Forgotten Cookies are a fun treat you can make with just a few simple ingredients like egg whites, sugar, and chocolate chips. They are baked in a warm oven but left to cool inside, creating a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
These little gems are a great surprise! It’s like a cookie with a secret. I love making them and then forgetting about them—it’s a sweet delight when I find them later! 😋
They’re super easy to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, scoop them onto a tray, and let the oven do the work. Perfect for a last-minute treat that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Whites: They are crucial for the light and airy texture of these cookies. Think about using fresh egg whites for the best results. If you’re looking for a vegan option, aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be whipped as a substitute!
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cookies and helps create that perfect meringue structure. For a healthier alternative, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, but be aware these can sometimes change the cookie’s texture.
Cream of Tartar: This ingredient stabilizes the egg whites, ensuring they maintain their shape. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar, which also helps stabilize the meringue.
Vanilla Extract: Adds wonderful flavor to the cookies. If you’re out of vanilla, feel free to use almond extract or even a splash of flavored liqueur for a unique twist.
Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chips work great here, but regular-sized ones can be used too. You could swap in dried fruits, nuts, or even caramels if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Meringue?
Making meringue can seem tricky, but with the right method, it’s quite simple. The key is all in the whipping. Start with a clean and dry bowl to ensure the egg whites whip up properly.
- Whip the egg whites on medium speed until they start to foam.
- Add cream of tartar, then gradually add the sugar (which helps to stabilize the mixture).
- Keep whipping until you see stiff peaks—this means the egg whites should stand upright without drooping.
Remember not to rush the mixing process. Folding in the chocolate chips gently is crucial; it keeps the air you worked hard to incorporate intact, leading to wonderfully fluffy cookies!
Forgotten Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of baking time. After baking, you will also need to let the cookies sit in the oven for at least 2 hours to cool completely. The total time from start to finish is about 3 hours, including cooling time, but it’s totally worth it for these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 200°F (93°C). While the oven heats up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Whip the Egg Whites:
In a clean, dry bowl, add the 4 large egg whites. Using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy. This step is important for achieving that light texture in your cookies!
3. Add Cream of Tartar and Sugar:
Next, sprinkle in the 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar. Continue whipping the egg whites, gradually adding the sugar about 2 tablespoons at a time. Keep whipping until you see stiff, glossy peaks form—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This is what makes the cookies light and airy!
4. Fold in Flavor:
Gently fold in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Be careful not to deflate the meringue; you want to keep that airy texture intact.
5. Scoop the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 1 inch of space between each dollop, as they will expand a little during baking.
6. Bake:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The low temperature helps to dry the meringue, creating that delightful texture.
7. Cool Slowly:
Once the baking time is up, turn off the oven but leave the cookies inside to cool completely for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This step is crucial as it allows the cookies to develop a crisp exterior while remaining chewy inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
After they have cooled, carefully remove the cookies from the parchment paper. Store any extras in an airtight container. Enjoy these light, airy, and sweet Forgotten Cookies with your family and friends!
These cookies are not just a sweet treat; they are a fun surprise with a delightful texture. Enjoy every bite of your delicious Forgotten Cookies!
Can I Use Egg Substitutes for This Recipe?
While egg whites are essential for achieving that light meringue texture, you can substitute with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas). Use about 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white. Make sure to whip it to stiff peaks like you would with egg whites!
How Should I Store My Forgotten Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to a week. If you notice them getting soft, you can pop them back into a low oven for a brief time to re-crisp them!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins Besides Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruit, or even crushed candies for a twist. Just be aware that heavier additions might slightly affect the texture of the cookies.
What Do I Do if My Meringue Doesn’t Reach Stiff Peaks?
If your meringue isn’t reaching stiff peaks, make sure your bowl and beaters are absolutely clean and dry. Any grease or residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. If you encounter problems, adding just a pinch more cream of tartar can help stabilize it as well!