Description
Delight in these light and sweet Forgotten Cookies, a perfect meringue treat that’s airy, crisp, and subtly flavored with chocolate and vanilla or mint extracts. Ideal for those who enjoy a low-fat, low-calorie dessert, these cookies use simple ingredients and a slow-and-low baking process to achieve their delicate texture.
Ingredients
Meringue Base
- 3 large Egg Whites (at room temperature)
- 1/4 teaspoon Cream of Tartar
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar or Keto Sweetener (like Erythritol) (1:1 substitution for keto)
Flavorings and Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (use sugar-free for keto)
- 1 tablespoon Cocoa Powder (adjust sweetness accordingly)
- 1 teaspoon Extracts (Vanilla or Mint) (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature egg whites with cream of tartar. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. This stabilizes the meringue and prepares it for sugar incorporation.
- Add Sweetener: Gradually add the granulated sugar or keto sweetener, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks, which usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for the meringue’s structure and sweetness.
- Fold in Flavorings: Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and cocoa powder, along with your chosen extract (vanilla or mint), gently mixing to maintain the airy texture of the meringue.
- Shape Cookies: Spoon dollops of the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them to allow for expansion. Shape them as you wish, whether round or rustic peaks.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes. After baking, turn off the oven, leave the door closed, and allow the cookies to cool completely inside the oven. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks and preserves their delicate texture.
Notes
- Make sure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters for best meringue results.
- For a keto version, substitute sugar with erythritol and use sugar-free chocolate chips.
- Do not open the oven during baking or cooling to avoid cracking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain crispness.
