Indulge in the magic of Forgotten Christmas Cookies, a delightful treat from yesteryears. Imagine biting into these crunchy meringues, filled with chocolaty morsels and hints of peppermint, a sensation that melts away, leaving a sweetness that lingers. A traditional handmade delight, perfect for gifting or enjoying with loved ones, made even more special with the anticipation of their overnight creation.
Forgotten Christmas Cookies
Ingredients
- Egg Whites: The base of the meringue, ensuring the cookies are light and airy.
- Cream of Tartar: Helps to stabilize the egg whites, keeping the cookies from spreading and falling.
- Superfine Sugar: Not to be confused with powdered sugar; superfine sugar dissolves better, contributing to the cookies’ light texture. If unavailable, you can pulse granulated sugar in a food processor until fine.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor; the high-quality vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
- Baking Chips: Traditional recipes use semisweet chocolate chips, but feel free to use any combination of chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, or your favourite baking chips.
- Pecans: Optional, for added crunch and flavor.
- Crushed Candy Canes: Suggested for a festive Christmas touch, adding both colour and peppermint flavour.
Instructions
- Prep: Begin by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or foil. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Add cream of tartar and whip until fluffy.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually mix in the superfine sugar in four batches, adding vanilla extract midway through. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks.
- Fold in Chips & Nuts: Carefully fold in the baking chips and nuts (if using) to avoid deflating the meringue.
- Shape Cookies: Drop meringue by spoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets. Garnish each cookie with crushed candy canes.
- Bake and Forget: Place the cookies into the oven and immediately turn the oven off. Leave the cookies undisturbed overnight (about 10 to 12 hours) to dry out and harden. The key here is not to open the oven; just forget about them until the next day.
Variations
Feel free to experiment with different baking chips, nuts, or even cocoa powder to make chocolate forgotten cookies. Substituting the vanilla extract with almond, mint, or coconut extract can also add a unique twist to your cookies.
Tips
- If you don’t have superfine sugar, pulse granulated sugar in a food processor for about 2 minutes until it reaches a finer texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They keep well for at least a week and can be frozen to extend their shelf life. Avoid refrigerating as they do best in a moisture-free environment.
Enjoy making and indulging in these delightful Forgotten Christmas Cookies, a classic treat that’s as fun to prepare as it is to devour.
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