The Ultimate Vintage Forgotten Cookies Recipe
Make these nostalgic, light, and airy meringue cookies that crisp on the outside and melt in your mouth inside. They require a unique overnight cooling process for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 0 min (Oven is off)
- Total Time: 8 hr 20 min (Includes overnight cooling)
- Yield: About 3 dozen 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Meringue 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
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition until stiff, glossy peaks form. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Beat in the vanilla extract, cream of tartar, and salt. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using, using a spatula. Do not overmix.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart.
- Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Immediately turn the oven off. Do not open the oven door.
- Leave the cookies in the turned-off oven overnight, or for at least 8 hours, allowing them to cool and dry completely.
- In the morning, remove the cookies from the oven. They should be crisp and dry. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- For the best results, ensure your mixing bowl and whisk attachments are completely free of any grease or water before starting the meringue.
- If you prefer a different flavor, substitute the chocolate chips with crushed peppermint candy or dried fruit.
- These cookies are often called ‘Forgotten Kisses’ due to their texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 75
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 10
- Fat: 1.5
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0