Fudge Round Sandwich Cookies

Believe it or not, up until very recently, I had never had Little Debbie Fudge Rounds.  We're not big on snack cakes and things like that, but I was sort of curious so I got some.  I was a little underwhelmed, but I really liked the idea!  I decided to make my own version by changing up a basic copycat recipe I floating around on the internet.  I added some chocolate malted milk powder to the cookie and the frosting to give it a little bit more depth, and they turned out totally delicious!  Lots of chocolate, lots of flavor, lots of yum!

Fudge Round Sandwich Cookies

Fudge Cookies:
1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 Tablespoons chocolate malted milk powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt

Filling:
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon chocolate malted milk powder
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
1 Tablespoon milk

Preheat the oven to 350F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

For the cookies, cream together the butter and sugar until light.  Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until fluffy.  Add the flour, cocoa powder, chocolate malted milk powder, baking soda, and salt, and beat until just combined. Scoop the dough into tablespoon size balls and place on the baking sheet, leaving a bit of room between the cookies because they will spread.

Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes, or until just set (don't overbake, we want these to stay soft).  Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool on the pan for about 5 minutes.  Transfer cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

For the frosting, cream together the shortening, butter, and vanilla extract.  Add the cocoa powder and chocolate malted milk powder, and beat until blended.  Beat in the powdered sugar and salt until smooth.  Beat in the milk.  Sandwich the frosting between two fudge cookies.  Drizzle the tops with melted chocolate, if desired.  Makes about 12 sandwich cookies.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy