If you’ve ever wondered what winter tastes like, look no further than our next cookie feature: the brisk and bite-sized Frostbite Fudge Drops. These arctic-inspired delights are cool to the core, thanks to their rich dark chocolate base and peppermint patty swirl. It’s the kind of treat that gives you Christmas-in-July chills—in the best way.
Introduced during a record-breaking heat wave at the North Pole several summers ago, these cookies quickly became a fan favorite for keeping spirits frosty and festive, even as temperatures soared to a balmy 40°F.
❄️ Cookie Spotlight: Frostbite Fudge Drops
Elf Origin:
Invented by refrigeration specialist-turned-baker Chiller McFreeze, the recipe was a happy accident. “I dropped fudge into the peppermint cooling tanks, and the rest is cookie history,” he recalls.
🧝 Elf Commentary (Peppermint Tingletoes): “I stash these in the freezer and pop one every time my cocoa gets too warm. It’s like a cookie snowball for your soul!”
📝 Recipe: Frostbite Fudge Drops
Yields: ~36 mini cookies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 9–11 minutes
❄️ Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup dark cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup crushed peppermint candies
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
🥣 Instructions:
- Cream It: Beat butter and both sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and peppermint extracts.
- Mix It: In another bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
- Fold & Chill: Stir in mini chips and crushed peppermint. Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes.
- Bake It: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded teaspoons of dough onto lined cookie sheets. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are set. Cool on pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Dust It: Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
✨ Elf Tip:
Freeze them after baking and serve chilled for a crunchy “fudge pop” feel. Bonus points for pairing with frozen hot cocoa!
👀 Coming Next:
Cookie #5 lands later this month: Nutcracker Nougat Crunchers — a salty-sweet combo featuring candied walnuts and ribbons of vanilla nougat.
