Step 1: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well combined.
Step 3: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 60 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 6: Roll the chilled dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 2-inch round cutter, then use a smaller tool to cut a hole in the center of each circle.
Step 7: Place cookies on the prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a pale golden brown.
Step 8: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before starting the chocolate process.
Step 9: Melt the chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Step 10: Dip the bottom of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, scrape off the excess, and place on clean parchment paper to set. Once set, drizzle the remaining chocolate in a zig-zag pattern across the top to finish your fudge stripe cookies easy homemade copycat.