Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

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!

Stacked baked cookies with bite out of top one.

Table of Contents

Melt in Your Mouth Holiday Cookies

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.

Whether it’s the rich buttery texture of shortbread cookies, the crumbly, soft nuttiness of Pistachio Meltaway Cookies, the light, airiness of Chocolate Meringue Cookies, or the nuttiness of Almond Cloud Cookies, you can’t go wrong adding any of them to your holiday baking list.

Why You'll Love This Forgotten Cookies Recipe

Egg white cookies in Merry Christmas dish for holidays.

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.

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:

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:

Forgotten cookies ingredients.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies

Prep steps for forgotten cookies.
  1. Separate eggs and pour egg whites into a large bowl.
  2. Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
  3. Gradually add sugar and continue to beat.
  4. It should look glossy and the sugar should be well incorporated.
  5. Add vanilla extract, nuts, and chocolate chips.
  6. Fold in gently until evenly distributed.
Cookies on baking sheet ready for oven.

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.

Baked meringue cookies after 8 hours on parchment lined cookie sheet.

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!

Holding cookie showing light and crisp inside.

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:

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:

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Find lots of easy cookie recipes for Christmas and every occasion right here on 2CM!

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Stacked Forgotten cookies with one leaning.

Forgotten Cookies

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.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 100kcal
Author: Linda Warren

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • Pinch salt
  • cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup nuts (I used pecans)
  • 6 oz mini 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

This post has been updated with new photos, more useful information, and step-by-step directions. It was first published on December 20, 2014.

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