Fudge-Filled Dessert Strips

This may not be a traditional Kentucky Derby recipe, but it has all the traditional ingredients, chocolate chips, walnuts, and rich pastry. I found this recipe in Taste of Home a few years ago and have made it tons of times. I didn't change one thing about this recipe, except I use Black Walnuts for at least half of the walnuts called for. But that's a personal choice.

Fudge-Filled Dessert Strips
about 36 servings
print recipe

1 cup butter, softened
1 package (8-ounces) cream cheese, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups (12-ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
1 can (14-ounces) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups chopped walnuts, English or Black or half and half
Confectioners' sugar, optional

In a large bowl, cream butter and cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix well.

Turn onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth, about 3 minutes. Divide dough into fourths; cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or until easy to handle.

In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and milk; stir until smooth. Stir in walnuts. Cool to room temperature.

Roll out each portion of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet into an 11-inch x 6-1/2-inch rectangle. Spread 3/4 cup chocolate filling down the center of each rectangle. Fold long sides to the center; press to seal all edges. Turn over so the seam sides are down.

Bake at 350 degrees for 27-32 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool. Cut into 1/2-inch slices. Dust with Confectioners' sugar, if desired. Store in a tightly sealed cookie tin.