Check for Stiff Peaks: Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the meringue should stand straight up without collapsing. This will give your cookies the right texture.
This post has been updated with new photos, more useful information, and step-by-step directions. It was first published on December 20, 2014.
Forgotten cookies are one of the simplest cookies to make. Meringue cookies with chocolate chips and pecans are popped into the oven and then forgotten overnight.
The cookies turn out crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy inside just bursting with nutty, chocolatey goodness. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, these forgotten cookies are sure to become a favorite!
Holiday cookies are my favorite way to share the season with family and friends. And melt-in-your-mouth holiday cookies are always at the top of my list. Just think buttery goodness, tender textures, and flavors that release their sweet, spicy, or nutty essence when they touch your tongue, they all bring warmth and joy to the holiday season.
A Unique Baking Adventure: The very process of making forgotten cookies is unique and intriguing. Leaving cookies in the oven overnight and "forgetting" about them is a delightful departure from the usual baking routines.
Perfect Texture: With their crisp exterior and slightly chewy center, forgotten cookies offer an unparalleled texture combination. Each bite is a play of contrasts – making it a treat for the senses.
Versatile Ingredients: While the traditional recipe calls for chocolate chips and pecans, there's plenty of room for creativity. Whether you're a fan of walnuts, dried fruits, or even coconut, there are countless ways to personalize this recipe to your liking.
Gluten-Free Goodness: For those with gluten sensitivities or those choosing to avoid gluten in their diets, these cookies are a dream come true. Naturally gluten-free, they allow for indulgence without worry.
Low-Fat Treat: Given that the primary ingredient is egg whites, these cookies are lower in fat compared to many other traditional cookie recipes. They're a lighter option for those watching their fat intake but still wishing to enjoy a sweet treat.
Ideal for Make-Ahead: Whether you're planning a party or holiday gathering, or just want to have sweet treats ready at a moment's notice, forgotten cookies are ideal. Make them in advance, store them correctly, and you'll always have a batch of delicious cookies ready to serve.
Wholesome Ingredients: No artificial flavorings or preservatives here. With a handful of basic, wholesome ingredients, you can enjoy a treat that's as close to natural as it gets.
A Treat for All Seasons: Whether it's a warm summer evening or a chilly winter night, the airy, light texture and rich flavors of forgotten cookies make them suitable for any season or occasion.
The History and Origin of Forgotten Cookies
The captivating tale of the forgotten cookies is, much like the cookie itself, a delightful blend of serendipity, nostalgia, and sweet intrigue. These meringue-based treats, dotted with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans, may seem simple, but their story is anything but.
The Name's Origin
The moniker 'Forgotten Cookies' doesn't just sound poetic; it's descriptive. The name comes from the unique method of baking them. Rather than the typical process of baking and then immediately taking them out of the oven, these cookies are left inside an already hot oven that has been turned off. As the oven cools down, the cookies continue to bake gently. The tradition suggests that you can "forget" about them until the morning, leading to their namesake.
The Beginning of a Meringue Cookie
While the precise origins of the forgotten cookie are a tad murky, they're widely believed to be a product of the mid-20th century. The post-WWII era in America saw a resurgence in home baking, and this was a time of culinary experimentation. Recipes were often shared between neighbors, in church cookbooks, and at community gatherings.
The forgotten cookie could very well have been a happy accident, where someone might have mistakenly left meringues in a cooling oven only to discover a delicious result the next day.
Why Pecans and Chocolate Chips?
The combination of pecans and chocolate chips is a reflection of popular American ingredients from the 20th century. Pecans, native to the southern United States, have always been a staple in American baking, especially in treats like the pecan pie.
On the other hand, chocolate chips gained immense popularity after the invention of the chocolate chip cookie in the 1930s. It's no surprise that these two ingredients found their way into the airy, crisp texture of a meringue.
Forgotten cookies are a testament to the beauty of baking – where accidents can lead to delightful discoveries and where traditional methods meet new ideas. These cookies may have been "forgotten" in the oven once upon a time, but they've secured a memorable place in the hearts of cookie lovers everywhere.
Other Names for Forgotten Cookies
Forgotten cookies, with their distinctive baking method and airy texture, have been christened with a variety of names over the years, reflecting both their method of preparation and their delightful characteristics. Here's a breakdown of these names and a brief explanation for each:
Forgotten Kisses Cookies: The "kisses" in this name refers to the shape and appearance of these cookies, which often resemble the popular Hershey's Kisses. Additionally, their light, airy texture can be as sweet and gentle as a kiss.
Forget Me Not Cookies: A playful twist on the "forgotten" aspect of the cookies. This name encourages one not to forget the cookies in the oven. Moreover, it's a sweet reminder of the memorable taste they leave behind.
Nighty Night Cookies: This name alludes to the unique overnight baking method. As the world says "nighty night," these cookies continue their slow bake, ready to greet you in the morning.
Egg White Cookies: A straightforward name that highlights the primary ingredient and the base of these cookies. The egg whites, when whipped, give the cookies their characteristic meringue texture.
Overnight Cookies: Another nod to the baking method, this name directly speaks to the overnight resting and baking period that sets these cookies apart from others.
Cloud Cookies: This name paints a vivid picture of the cookie's texture. Light, airy, and ethereal, they truly resemble fluffy clouds in both appearance and taste.
Each name, in its own way, captures the essence of these delightful cookies. Whether you're speaking to their method of preparation, their primary ingredient, or their ethereal texture, these names evoke curiosity and perfectly encapsulate the magic of the forgotten cookies. Whatever you choose to call them, one thing is certain: they are unforgettable in flavor and experience!
Ingredients
There are only a few simple ingredients needed to make these cookies:
Egg Whites - see below for recipe tips on making the perfect meringue
Granulated Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Pecans or use your favorite nuts
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
How to Make Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Separate eggs and pour egg whites into a large bowl.
Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
Gradually add sugar and continue to beat.
It should look glossy and the sugar should be well incorporated.
Add vanilla extract, nuts, and chocolate chips.
Fold in gently until evenly distributed.
Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets. Turn the oven OFF, put the cookies in the oven, and leave them there for at least 8 hours or overnight.
After 8 hours these egg white cookies have become crisp, light, and ready to devour!
Important Note: DO NOT OPEN the OVEN until the time is up!
Recipe Tips for Perfect Forgotten Cookies
Creating the perfect forgotten cookie is as much an art as it is a science. With their delicate meringue base and delectable additions of chocolate chips and pecans, you'll want to ensure each batch is the best it can be. Here are some expert tips to help you along the way:
Room Temperature Eggs: Start with eggs that are at room temperature. This helps the whites whip up fluffier and achieve the desired volume. A pro-tip: separate the eggs while they are cold (it's easier), and then let the whites come to room temperature.
Clean Bowl and Whisk: Ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are impeccably clean and grease-free. Even a small trace of yolk or grease can prevent your egg whites from stiffening.
Gradual Sugar Addition: When adding sugar to the whipped egg whites, do so gradually. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely and gives the meringue its glossy sheen.
Check for Stiff Peaks: Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the meringue should stand straight up without collapsing. This will give your cookies the right texture.
Gentle Folding: When incorporating the chocolate chips and pecans, use a spatula and fold them in gently. This will preserve the airiness of the meringue.
Humidity is Not Your Friend: Meringues can be quite temperamental in humid environments. On a very humid day, they might not set properly. Try baking them on a dry day, or use a dehumidifier in your kitchen.
No Peeking: Resist the temptation to open the oven while the cookies are inside. They're called "forgotten" for a reason! Opening the oven can let in cold air and disrupt the gentle drying process.
Oven Calibration: It's a good idea to check if your oven temperature is accurate with an oven thermometer. An oven that runs too hot or too cold can impact the final texture of your cookies.
Recipe Variations
These are very light and airy, being mainly made of meringue, and take on the flavor of whatever you add. Here are some ideas:
Almond Forgotten Cookies - Add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract and use chopped almonds instead of pecans.
Berry Forgotten Cookies - Substitute half of the vanilla extract with a berry flavoring or extract. Add ½ cup of finely chopped freeze-fried berries.
Chocolate Forgotten Cookies - Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
Coconut Forgotten Cookies - Add ½ cup of sweetened coconut flakes or toasted coconut flakes.
Colorful Forgotten Cookies - Add a few drops of food coloring to color them for Christmas, Passover, or other holidays and occasions.
Heath or Toffee Forgotten Cookies - Use Heath Bits 'O Brickle or toffee chips instead of chocolate chips.
Mint or Peppermint Forgotten Cookies - Add ½ teaspoon of mint or peppermint extract. Substitute chocolate chips with peppermint chips.
Peanut Butter Forgotten Cookies - Use mini peanut butter chips and chopped peanuts instead of pecans.
Snow White Forgotten Cookies - Use clear vanilla extract to make them pure white.
Walnut Forgotten Cookies - Substitute pecans for walnuts.
How to Store
To preserve their crispness, store forgotten cookies in an airtight container with a sheet of parchment paper between the layers. Store them at room temperature in a dry place away from any sources of moisture. They will last for up to 2 weeks.
If they become a little chewy or sticky over time, you can re-crisp them in a low 200°F oven for a few minutes.
Can forgotten cookies be frozen?
Yes, forgotten cookies can be frozen, which makes them a fantastic treat to have on hand for unexpected guests or sudden cravings. Here's how you can effectively freeze them:
Freezing Forgotten Cookies
Before freezing, ensure your forgotten cookies are cooled entirely to room temperature. This helps in preventing the formation of ice crystals which could change the texture of the cookie.
Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray and put them in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours or until they're firm and frozen.
Transfer the frozen cookies to airtight containers. You can layer the cookies, placing a sheet of parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Ensure the container is sealed tightly. Label the container with the date of freezing, so you can keep track of how long they've been stored. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Thawing and Serving
When you're ready to serve the cookies, remove the desired number from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature on a plate or a cooling rack. This usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the room's temperature.
It's best not to microwave forgotten cookies for thawing, as this can change their texture and make them chewy.
More Nutty and Chocolate Chip Christmas Cookie Recipes
Forgotten cookies are light, crisp cookies with a chewy center, packed with pecans and chocolate chips. The oven magically transforms them overnight! Perfect to add to your holiday baking.
6ozmini semi-sweet chocolate chips or your favorite candy
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
Gradually add sugar and continue to beat until well incorporated.
Gently fold in vanilla extract, nuts, and chocolate chips, or other favorite candy.
Drop batter by teaspoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheets.
Turn the oven OFF, put cookies in the oven and leave them there for at least 8 hours to overnight. They will bake up crisp and light. DO NOT OPEN the OVEN until the time is up!
Notes
TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST MERINGUE
Room Temperature Eggs: Start with eggs that are at room temperature. This helps the whites whip up fluffier and achieve the desired volume. A pro-tip: separate the eggs while they are cold (it's easier), and then let the whites come to room temperature.
Clean Bowl and Whisk: Ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are impeccably clean and grease-free. Even a small trace of yolk or grease can prevent your egg whites from stiffening.
Gradual Sugar Addition: When adding sugar to the whipped egg whites, do so gradually. This ensures the sugar dissolves completely and gives the meringue its glossy sheen.
Check for Stiff Peaks: Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the meringue should stand straight up without collapsing. This will give your cookies the right texture.
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