If you’re on the hunt for a delightfully spiced, chewy, and fruity treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, the Hermit Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic favorite is packed with rich molasses, fragrant spices, and juicy raisins all baked into chewy bars that perfectly balance sweet and complex flavors. Whether you’re making these for a cozy afternoon snack or to share at your next gathering, this Hermit Cookies Recipe never fails to charm both the eyes and the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step toward creating the irresistible Hermit Cookies Recipe. Each one plays a starring role in building that signature texture and taste that make these cookies so unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, 113g, room temperature): Provides a creamy richness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g): Sweetens the dough while aiding in browning during baking.
- Unsulphured molasses (⅓ cup, 113g): Adds deep, robust flavor and a beautiful dark color characteristic of Hermit Cookies.
- Large eggs (2, 100g, room temperature): Bind everything together and ensure a tender crumb.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp, 4g): Enhances all the spices and lifts the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups, 300g): Forms the foundation of the dough, providing structure.
- Baking powder (1 tsp, 4g): Gives a subtle lift, preventing the cookies from becoming too dense.
- Kosher salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the individual flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Brings warmth and a cozy spice note.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds a hint of nutty earthiness that complements the raisins.
- Ground cloves (⅛ tsp): Imparts a subtle, aromatic kick.
- Raisins (1 cup, 150g): The juicy bursts of sweetness that make these cookies so irresistible.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Optional for a simple glaze to add a touch of sweetness and a lovely finish.
How to Make Hermit Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that by the time your dough is ready, the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking these gems to chewy perfection.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses
Using a hand mixer, blend together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and unsulphured molasses until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This step builds the rich flavor base and helps with the delightful chewiness.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pure vanilla extract. Incorporating these well ensures your dough develops great texture and flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This simple blend of spices is what sets Hermit Cookies apart from ordinary cookie bars.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. This prevents flour from flying everywhere and ensures a smooth, well-incorporated dough.
Step 6: Stir in Raisins
Fold in the juicy raisins carefully. These little gems contribute bursts of chewy sweetness that make each bite of this Hermit Cookies Recipe so memorable.
Step 7: Shape the Dough Logs
Divide the dough into two equal sections, about 494 grams each. Roll each section into a log approximately 12 inches long — this shape is key for those classic rectangular cookie slices you’ll love.
Step 8: Flatten and Position
Place the dough logs lengthwise on a large baking sheet, then gently flatten each log to about ¾-inch thick. The even thickness helps them bake uniformly and develop the perfect texture.
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the logs puff up and develop charming little cracks down the middle, a telltale sign that your Hermit Cookies Recipe is nearly ready.
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the logs to cool completely before slicing them diagonally into rectangular bars. This cool-down is crucial so the cookies don’t crumble and slice neatly every time.
How to Serve Hermit Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar glaze adds a gentle sweetness and a touch of elegance to your Hermit Cookies Recipe. Alternatively, a light drizzle of warm honey complements the molasses notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a hot cup of spiced chai, bold black coffee, or a glass of cold milk. These pairings create a perfect harmony of flavors, making snack time or dessert extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sliced Hermit Cookies in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper for a charming presentation at potlucks or family gatherings. For a decadent twist, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or nut butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Hermit Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them chewy and flavorful, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, the sliced cookies freeze beautifully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months, keeping all their delicious qualities intact.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen Hermit Cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh their comforting softness.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or currants work wonderfully and bring their own unique sweetness and texture to the Hermit Cookies Recipe.
Is it necessary to use unsulphured molasses?
Using unsulphured molasses is recommended for its smoother, less bitter flavor. It adds depth and warmth essential to authentic Hermit Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While the traditional recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend, but be aware the texture might differ slightly.
Why are the cookies sliced diagonally?
Slicing the cookie logs diagonally creates attractive, elongated bars that show off the texture beautifully and make for easier snacking.
How spicy are these cookies?
The spices are gentle and well balanced, offering a warm, cozy flavor rather than overwhelming heat, making them beloved by all ages.
Final Thoughts
The Hermit Cookies Recipe is truly a gem to have in your baking repertoire. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that results in a comforting, flavorful cookie bar with just the right balance of spice and sweetness. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, share it with the people you love, and watch it become a delightful staple in your kitchen. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Hermit Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Hermit Cookies recipe features soft, spiced molasses cookies studded with juicy raisins. Creamy butter and sweet molasses create a rich, tender dough, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add depth of flavor. The dough is shaped into logs, baked until golden and slightly cracked, then sliced diagonally for perfect cookies ready to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature, 1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- ⅓ cup unsulphured molasses (113g)
- 2 large eggs (100g, room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (4g)
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300g)
- 1 tsp baking powder (4g)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup raisins (150g)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: Using a hand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, along with the vanilla extract, to combine thoroughly with the creamed mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed to form a well-incorporated dough.
- Add Raisins: Stir in the raisins to distribute throughout the dough evenly.
- Form Logs: Divide the dough into two equal parts (about 494 grams each). Shape each portion into a log approximately 12 inches long.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the dough logs lengthwise on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each log to about ¾-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Bake the logs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until they puff up slightly and develop cracks in the center, indicating doneness.
- Cool and Slice: Remove from the oven and allow the logs to cool completely. Once cooled, slice diagonally into rectangular cookies.
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- For a more intense molasses flavor, use dark unsulphured molasses.
- The logs can be chilled before baking to make slicing easier, but it’s optional.
- These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to a week and also freeze nicely for longer storage.
- Optional: Drizzle or dip sliced cookies in a simple powdered sugar glaze made by mixing the powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of milk or water.
