Step 1: Make the Chocolate Pudding

1. Prepare the Pudding Mix:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. If you want a lighter, mousse-like texture, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping after the pudding is set.

2. Chill the Pudding:

Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and chill before assembling the cups.

Step 2: Make the “Dirt” Layer

1. Crush the Cookies:

Place the chocolate sandwich cookies in a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup. You can also pulse them in a food processor for quicker results. Set aside a few cookie crumbs to use for decoration later.

2. Optional: Mix the cookie crumbs with crushed chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. This will make your dirt layer extra rich and chocolatey.

Step 3: Assemble the Graveyard Pudding Cups

1. Layer the Pudding:

Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding into the bottom of each cup, filling about ⅓ to ½ of the cup. Use clear plastic cups or glass cups so you can see the layers for a more dramatic presentation.

2. Add the Dirt:

Sprinkle a generous layer of the crushed cookie “dirt” over the pudding, covering the surface completely. Make sure to leave some room at the top of the cup for the decorations.

Step 4: Create the Spooky Graveyard Decorations

1. Make the Gravestones:

For gravestones, use Milano cookies or any rectangular-shaped cookie. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can bake your own sugar cookies and cut them into gravestone shapes before decorating. Use black food coloring gel or chocolate frosting to write spooky messages like “RIP” or “BOO” on the cookies. Allow the writing to set for a few minutes.

2. Add Edible Decorations:

Insert the gravestone cookies into the dirt layer, standing them upright so they look like tombstones in a graveyard. Decorate the rest of the pudding cups with gummy worms, candy pumpkins, candy eyes, or any other Halloween-themed decorations you like. You can even add a few crushed graham crackers around the tombstones for a “sand” effect, or scatter edible bones made from white chocolate chips to complete the spooky scene.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Graveyard Pudding Cups are fully assembled and decorated, they’re ready to serve! Keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy them. These cups are a fun, festive, and delicious way to celebrate Halloween, and they’ll definitely be a hit at any party.