Sleeping Cookies
Sleeping Cookies are light, crispy treats that melt in your mouth, featuring a sweet vanilla flavor with chocolate chips. Perfect for a bedtime snack or a unique dessert, they require minimal effort and yield a handful of delightful cookies that are best enjoyed after a long day or even overnight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Beat the egg whites at high speed until frothy.
- Add salt while continuing to beat.
- Gradually add sugar, a little at a time, and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Heavily grease cookie sheets.
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheets.
- Put the cookie sheets in the oven and turn it off immediately.
- Leave the cookies in the oven for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, until crisp and dry.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use room temperature egg whites to achieve maximum volume when beating. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture. Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and dry to prevent any fat from interfering with the egg whites. These cookies can also be flavored with almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these light and airy cookies with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. They can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside a slice of Sweet Potato Pecan Pie to balance the flavors. These cookies are excellent for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet gift.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If they become soft, you can crisp them up by placing them in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) for about 10 minutes. For longer storage, consider freezing them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sleeping Cookies contains roughly 44 calories, with 6g protein, 4g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 970mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Using whole eggs will significantly change the texture of the cookies, resulting in a denser and less airy outcome. This recipe specifically relies on the whipped egg whites to create the light, meringue-like texture that defines Sleeping Cookies.
What can I substitute for chocolate chips?
If you're looking for alternatives, you can use chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even white chocolate chips. Just ensure that the substitutes you choose complement the sweetness of the cookies, and keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly with different ingredients.
How long do I need to leave the cookies in the oven?
It's essential to leave the cookies in the turned-off oven for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight. This allows them to dry out properly and develop that crisp texture. Avoid opening the oven door during this time to maintain consistent temperature and moisture levels.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).