Forgotten Cookies Recipe: Easy Meringue Treats That Bake Themselves

Name: Forgotten Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Yield: 30 Cookies
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large egg whites, at room temperature; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup mini chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

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What Makes These Forgotten Cookies So Special

There’s something magical about a recipe that practically cooks itself while you sleep. These forgotten cookies earned their charming name because you literally forget about them in the oven overnight. My grandmother first taught me this recipe during one of her weekend baking marathons, and I was amazed watching her pop these simple meringue treats into the oven right before bedtime.

The beauty of forgotten cookies lies in their simplicity and the gentle overnight baking process that creates perfectly crisp, cloud-like meringues with chewy centers. Using just the residual heat from your oven, these delicate treats develop their signature texture without any babysitting required. The result is a batch of sweet, airy cookies that melt on your tongue – perfect for tea parties, holiday platters, or whenever you crave something light and sweet.

What makes this recipe truly special is how forgiving it is. The long, slow cooking process means there’s little chance of burning, making it ideal for nervous bakers or anyone who wants impressive results with minimal effort.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 large egg whites, at room temperature
⅔ cup granulated sugar
1 cup mini chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Substitution Options

Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips
Vegan: Replace egg whites with aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) – use 6 tablespoons
Nut-free: Substitute nuts with toasted coconut flakes or dried fruit
Chocolate alternatives: Try butterscotch chips, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows

Time & Planning

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8-10 hours (overnight)
Total time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Make-Ahead Tips

The beauty of these cookies is that they’re naturally a make-ahead treat. Start them before bedtime, and wake up to perfectly baked cookies. You can prepare the meringue mixture up to 2 hours ahead – just keep it covered at room temperature before shaping and baking.

Time-Saving Strategy

While your oven preheats to 350°F, use that time to bring your egg whites to room temperature and chop your nuts. This recipe works perfectly when you start it after dinner cleanup is done.

How to Make It

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring the paper lies flat without wrinkles. The parchment is crucial for easy removal later.

2. Whip the Egg Whites

In a spotlessly clean bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. This usually takes 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until stiff, glossy peaks form and the mixture feels smooth when rubbed between your fingers.

3. Fold in Mix-Ins

Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts using a large spoon or rubber spatula. Be gentle – you want to maintain as much air as possible in the meringue while evenly distributing the add-ins.

4. Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of mixture onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round – rustic shapes add character.

5. The “Forgetting” Process

Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven, then immediately turn off the heat. Close the oven door and do not open it for at least 8 hours or overnight. The residual heat will slowly and gently cook the meringues to perfection.

6. Check for Doneness

After 8-10 hours, your cookies should lift easily from the parchment and feel crisp on the outside with slightly chewy centers. If they’re still soft, leave them in the closed oven for another hour or two.

Forgotten cookies — Forgotten Cookies Recipe: Easy Meringue Treats That Bake Themselves 7

Nutrition Overview

Each cookie (makes approximately 30 cookies) contains roughly:

Calories: 45-55
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 2g from nuts and chocolate

These treats are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a lighter dessert option. They’re also egg-white based, providing some protein while being naturally cholesterol-free. Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Variations

For a lower-sugar version, try reducing the granulated sugar to ½ cup and adding a tablespoon of powdered stevia blend. The texture will be slightly less crisp but still delicious.

Create an antioxidant-rich version by using dark chocolate chips and adding dried goji berries or chopped dried strawberries instead of nuts. For extra fiber, fold in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed with the mix-ins.

Coconut lovers can replace nuts with unsweetened shredded coconut and use coconut extract instead of vanilla for a tropical twist that’s also lower in calories than the nut version.

Serving Ideas

These delicate cookies shine on afternoon tea spreads alongside delicate finger sandwiches and fresh fruit. They’re perfect for bridal showers, baby showers, or any gathering where you want something sweet but not too heavy.

During holidays, arrange them on tiered serving platters with other small treats, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for lovely homemade gifts. They pair beautifully with coffee, herbal tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.

For a special presentation, drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate or dust them lightly with powdered sugar just before serving.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Flat, spread-out cookies: This usually means the egg whites weren’t beaten stiff enough or you overmixed when folding in additions. Make sure peaks hold their shape and fold gently.

Chewy throughout: Your oven might not have been hot enough initially, or you opened the door during baking. Next time, verify your oven reaches 350°F before turning it off.

Cookies stick to pan: Always use parchment paper, not wax paper or bare baking sheets. Silicone mats work well too.

Mixture deflates: Ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free. Even a tiny bit of yolk or oil will prevent proper whipping.

Storage & Reheating

Store cooled forgotten cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking.

These cookies don’t freeze well due to their delicate meringue structure, but they rarely last long enough to worry about long-term storage. If they lose their crispness, place them in a 200°F oven for 10-15 minutes to restore their texture.

For best results, store them away from humid areas like near the stove or dishwasher, as meringues absorb moisture from the air easily.

Why These Cookies Will Become Your Go-To Treat

Forgotten cookies prove that sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. They’re practically foolproof, require minimal active time, and always impress with their delicate texture and sweet flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or experienced cook, these treats offer a stress-free way to create something special.

The overnight baking process means you can start them after dinner and wake up to fresh cookies – perfect for unexpected guests or when you want to bring something homemade to a gathering. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your secret weapon for effortless entertaining.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these without chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Try dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dried strawberries, or go simple with just nuts and vanilla for classic meringue cookies.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

Silicone baking mats work great. In a pinch, you can lightly grease baking sheets, but parchment gives the best results for easy removal.

Can I open the oven door to check on them?

It’s best not to during the first 6-8 hours, as this releases the gentle heat needed for proper cooking. After 8 hours, a quick peek is fine.

Why are my cookies not crispy?

Humidity can affect meringues. Try making them on a dry day, or leave them in the closed oven an extra hour or two if your kitchen is humid.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just use additional baking sheets and make sure they all fit in your oven at once since you can’t rotate them during the overnight baking process.

How do I know if my egg whites are beaten enough?

Properly beaten whites should hold stiff peaks that don’t fall over when you lift the beater. The mixture should look glossy and feel smooth, not gritty, when rubbed between fingers.