If you’ve never made Forgotten Cookies, let me tell you—you are in for a delightful little surprise. These cookies are light, chocolatey, and almost mysteriously easy. They’re the kind of treat that feels fancy but secretly requires very little effort, which is exactly my kind of recipe.
This is one of those old-school desserts that busy home cooks have leaned on for generations. You mix a handful of pantry staples, pop them in the oven, and then—here’s the magic—you forget about them. No hovering. No stressing. Just sweet rewards waiting patiently for you later.
If your days are packed with work, kids, errands, and about a million tabs open in your brain, this recipe is a lifesaver. And trust me, once you try these Forgotten Cookies, they’ll never be forgotten again.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Forgotten Cookies
Let’s talk about why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation:
- Only 5 simple ingredients you probably already have
- No flour, no butter, no oil—hello, light and airy
- Naturally gluten-free, without even trying
- Perfect for holidays, cookie swaps, or late-night cravings
- Minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum comfort
They’re crisp on the outside, soft and slightly chewy on the inside, and studded with melty chocolate chips. Basically? They taste like a cozy hug with a little crunch.
What Are Forgotten Cookies, Anyway?
Forgotten Cookies are a classic meringue-style cookie made with whipped egg whites and sugar. Traditionally, they’re baked and then left in the oven as it cools—hence the name. You “forget” them overnight, and by morning, they’re perfectly dried, delicate, and ready to enjoy.
This version speeds things up just a bit while keeping that nostalgic charm intact. You still get that magical texture without needing to babysit the oven all night.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Forgotten Cookies—short list, big payoff:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional but lovely for serving:
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles
That’s it. No fancy ingredients. No special trips to the store.
How to Make Forgotten Cookies (Step by Step)
Take a deep breath—this is easier than it looks. Promise.
1. Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup blissfully simple.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean, dry mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes. You’ll know you’re there when the whites look fluffy and gently hold their shape.
(Tip from my kitchen: Any grease or moisture in the bowl can stop the egg whites from whipping. Dry bowl = happy meringue.)
3. Add the Sugar Slowly
With the mixer running, gradually add the granulated sugar. Keep whisking until stiff peaks form—about 3–4 more minutes. The mixture should look glossy and hold firm peaks when you lift the whisk.
4. Add Flavor
Gently stir in the vanilla extract and salt. This little step makes a big difference in flavor.
5. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, carefully fold in the chocolate chips. Be gentle here—you want to keep all that lovely air you just whipped in.
6. Scoop and Space
Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. No need to make them perfect. Rustic is part of the charm.
7. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden with crisp tops.
8. Cool Completely
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Let Them Rest (The “Forgotten” Part)
For the best texture and flavor, let the cookies rest for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This allows them to dry out just enough to get that signature melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Forgotten Cookies
- Humidity matters. If it’s a super humid day, the cookies may stay a little sticky. Still delicious, just softer.
- Don’t rush the whipping. Stiff peaks are key to that airy texture.
- If your mixture looks grainy, you may have added sugar too fast. Slow and steady wins here.
- Too thick? That’s not a problem—it just means extra chewiness. Comfort comes in many forms.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
The first time I made Forgotten Cookies, it was during one of those weeks where everything felt… loud. Too many emails, too many obligations, not enough quiet moments. I needed something sweet but didn’t have the energy for a complicated recipe.
These cookies saved the day.
I whipped, folded, baked—and then walked away. Later that evening, when the house was finally calm, I had one with a cup of tea. Crisp, light, chocolatey. It felt like a small win, and sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
FAQs About Forgotten Cookies
Can I make Forgotten Cookies without chocolate chips?
Absolutely. You can leave them plain or swap in chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint for a festive twist.
How should I store Forgotten Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they soften, a quick stint in a low oven can help crisp them back up.
Can I freeze Forgotten Cookies?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why didn’t my egg whites whip properly?
Usually, it’s due to grease or moisture in the bowl—or a bit of egg yolk sneaking in. Clean, dry equipment makes all the difference.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a simple dessert.
- Add them to a holiday cookie tray for a lighter option.
- Pair with coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon break.
They look delicate, but they hold their own right next to brownies and cookies packed with butter and flour.
A Sweet Ending Worth Remembering
There’s something comforting about recipes like Forgotten Cookies. They remind us that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be special. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the most memorable treats.
If your life feels busy (and whose doesn’t?), let this recipe do the heavy lifting. Whip, bake, forget—and come back to something sweet waiting just for you.
And trust me… once you try these Forgotten Cookies, they’ll be anything but forgotten.
More Sweet Treats to Explore Next
If these Forgotten Cookies put you in the mood to keep baking, here are a few cozy, reader-favorite desserts that pair beautifully with this recipe. Each one brings its own little moment of comfort and is perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a quiet treat just for you.
- For another classic, old-fashioned cookie that feels right at home on a holiday tray, try these soft and festive Eggnog Cookies perfect for the holidays with their warm, creamy flavor.
- If you love delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll enjoy these lemon cream snowball cookies with a light buttery finish that practically disappear after the first bite.
- Want to add a pop of color and nostalgia to your cookie platter? These classic Christmas pinwheel cookies that look as good as they taste are always a crowd-pleaser.
- And for a richer, bakery-style contrast to meringue cookies, don’t miss these thick and chewy bakery-style chocolate chip cookies everyone asks for again and again.
- If you’re curious about the traditional roots of this recipe, this classic Forgotten Cookies recipe from AllRecipes is a lovely reference that shows just how timeless this treat really is.
This little collection makes it easy to turn one baking win into a whole tray of favorites—because once the oven’s warm, you might as well enjoy it.
Print
Forgotten Cookies: A Sweet, Magical 5-Ingredient Treat
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Light, airy Forgotten Cookies made with whipped egg whites and chocolate chips. A classic, nostalgic treat that’s easy, gluten-free, and perfectly sweet.
Ingredients
2 large egg whites
1 cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a clean, dry bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar while whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Gently mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
Fold in the chocolate chips carefully to keep the mixture airy.
Spoon dollops onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden and crisp on top.
Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool completely.
Let rest for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
Notes
Use a completely grease-free bowl for best egg white volume.
Humidity can affect texture; cookies may be slightly softer on humid days.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg