“Mmm, what’s that delightful aroma wafting from the kitchen?” I glanced around to find my kids peeking at the oven in anticipation. That’s when I realized: it was the magic of Forgotten Cookies filling every nook of our home with sweetness! These irresistibly light and chewy meringue treats are more than just a classic dessert; they’re gluten-free, simple to make, and ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for any occasion. Picture that airy texture mingling with chocolate chips, creating a delightful experience that even the busiest of schedules can accommodate. With these Forgotten Cookies, you don’t just have a sweet treat—you have a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect any time of day. Curiosity piqued? Let’s dive into the recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing! Why Are They Called Forgotten Cookies? Light and Airy: These cookies melt in your mouth, offering an airy texture that’s simply irresistible. Quick to Make: Ready in just 45 minutes, Forgotten Cookies are a fantastic choice for a last-minute dessert or snack. Gluten-Free Delight: Perfect for gluten-sensitive friends and family; everyone can enjoy these treats without a second thought! Endless Customization: Feel free to swap in dried fruits or different chocolate varieties, allowing for endless flavor combinations. Crowd-Pleasing Taste: Loved by kids and adults alike, these cookies are destined to be a hit at your next gathering! Consider pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of indulgence. For other delightful cookies, check out these Lava Brownie Cookies or Vanilla Waffle Cookies. Forgotten Cookies Ingredients • Here’s what you need to create these delightful treats! For the Cookie Base Egg Whites – Provide the light structure necessary for the meringue; ensure they are at room temperature for optimal whipping. Granulated Sugar – Acts as a sweetener and stabilizes the egg whites; using superfine sugar helps it dissolve faster. Vanilla Extract – Infuses the cookies with a rich flavor; try substituting with almond extract for a unique twist. Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; just a pinch will do wonders. For the Chocolate Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Brings richness to the cookies; feel free to switch to dark or milk chocolate based on your taste. Optional Serving Enhancements Whipped Cream – A perfect creamy accompaniment for serving, adding a delightful contrast. Chocolate Shavings or Sprinkles – Use these for garnish to elevate presentation and visual appeal. Indulge in making these Forgotten Cookies that are not only enchanting but also effortlessly gluten-free! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Forgotten Cookies Step 1: Preheat Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup is crucial as it ensures your Forgotten Cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick. Once your oven reaches the desired temperature, you’re ready to move on to the next step. Step 2: Whip Egg Whites In a clean mixing bowl, add room temperature egg whites and start whisking with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the egg whites for about 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form, resembling fluffy clouds. This step is essential for achieving the light texture of your Forgotten Cookies, so keep an eye out for the soft peak consistency. Step 3: Incorporate Sugar Gradually add granulated sugar to the whipped egg whites, continuing to whisk on medium-high speed. This should take about 3–4 minutes until stiff peaks form, and the mixture becomes glossy and holds its shape beautifully. This is the magic that will create the structure of your delightful cookies! Step 4: Add Flavoring With the mixture still whipping, gently mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully combined. Take care to fold these ingredients in carefully to avoid deflating your whipped egg whites. This step enriches the flavor of your Forgotten Cookies, making them irresistibly sweet. Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips Now, carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a spatula, ensuring you preserve the airy texture of the mixture. Take your time with this step, as deflating the meringue can compromise the delightful fluffiness of your Forgotten Cookies. The chocolate chips should be evenly distributed throughout the batter. Step 6: Scoop Mixture Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, dollop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dollops should be somewhat rounded to maintain their shape while baking. This ensures that each Forgotten Cookie has enough room to spread slightly as it bakes. Step 7: Bake Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops are lightly golden and crisp, while the insides remain soft. Be cautious not to open the oven door during this time; doing so could cause the cookies to collapse. Step 8: Cool Down Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Cooling allows them to set without getting soggy. Here, your Forgotten Cookies will retain their chewy texture while developing a delightful crispness outside. Step 9: Rest For the best flavor and texture, allow your Forgotten Cookies to rest for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight. This letting period enhances their taste and makes them truly delectable. Although tempting to dive in right away, patience will reward you with a mouthwatering cookie experience! Expert Tips for Forgotten Cookies Clean Equipment: Always ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry; any grease can hinder egg whites from whipping properly. Sugar Gradually: Incorporate sugar slowly into whipped egg whites to stabilize the mixture and achieve that perfect shiny, stiff peak texture in your Forgotten Cookies. No Peeking: Avoid opening the oven door while baking; this can disrupt the airflow and cause your cookies to collapse, ruining that wonderful airy texture. Room Temperature: Ensure egg whites are at room temperature before whipping. This helps them reach maximum volume, contributing to the lightness of the Forgotten Cookies. Overnight Rest: For enhanced flavor, let your cookies rest overnight after baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and improves their chewy texture. How to Store and Freeze Forgotten Cookies Room Temperature: Keep your Forgotten Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness. Fridge: While refrigeration isn’t necessary, if you prefer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week; just be aware they may lose some crispness. Freezer: For longer storage, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheating: To revive the crispiness, reheat forgotten cookies in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy! Forgotten Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and customize your Forgotten Cookies to suit your tastes and preferences! Dairy-Free: Substitute whipped cream with coconut whipped cream for a luscious dairy-free twist. The coconut flavor will add a delightful layer of richness. Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a satisfying crunch. This variation not only adds texture but also brings a nutty flavor that complements the airy sweetness. Fruity Delight: Swap chocolate chips for dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries for a sweet, tangy surprise. This twist offers a fresh taste that balances beautifully with the meringue base. Citrus Zing: Experiment with lemon or orange zest for a bright citrus note. A teaspoon added to your egg whites can transform the flavor profile into something refreshing and uplifting. Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste. This substitution enhances the cocoa flavor and makes for an indulgent treat that chocolate lovers will adore. Flavor Extracts: Try almond or hazelnut extract in place of vanilla for a unique flavor experience. Just remember, a little goes a long way! Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon to the egg white mixture for a subtle heat or warm spice in each bite. This unexpected twist can elevate the cookies to a whole new level! For more delightful cookie recipes to try out, give these Lava Brownie Cookies or Vanilla Waffle Cookies a go! You won’t be disappointed! What to Serve with Forgotten Cookies? Indulging in the airy goodness of these delightful meringue treats is just the beginning. Complement your dessert spread with these perfect pairings! Whipped Cream: A luscious dollop of whipped cream brings a creamy contrast that enhances the light texture of the Forgotten Cookies. Fresh Berries: Bright, juicy berries like strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing burst of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the cookies turns them into a decadent dessert, perfect for chocolate lovers. Ice Cream: Pairing with vanilla or a scoop of fruit sorbet creates a delightful temperature contrast that makes every bite truly enjoyable. Mint Tea: The soothing aroma of mint tea calms the taste buds, making it an excellent beverage choice to enjoy alongside these cookies. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso elevates the experience, allowing the flavors of the cookies to shine through. Chocolate-Covered Almonds: Adding a crunchy, chocolatey treat provides a delicious textural contrast that complements the soft and chewy nature of the cookies. Fruity Sorbet: Light and refreshing, a scoop of fruity sorbet can cleanse the palate and add a fun twist to your dessert experience. Make Ahead Options These Forgotten Cookies are a dream for meal prep enthusiasts! You can whip up the meringue base and fold in the chocolate chips up to 24 hours in advance, just be sure to store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve its quality. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled mixture onto a baking sheet and proceed with the baking instructions. If you’d like, you can also bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days on the counter. To maintain their delightful texture, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing. With these make-ahead options, you’ll have delectable Forgotten Cookies ready to impress at a moment’s notice! Forgotten Cookies Recipe FAQs What type of egg whites should I use for Forgotten Cookies? Using fresh egg whites is key! Make sure they are at room temperature and free from any yolk. This allows them to whip up to the right volume, creating that light, airy texture you want in your Forgotten Cookies. How should I store my Forgotten Cookies? Absolutely! Store your Forgotten Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them tasting their best, place them in a cool, dry area away from sunlight. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing! Can I freeze Forgotten Cookies? Yes, you can freeze your cookies! To do so, first, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours. After they are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored like this for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their original crispness. What can I do if my egg whites won’t whip up properly? Don’t worry; it happens! Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are clean and dry—any trace of grease can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Additionally, ensure that no yolk gets mixed in, as this can hinder the whipping process. If this occurs, it might be best to start again with new egg whites! Are Forgotten Cookies safe for people with gluten allergies? Yes, indeed! Forgotten Cookies are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic dessert option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check that your chocolate chips and any other mix-ins you choose also carry a gluten-free label. What modifications can I make to the flavor of Forgotten Cookies? The more the merrier! You can swap in dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, for a fruity twist. Experimenting with flavored extracts, such as coconut or lemon, can also offer unique tastes. For a nuttier version, toss in finely chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to enhance that texture and flavor further! Forgotten Cookies: Light and Chewy Treats You'll Love These Forgotten Cookies are irresistibly light and chewy, perfect for any occasion and gluten-free. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsResting Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 70 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Base3 large Egg Whites at room temperature1 cup Granulated Sugar superfine recommended1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract or almond extract1/4 teaspoon Salt just a pinchFor the Chocolate1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or dark/milk chocolateOptional Serving Enhancements1 cup Whipped Cream for servingChocolate Shavings or Sprinkles for garnish Equipment Electric MixerBaking sheetParchment papermixing bowlCookie Scoopspatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a clean mixing bowl, whisk egg whites on medium speed for 2–3 minutes until soft peaks form.Gradually add granulated sugar while whisking on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes until stiff peaks form.Blend in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt gently to avoid deflating.Fold in chocolate chips with a spatula carefully.Using a scoop or spoon, dollop the mixture on the baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart.Bake for 25-30 minutes until tops are golden and crisp.Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.Allow cookies to rest for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 70kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 30mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 8g NotesFor best results, use clean equipment and let cookies rest overnight for improved flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!