What Are Fudge Stripe Cookies?
At their core, fudge stripe cookies are round, shortbread-style cookies with a signature hole in the center. What makes them special is their chocolate fudge coating on the underside and the elegant stripes of fudge drizzled on top. The contrast between the buttery cookie and rich fudge gives them an unmistakable taste and texture
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Homemade Fudge Stripe Cookies
Creating your own fudge stripe cookies at home is easier than you might think. The process is fun, especially when you get to drizzle those delicious chocolate stripes at the end.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for glossy chocolate)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. - Add vanilla and salt
Mix in vanilla extract and salt until combined. - Incorporate flour
Slowly add in the flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Do not overmix. - Chill the dough
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Roll and cut
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out large circles and smaller circles in the center to create rings. - Bake
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until just golden on the edges. Cool completely. - Dip the bottom
Once cool, dip the flat side of each cookie in melted chocolate. Lay dipped side down on parchment. - Drizzle the fudge stripes
Fill a piping bag or sandwich bag with the remaining melted chocolate. Snip the tip and stripe the tops of the cookies. - Let set
Allow cookies to rest at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
Fun Variations to Try
Once you master the basics, get creative with your own fudge stripe cookie variations. Here are some popular alternatives:
Vegan Fudge Stripe Cookies
- Replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil
- Use vegan dark chocolate for dipping and striping
- Try almond or oat flour for a grain-free twist
Check out this vegan fudge stripe recipe for inspiration.
Gluten-Free Version
- Swap all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if the flour mix doesn’t include it
- Chill the dough longer to improve texture
This gluten-free cookie take has a chewy bite and rich flavor.
Holiday Wreath Cookies
- Stack fudge stripe cookies in a circle to mimic a wreath
- Add red/green M&Ms, marshmallows, or crushed peppermint on top
- Use green-dyed white chocolate for a festive stripe
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Whether you’re prepping ahead for a party or just saving leftovers, proper storage keeps your fudge stripe cookies fresh and tasty.
At Room Temperature
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days
- Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking
Refrigerated
- Keeps cookies firm and extends freshness up to 10 days
- Ideal if your kitchen is warm or humid
Freezer Tips
- Freeze unbaked dough: Wrap tightly and use within 2 months
- Freeze finished cookies: Place in a sealed container with parchment layers; defrost at room temp
These methods help preserve the texture and appearance of your cookies, especially the delicate chocolate stripes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most common questions people ask about fudge stripe cookies, based on what we found in Google’s “People Also Ask” section.
What kind of cookie is a fudge stripe?
A fudge stripe cookie is a round shortbread-style cookie with a ring shape. The bottom is coated with melted chocolate, and the top is decorated with evenly spaced fudge stripes.
Are fudge stripe cookies vegan?
The commercial version (e.g., Keebler) is not vegan due to dairy content. However, there are delicious vegan homemade versions using coconut oil, almond flour, and dairy-free chocolate.
Can you freeze fudge stripe cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well. Just place them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months.
What’s the difference between shortbread and sugar cookies?
Shortbread uses a higher ratio of fat to flour and contains no leavening. It has a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Sugar cookies are sweeter, puffier, and often use eggs and baking powder.
Pro Tips for Perfect Fudge Stripe Cookies
Want to take your cookies to the next level? Try these expert tips:
- For clean stripes: Use a piping bag with a fine tip. Pipe in smooth, quick motions.
- Enhance chocolate flavor: Add a pinch of espresso powder to melted chocolate.
- For shiny stripes: Mix in ½ tsp of coconut oil or corn syrup to your melted chocolate.
- Uniform shapes: Use two nested cookie cutters for precision.
- Set quickly: Chill cookies briefly after striping to help the chocolate harden faster.
- Decorating upgrades: Sprinkle edible glitter or crushed candy before the fudge sets.
These details help elevate your homemade fudge stripe cookies into showstopping treats worthy of gifting—or hoarding.
Conclusion
Fudge stripe cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity, nostalgia, and indulgence. Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought or the creativity of homemade, this timeless treat brings joy to cookie lovers of all ages.
Print
5 Easy Steps to Homemade Fudge Stripe Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Fudge Stripe Cookies are a nostalgic nod to the lunchbox favorite, made with real ingredients and no shortcuts. Each cookie starts with a tender shortbread ring that’s dipped in rich dark chocolate and finished with signature striped fudge drizzle on top. They’re crisp, buttery, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for gifting, dunking in milk, or stocking the cookie jar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (optional, for glossy chocolate)
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. - Add vanilla and salt
Mix in vanilla extract and salt until combined. - Incorporate flour
Slowly add in the flour, mixing just until a dough forms. Do not overmix. - Chill the dough
Wrap dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up. - Roll and cut
Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut out large circles and smaller circles in the center to create rings. - Bake
Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or until just golden on the edges. Cool completely. - Dip the bottom
Once cool, dip the flat side of each cookie in melted chocolate. Lay dipped side down on parchment. - Drizzle the fudge stripes
Fill a piping bag or sandwich bag with the remaining melted chocolate. Snip the tip and stripe the tops of the cookies. - Let set
Allow cookies to rest at room temperature or in the fridge until the chocolate hardens.
Notes
- Flavored twist: Add a pinch of almond extract or orange zest to the dough
- Different chocolate: Try white chocolate drizzle for contrast
- Make ahead: Cookies keep well for up to 1 week in an airtight container
- Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg