Have you ever wanted a cookie recipe that practically makes itself while you sleep? Forgotten Cookies are the answer to your baking dreams. These delightful meringue treats earn their name because you simply pop them in the oven, turn off the heat, and forget about them overnight. By morning, you'll have perfectly crispy, melt-in-your-mouth Forgotten Cookies waiting for you. The best part? This Forgotten Cookies recipe requires minimal effort and creates impressive results that'll have everyone asking for your secret.
I discovered Forgotten Cookies during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something simple yet special. These gems became my go-to because they free up oven space during the day and deliver bakery-quality results. Trust me, once you try making Forgotten Cookies, you'll wonder why you ever stressed over complicated cookie recipes.
Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
Forgotten Cookies have been a Southern tradition for generations, passed down through families as a clever baking hack. The genius behind Forgotten Cookies lies in their unique cooking method; using residual oven heat creates the perfect texture without any babysitting. Many bakers love Forgotten Cookies because they're naturally low in fat, gluten-free when made with proper ingredients, and incredibly versatile with mix-ins.
What makes this Forgotten Cookies recipe truly special is its foolproof nature. Unlike traditional cookies that require precise timing and temperature watching, Forgotten Cookies work their magic while you rest. The slow overnight drying process transforms simple egg whites into crispy, cloud-like treats with slightly chewy centers. Whether you add chocolate chips, pecans, or keep them plain, Forgotten Cookies deliver consistent results every single time.
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Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
- Egg whites (room temperature)
- Granulated sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Cream of tartar (optional, but helps stabilize)
Mix-Ins (Choose Your Favorites)
- Mini chocolate chips
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- White chocolate chips
- Cocoa powder (for chocolate version)
Ingredient Notes: Room temperature egg whites whip up much better than cold ones. If you're making these gluten-free, stick with chocolate chips that don't contain malt flavoring. For dairy-free Forgotten Cookies, use dairy-free chocolate chips instead.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Workspace
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C); this is crucial for the Forgotten Cookies method
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
- Separate your eggs carefully, making sure absolutely no yolk gets into the whites
- Let egg whites sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes
- Gather all your ingredients and measure them out before starting
Step 2: Whip the Meringue Base
- Place egg whites in a completely clean, dry mixing bowl
- Beat egg whites on medium speed until they become foamy
- Add cream of tartar and salt, then increase speed to medium-high
- Gradually add sugar one tablespoon at a time while beating continuously
- Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-7 minutes)
- Add vanilla extract and beat for 30 more seconds
- The meringue should be thick enough that it doesn't slide when you tilt the bowl
Step 3: Fold in Your Mix-Ins
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts using a rubber spatula
- Use a folding motion rather than stirring to keep the meringue fluffy
- Stop folding once the mix-ins are evenly distributed
- Don't overmix or you'll deflate the meringue
Step 4: Bake and Forget
- Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 1 inch apart
- Place both sheets in the preheated 350°F oven
- Immediately turn OFF the oven (don't open the door)
- Leave the Forgotten Cookies in the closed oven overnight (at least 6-8 hours)
- In the morning, remove cookies from oven and peel them off the parchment
- Store in an airtight container right away to maintain crispness
Expert Cooking Tips
Getting Perfect Peaks
The secret to successful Forgotten Cookies starts with properly whipped egg whites. Make sure your bowl and beaters are completely grease-free; even a tiny bit of oil will prevent proper whipping. Wipe everything down with white vinegar or lemon juice before starting.
Temperature Matters
- Always start with a fully preheated oven at 350°F
- Don't peek during the overnight rest; opening the door releases heat
- If your kitchen is very humid, the cookies might need an extra hour in the closed oven
Mix-In Guidelines
- Use mini chocolate chips instead of regular size; they distribute better
- Toast nuts before adding for deeper flavor
- Don't add more than 1.5 cups total mix-ins or the meringue won't hold
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your cookies turn out sticky, the oven might not have been hot enough initially. If they're too brown, your oven temperature might run high. For flat cookies, you likely undermixed the egg whites or added sugar too quickly.
Make-Ahead Strategy
You can separate eggs the night before and keep whites covered in the fridge. Just bring them back to room temperature before whipping. The finished Forgotten Cookies stay fresh for up to two weeks when stored properly.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Lovers Version: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the sugar before beating. Fold in dark chocolate chunks and chocolate chips for triple chocolate Forgotten Cookies.
- Peppermint Twist: Replace vanilla with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract. Add crushed candy canes or peppermint chips. These are perfect Christmas Forgotten Cookies.
- Nutty Delight: Skip chocolate chips entirely and use 1 cup toasted pecans plus ½ cup toasted almonds. Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract for extra depth.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Fold in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive holiday twist.
Dietary Modifications
- Sugar-Free: Replace granulated sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in equal amounts
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips; the base recipe is already dairy-free
- Nut-Free: Simply omit nuts and use extra chocolate chips or mini marshmallows instead
- Low-Sugar: Reduce sugar to ½ cup; cookies will be slightly less sweet but still delicious
Creative Mix-In Ideas
Try coconut flakes, mini M&Ms, toffee bits, or even crushed pretzels. Just remember to keep total mix-ins around 1-1.5 cups maximum.
Equipment Recommendations
- Electric Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for achieving stiff peaks; a stand mixer makes this easier but a hand mixer works fine
- Silicone or Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking better than greased pans
- Cookie Scoop: A 1-tablespoon scoop creates uniform Forgotten Cookies
- Glass or Metal Mixing Bowl: Plastic bowls can retain oils that prevent proper whipping
- Rubber Spatula: For gentle folding without deflating the meringue
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Short-Term Storage
Store Forgotten Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Never refrigerate these cookies; moisture will make them sticky and chewy instead of crispy.
Freezing Instructions
Frozen Forgotten Cookies keep for up to 3 months. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. The texture remains perfectly crispy after freezing.
Meal Prep Strategy
Make a double batch since they store so well. You can also prepare everything up to the point of baking, then make them on different nights. Just keep separated egg whites refrigerated for up to 2 days before using.
Humidity Considerations
These cookies hate humidity. On very humid days, store them with a silica gel packet in the container. If they do get sticky, you can crisp them back up by placing them in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's something most recipes won't tell you: the real magic behind perfect Forgotten Cookies happens in the first 30 minutes after you turn off the oven. During this time, the exterior sets completely while the inside stays slightly soft. This creates that signature crispy-outside, chewy-inside texture that makes Forgotten Cookies so addictive.
My grandmother taught me to always add a tiny pinch of salt even when the recipe doesn't call for it. That small amount balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop without tasting salty. She also insisted on using superfine sugar when possible because it dissolves more completely, creating a smoother texture. If you only have regular granulated sugar, pulse it in a food processor for 10 seconds to make it finer. These small tweaks transform good Forgotten Cookies into absolutely spectacular ones.
FAQ
What are forgotten cookies?
Forgotten Cookies are meringue-based treats made by placing whipped egg white mixture in a hot oven, then immediately turning off the heat and leaving them overnight. The residual heat slowly dries them into crispy, light cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They're called "forgotten" because you literally forget about them while they bake overnight.
Why are they called forgotten cookies?
They earned the name Forgotten Cookies because of their unique baking method. You turn off the oven immediately after putting them in and leave them overnight without checking on them. Essentially, you forget about the Forgotten Cookies while they transform into perfect treats using only residual oven heat. This hands-off approach made them popular with busy bakers.
Is Forgotten Cookies Indica or Sativa?
This question refers to a cannabis strain, not the dessert recipe. The Forgotten Cookies we're discussing are a classic Southern meringue cookie recipe made with egg whites, sugar, and mix-ins like chocolate chips. They're a family-friendly treat with no relation to cannabis products. Our Forgotten Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie trays and gift-giving.
What is Michelle Obama's favorite cookie?
While Michelle Obama has shared various cookie recipes over the years, including her famous chocolate chip cookies, there's no public record of Forgotten Cookies being her stated favorite. However, these simple, elegant Forgotten Cookies would certainly fit her style of accessible, wholesome baking that families can enjoy together.
Make Every Occasion Special With These Cookie Favorites
Now that you've mastered Forgotten Cookies, you'll love how effortlessly they fit into your baking routine. These no-fuss treats prove that impressive results don't require complicated techniques or constant monitoring. The beauty of Forgotten Cookies lies in their simplicity and versatility, making them perfect for busy bakers who refuse to compromise on taste.
Ready to expand your cookie repertoire? Try our Apple Cider Cookies Recipe for a fall-inspired treat that captures autumn in every bite. When spring arrives, our Lemon Raspberry Cookies Recipe offers bright, refreshing flavors that complement the season perfectly. Both recipes pair beautifully with Forgotten Cookies on holiday cookie trays, giving you variety without the stress. Start your batch tonight and wake up to bakery-quality Forgotten Cookies tomorrow morning. Your future self will thank you for discovering this game-changing recipe that makes baking feel like magic.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James
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Pairing
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Forgotten Cookies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Electric mixer Stand or hand mixer works great
- 2 Baking sheets Lined with parchment or silicone mats
- 1 Mixing bowl Clean and dry, free from grease
- 1 Rubber spatula For folding mix-ins gently
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons For accuracy
- 1 Airtight container For storing cookies
Ingredients
- 2 large egg whites Room temperature for best volume
- 0.67 cup granulated sugar Pulse to superfine for smoother texture
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor
- 0.25 teaspoon cream of tartar Optional, helps stabilize egg whites
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips Use dairy-free if needed
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Optional mix-in
- 0.5 cup white chocolate chips Optional mix-in
- 0.25 cup cocoa powder Optional, for chocolate version
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Separate egg whites carefully and let them sit at room temperature.
- Beat egg whites until foamy, then add cream of tartar and salt.
- Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
- Add vanilla and beat briefly to combine.
- Gently fold in chocolate chips and nuts using a rubber spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of mixture onto baking sheets, spacing evenly.
- Place in preheated oven, then immediately turn off the oven. Do not open the door.
- Leave cookies in closed oven overnight (6–8 hours).
- In the morning, remove cookies and store in an airtight container.
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