Description
Classic Forgotten Cookies are delightfully light and crispy cookies made by whipping egg whites with sugar and folding in pecans and chocolate chips. These cookies are unique in that after a quick bake, they are left in the oven overnight with the heat turned off, allowing them to dry and develop their signature texture without traditional baking. Perfect for a sweet treat with a pleasantly nutty crunch and chocolatey burst.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg White Mixture
- 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch fine salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Cookie Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with foil and grease it lightly with butter to prevent sticking.
- Beat Egg Whites: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed, beat 2 large egg whites until foamy. This can also be done by hand with a whisk, though it will take longer.
- Add Sugar and Beat to Stiff Peaks: Gradually add 2/3 cup granulated sugar to the foamy egg whites while continuing to beat. Beat until the egg whites form stiff peaks, meaning they hold their shape firmly when the beaters are lifted.
- Fold in Flavorings: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of fine salt to the beaten egg whites and gently blend until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Pecans and Chocolate Chips: Using a spatula, carefully fold in 1 cup of finely chopped pecans and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips by hand to maintain the airy texture of the egg whites.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop the dough by teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake and Then Forget: Place the cookies in the preheated oven, then immediately turn the oven off. Leave the oven door closed and let the cookies dry and set in the residual heat overnight for about 10 hours.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for best volume when beaten.
- Folding the nuts and chocolate chips by hand helps keep the egg whites fluffy.
- Do not open the oven door during the overnight drying process to maintain the internal heat.
- The extended drying time results in a crisp and delicate cookie texture unique to this recipe.
- This recipe requires planning ahead due to the overnight resting time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 hours (including oven off drying time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Forgotten Cookies, Egg White Cookies, Pecans, Chocolate Chips, Overnight Cookies, Crispy Cookies
