or sour cream)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup brewed coffee or water
1 cup butter (softened)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla
2–3 tbsp milk
Crushed Oreo cookies (for “dirt”)
Milano cookies or similar (for tombstones)
Edible writing gel or melted chocolate
Gummy worms, candy pumpkins, or sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, oil, vanilla, and coffee.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir just until mixed.
Fill liners about 2/3 full. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
Add vanilla and milk; beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more milk as needed.
Frost each cupcake generously. Dip frosted tops into crushed Oreos for dirt effect.
Write “RIP” on Milano cookies with edible gel or melted chocolate. Stick into frosting like tombstones.
Add gummy worms, pumpkins, or other spooky candies if desired.

Notes

Store decorated cupcakes up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze undecorated cupcakes up to 1 month. Chill frosting if too soft for piping. Let kids join the fun—they love decorating spooky treats!

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American