Forgotten Cookies : The Easiest, Elegant Winter Dessert for Holiday Baking

If you’re searching for a classic yet underrated holiday dessert, Forgotten Cookies should be at the top of your baking list. These airy meringue-style cookies are crisp on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, and have a magical way of melting in your mouth. Best of all, they practically bake themselves. Just pop them into a hot oven, turn it off, and “forget” them overnight. Whether you’ve heard them called Divinity cookies, two tone cookies, or simply a winter favorite, this dessert is as simple as it is show-stopping.

Perfect for Christmas dessert trays or cold weather baking, these cookies look snowy and festive, filled with chocolate chips and nuts. They also pair well with other comforting treats, making them ideal for desserts for cold weather, quick homemade desserts, or even additions to your list of popular cookie flavors this holiday season.

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What Are Forgotten Cookies?

Forgotten Cookies are meringue drop cookies made by whipping egg whites and sugar into glossy peaks, then folding in chocolate chips and chopped nuts. After spooning them onto a baking sheet, they are placed in a preheated oven. The heat is turned off, and the cookies are left to dry out in the residual heat for several hours or overnight.

The result? A delicate shell that gives way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center with little pockets of chocolate and nutty crunch. Their white, cloudlike texture is what makes them a close cousin of a traditional Divinity cookies recipe. The term two tone cookies also fits perfectly, thanks to the contrast of white meringue and dark chocolate or golden nut pieces.

Why Forgotten Cookies Are Among the Best Winter Cookies

The beauty of these cookies lies in their low-effort, high-reward nature. They don’t require any flour or butter, which makes them naturally gluten-free and lighter than typical holiday cookies. You’ll love having a batch of these on hand for snacking with hot drinks, gifting to neighbors, or simply rounding out a cookie box with something unexpected and delightful.

Since they don’t require baking in the traditional sense, Forgotten Cookies are the perfect treat to make when you’re multitasking during holiday prep. You can make the batter in the evening, forget about them, and wake up to a tray full of ready-to-enjoy best winter cookies with no stress.

These cookies also make an excellent addition to your Christmas flavored cookies lineup. Their snowy white color and hint of vanilla are naturally festive, and they can be dressed up with peppermint extract, candy cane pieces, or red and green sprinkles for a holiday twist.

Ingredients for Forgotten Cookies

One of the best things about this recipe is that it uses basic pantry ingredients. You likely have everything you need already.

• 2 large egg whites
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

There’s no need for flour, baking powder, or dairy, which also makes these cookies naturally gluten-free and dairy-light. The combination of crunchy nuts and melty chocolate is classic, but these cookies are endlessly customizable depending on your preferences or dietary needs.

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How to Make Forgotten Cookies Step-by-Step

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is important because the cookies will be sitting in the oven for several hours and you don’t want them to stick.

In a clean, dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Add the sugar gradually, one tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until the mixture turns glossy and holds stiff peaks. Add in the vanilla extract and give it one final beat.

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the chocolate chips and nuts. Be careful not to deflate the meringue. Spoon the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in heaping tablespoons.

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and immediately turn the oven off. Do not open the door. Leave the cookies inside overnight or for at least 8 hours. By morning, you’ll have perfectly crisp, delicate cookies waiting for you.

This makes them ideal for evening bakers or anyone looking for quick homemade desserts without needing to stand by the oven. You mix, drop, and walk away. They handle the rest.

Tips for the Perfect Meringue Texture

Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume when whipping. Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry—any oil or water can prevent the meringue from forming properly.

Mini chocolate chips are easier to fold into the batter without deflating it. They also distribute more evenly than larger chips.

Don’t skip the salt. It balances the sweetness of the meringue and enhances the flavor of the vanilla and chocolate.

Avoid opening the oven too early, as the gentle, retained heat is key to setting the meringue properly.

Flavor Ideas: Transforming Forgotten Cookies Into Christmas Flavored Cookies

Once you master the base recipe, you can have fun with variations that fit every occasion. To make these cookies stand out on your holiday cookie platter, try the following festive twists:

Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract and fold in crushed candy canes for a peppermint bark flavor. Use food coloring (just a drop) to swirl red or green into the meringue for a marbled effect. Replace chocolate chips with white chocolate and add dried cranberries for a snowy, tart-sweet finish. Sprinkle coarse sanding sugar or edible glitter on top before baking for a frosty look. These versions help transform your batch into the kind of Christmas flavored cookies guests will remember—and request year after year.

How Forgotten Cookies Compare to Other Popular Cookie Flavors

In a season full of rich, buttery cookies, Forgotten Cookies offer a light, crisp alternative. Their sweetness isn’t overwhelming, and they don’t rely on heavy ingredients like cream, butter, or flour. Yet they satisfy the cookie craving with chocolate, texture, and a chewy center.

Compared to other popular cookie flavors, they stand out for being:

• Naturally gluten-free
• Low in fat
• Light and crisp
• Visually striking
• Allergy-friendly (without nuts)

Serve them alongside soft baked cookies, chewy bars, and truffles for contrast and variety in flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Cold Weather Desserts

These cookies are ideal for winter entertaining. Serve with hot drinks like peppermint cocoa, chai tea, or a simple vanilla latte. Their texture pairs beautifully with creamy beverages and warm drinks.

Forgotten Cookies are also great on dessert platters with Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn, or Oreo Peppermint Bark. Their contrast in color and shape adds variety and appeal.

If you’re planning a cozy winter brunch, add these cookies to a board with Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups and a bowl of fresh fruit for a balanced sweet table.

How to Store Forgotten Cookies and Make-Ahead Tips

Once fully cooled, store Forgotten Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp and fresh for up to a week.

To freeze, layer cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. This makes them a perfect choice when you need desserts that can be frozen in advance for guests or gifts.

For best results, avoid humid environments, which can make the cookies chewy or sticky.

Quick Homemade Desserts for the Busy Baker

These cookies are truly the definition of quick homemade desserts. With just a handful of ingredients and no active baking time, they’re perfect for late-night baking, unexpected guests, or prepping treats for school or office parties.

Their elegance and simplicity make them a go-to recipe you’ll keep returning to all winter long.

What to Make with Leftover Heavy Cream: Pairing Desserts

If you’ve recently made a dessert with heavy cream and need a light contrast, Forgotten Cookies are a great match. Try serving them with:

• Strawberry Cloud Cake
• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Apple Crisp with Oatmeal

Their crispness cuts through rich, creamy desserts and adds balance to any sweet course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t under-beat the meringue. If the peaks aren’t stiff enough, the cookies won’t hold their shape.

Avoid getting egg yolk in the whites—it will prevent the meringue from forming.

Don’t open the oven during the resting phase. You’ll lose the residual heat that sets the texture.

Use parchment paper, not wax paper, to prevent sticking.

Don’t store in plastic bags—they’ll soften quickly without proper ventilation.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Forgotten Cookies

Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, they taste just as good with only chocolate chips or with dried fruit instead of nuts.

Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes. A hand mixer or stand mixer works fine. Just ensure you beat to stiff peaks.

Can I flavor them with something other than vanilla?
Absolutely. Almond extract, peppermint extract, or citrus zest are great options.

How long do they last?
Stored properly, they stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Just use two baking sheets and rotate if needed (before turning the oven off).

Final Thoughts

Forgotten Cookies are one of those magical, old-fashioned recipes that never go out of style. With their crisp shell, soft center, and just-sweet-enough flavor, they’re ideal for cookie exchanges, cold weather snacking, and anytime you want something a little different.

They take minutes to make, hours to rest, and zero stress in between. Add them to your next dessert spread or make them your new go-to best winter cookies. Once you try them, you’ll never forget them.

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