Hermit Cookies
A classic New England treat, these chewy hermit cookies are packed with warm spices, rich molasses, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts. Baked as bars and cut into squares, they're wonderfully moist and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
For 12 servings
9 steps.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides to use as handles.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high speed to cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition
- a.Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the molasses and milk until just combined.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix only until the flour is no longer visible. Do not overmix.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Switch to a spatula and gently fold in the raisins and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- 7
Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan
- a.Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top.
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes
- a.The bars are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Place the pan on a wire rack and let the bars cool completely in the pan, about 1-2 hours. Once cool, use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire block out. Cut into 24 even squares.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra chewy texture, use dark brown sugar instead of light.
- 2Don't overmix the batter after adding flour; this develops gluten and can make the cookies tough.
- 3Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more uniform batter.
- 4Soak raisins in hot water for 10 minutes and pat dry before adding to the batter for extra plumpness.
- 5These cookies taste even better the next day as the spice flavors meld and deepen.
- 6Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. A slice of apple or bread in the container can help keep them moist.
Adapt it for your goals.
Different Dried Fruit
Swap the raisins for an equal amount of chopped dates, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.
Nut VariationsNut Variations
Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture.
Add a GlazeAdd a Glaze
Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk or orange juice to create a simple glaze. Drizzle over the cooled bars before cutting.
Extra SpiceExtra Spice
For a spicier cookie, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Source of Healthy Fats
Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that is beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Provides Dietary Fiber
Raisins and walnuts contribute dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Minerals
Molasses is a good source of essential minerals like iron, which is crucial for red blood cell production, as well as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two hermit cookies contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact size and ingredients used. This is an estimate and can vary.