Classic Forgotten Cookies: The Ultimate Overnight Meringue Treat (Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside)
I’m Alex, and I’m glad you are here. These Forgotten Cookies are a vintage favorite that proves incredible food doesn’t need complicated steps. You bake these light, airy meringue cookies low and slow, leaving them in the turned-off oven overnight for a perfect crispy exterior and a soft, chewy center. They are simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 min
- Yield: About 3 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or pecans, or a mix)
Instructions
- Prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add the cream of tartar and salt. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the peaks are stiff but not dry.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks. This step is key for a good meringue cookie texture.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and your chosen mix-ins, like chocolate chips or pecans. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. These are your light airy cookies.
- Place the baking sheets into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, turn the oven OFF. Do not open the door. Leave the cookies inside the cooling oven overnight, or for at least 8 hours, to allow them to dry out and become crispy soft cookies.
- When you wake up, you will have melt in your mouth cookies ready to enjoy. Store your forgotten cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume when whipping.
- If you want a mint flavor, substitute the vanilla extract with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and use mint chocolate chips.
- These are excellent pantry staple cookies because they use basic ingredients you likely already have.
- If you are making these for a holiday cookie tray, they pair well with richer desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0