Bake a Timeless Classic: Christmas Forgotten Cookies to Sweeten Your Holiday Season

Photo bythe savory secrets society

As the holiday season approaches, kitchens fill with the warm, familiar scents of baking. One special treat that has stood the test of time is the Christmas "Forgotten" Cookie. These cookies have earned their name due to a unique baking process, where they are left to dry out in a turned-off oven overnight, giving them their signature light and airy texture. They bring a nostalgic charm to holiday gatherings and are a sweet reminder of simple pleasures during this busy season.

Christmas "Forgotten" Cookies are an effortless, crowd-pleasing dessert with just a few basic ingredients, making them ideal for bakers of any level. Their meringue-like crunch, paired with the smoothness of chocolate chips or the nutty bite of chopped nuts, creates a delightful contrast that will have everyone reaching for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a quick holiday treat, these cookies are perfect for sharing and enjoying with loved ones.

Recipe: Christmas "Forgotten" Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips (or your choice of nuts or dried fruit)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), making sure your baking sheets are lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up.

2. Beat Egg Whites: In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and salt together until soft peaks form. This step is essential, as the beaten egg whites provide the light, airy texture of the cookie.

3. Add Sugar: Gradually add the granulated sugar, one spoonful at a time, continuing to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. You should see the batter turn glossy, holding its shape.

4. Mix in Vanilla and Add-Ins: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, followed by your chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. Don’t overmix—just enough to evenly distribute the goodies throughout the batter.

5. Scoop the Cookies: Using a spoon or small scoop, drop dollops of the cookie mixture onto your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to space them about an inch apart as they will slightly spread during baking.

6. Bake and Forget: Place the cookies in your preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once done, turn off the oven and, here’s the key step—forget about them! Leave the cookies inside the oven for several hours or overnight without opening the door. This allows them to dry out perfectly, giving them that distinct crisp texture on the outside with a slightly chewy center.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once they’ve fully dried, take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool completely. Serve them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and watch them disappear as fast as you can offer them!

Tip: Christmas "Forgotten" Cookies store wonderfully in an airtight container, so they can easily be made ahead of time for your holiday gatherings.

These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also bring the warmth of the season to your home. Their sweet, delicate flavor paired with the crunch of chocolate or nuts makes them a delightful treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking them as a gift or for a family gathering, Christmas "Forgotten" Cookies are sure to become a holiday staple in your kitchen.

Here are some sources related to the "Forgotten" Christmas Cookies or meringue-based cookies that you can check out for additional details:

1. Meringue Cookies Recipe - This resource from AllRecipes offers a variety of meringue cookie recipes, including tips on how to achieve the perfect light, crisp texture by properly whipping the egg whites and baking at low temperatures​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
2. Chocolate Meringue Cookies - If you're looking to add a chocolatey twist to your meringue cookies, this recipe provides steps for making chocolate meringue cookies with a double chocolate flavor​(Allrecipes).
3. Forgotten Puffs Recipe - This recipe is similar to the "Forgotten" cookies, where the cookies are left to dry out in the oven, creating a crisp texture. It includes instructions for incorporating chocolate chips and nuts​(Allrecipes).
4. Never-Ever-Fail Meringue - For a reliable meringue recipe, this guide includes tips on how to prevent common mistakes when whipping egg whites and ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time​(Allrecipes).

Feel free to explore these links to gather more inspiration or variations for your holiday baking!