Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Get the Oven Ready: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, add your two egg whites. Beat them on medium speed using an electric mixer until they get nice and foamy (about 3 minutes).
- Step 3: Add the Sugar: Slowly sprinkle in the granulated sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat on medium-high speed. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form (this can take several minutes).
- Step 4: Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the pinch of salt, vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and chocolate chips using a spatula. Mix everything in without deflating the meringue.
- Step 5: Drop 'Em On: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Step 6: The "Forgotten" Part: Place the cookie sheet into the preheated 350°F oven. Immediately turn the oven off. Leave the oven door closed and let the cookies sit undisturbed in the cooling oven.
- Step 7: Go to Bed and Forget!: Leave them in the oven overnight, or for at least 8 hours, until the oven is completely cool.
- Step 8: Morning Magic: In the morning, open the oven. The cookies should be firm and lift easily off the baking sheet.
Notes
Store Forgotten Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crisp. Layer with parchment paper if stacking. They stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
Substitutions & Additions: Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Use white or milk chocolate chips. Try almond, peppermint, or coconut extract instead of vanilla. Add a pinch of cinnamon, espresso powder, or sprinkles.
Tips for Success: Use a sparkling clean and dry glass or metal mixing bowl. Use room temperature egg whites. Be patient while whipping egg whites to stiff, glossy peaks. Fold gently to avoid deflating the meringue. Do not open the oven door while the cookies are drying and cooling.