Forgotten Cookies Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to make cookies with a hands-off approach, perfect for those who may be short on time but still want to bake something special. The combination of crunchy pecans, creamy vanilla, and rich chocolate chips offers a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The secret is in the “forgotten” baking technique—where the cookies are baked in the oven overnight, giving them time to dry out into a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth cookie without having to monitor the baking process.

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites

• ⅔ cups granulated sugar

• Pinch of kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup pecans, chopped

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Beat the egg whites in a mixing bowl until they are foamy, which should take about 3 minutes.

3. Slowly add the granulated sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

4. Stir in the kosher salt, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips until evenly mixed.

5. Use a small dining spoon to drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto an ungreased cookie sheet, making sure to space them out.

6. Turn off the oven, place the cookie sheet inside, and leave the oven closed overnight until morning.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a baking time of overnight (8–12 hours) as the cookies bake in the turned-off oven.

Storage/Reheating

Once the Forgotten Cookies have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you'd like to enjoy them warm, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 250°F for a few minutes to heat through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! You can easily substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.

2. Can I add other ingredients, like dried fruit or coconut?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even sprinkles to give the cookies your own twist.

3. Why do I leave the cookies in the oven overnight?

The key to these cookies is the gradual cooling in the oven, which helps them dry out and become crisp without overbaking.

4. Can I bake these cookies in a regular oven at a lower temperature?

The oven-off method is part of the charm of this recipe. Baking them at a low temperature instead of turning off the oven will change the texture and result in a different cookie.

5. How do I know when the egg whites have reached stiff peaks?

When you lift the beaters out of the egg whites, the peaks should stand straight up and not droop. This is when you know they’ve reached the proper consistency.

6. Can I make these cookies with a stand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer can be a great tool for this recipe, especially when it comes to beating the egg whites to stiff peaks.

7. Can I substitute egg whites with egg replacers?

You can try egg replacers, but since egg whites play a major role in the structure and texture, the result might vary slightly in both taste and texture.

8. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any flour.

9. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, once they’re fully cooled, you can store the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure to have enough space on your baking sheet to properly space out the cookies.

Conclusion

Forgotten Cookies are a simple yet delicious dessert that requires little effort but rewards you with a delightful cookie. The unique oven-off technique ensures they come out crisp and light, while the combination of pecans and chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. Try them next time you're in the mood for a fun, no-fuss treat!

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