Christmas Cookie Recipe!

I will be posting cookie recipes every few days from now until Christmas. This is a recipe my friend Maureen gave me many years ago.  I have made it every Christmas since then.  These don't hang around my house very long!  I have to make them late at night so nobody opens the oven too soon and eats them!

Forgotten Cookies

2 egg whites, at room temperature
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 8oz. oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate bits (mini chips work very well)

Preheat oven to 375°F
Beat egg whites until stiff. Gradually add sugar and beat until sugar is dissolved.  Fold in chocolate.
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking sheet. Drop mixture by teaspoonfuls (or use piping bag) onto lined cookie sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
Place cookie sheet in oven and turn oven off. Leave cookies in oven (without opening the oven door!) for at least 4 hours or overnight.  This recipe is best made on a clear day when the air is nice and crisp.  Humidity is not good for these cookies, they will not dry out properly.  Store in a covered container.
Makes about 2 dozen.

Variation:  Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture after adding sugar. Beat well.
                OR
                Add 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds to mixture at the end.

Happy Baking!