If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, then you absolutely need to try this Hermit Cookies Recipe. These lovely rustic cookies are packed with hearty spices and plump raisins, delivering a perfect balance of chewy and soft textures with every bite. Whether it’s for a cozy afternoon tea or a sweet treat after dinner, this Hermit Cookies Recipe brings comfort and nostalgia right to your kitchen, wrapping you in flavors that are truly timeless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the charm of each ingredient. Each one plays a crucial role, from the rich molasses that gives the cookies their signature deep flavor and dark hue to the warm cinnamon and nutmeg that spice things up just right. Together, they create a harmonious taste and texture that make these cookies so special.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup): Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth, creamy mix for the perfect cookie base.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds the right amount of sweetness, balancing the molasses and spices.
- Unsulphured molasses (â…“ cup): This intense, dark syrup provides moisture, rich color, and that classic Hermit cookie flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Room temperature eggs help bind the dough and add softness to the cookies.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): A small amount deepens the overall flavor with subtle aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups): The backbone of the dough that gives the cookies structure.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them a light texture.
- Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds warmth and fragrant spice that feels like comfort in every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ tsp): Brings a subtle earthy note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Ground cloves (â…› tsp): A pinch goes a long way to deepen the spice profile.
- Raisins (1 cup): Plump, sweet raisins add bursts of fruity richness and chewy texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For a simple glaze that adds a sweet, delicate finish.
How to Make Hermit Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step ensures your oven is ready, so your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely, slightly crisp exterior and soft interior. Trust me, temperature sets the stage for success here.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses
Take the room temperature butter, granulated sugar, and molasses, then beat them together with a hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial because it introduces air, creating a tender cookie texture packed with moisture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in two eggs, one at a time, then mix in the pure vanilla extract. The eggs add richness and bind everything together, while the vanilla brings a smooth, aromatic touch that complements the spices perfectly.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step ensures the spices are evenly distributed, so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, beating on low speed to gently combine. This prevents overmixing, which can toughen cookies, keeping them tender but sturdy enough to hold those delicious add-ins.
Step 6: Stir in Raisins
Fold in the plump raisins carefully. They provide sweet, juicy pockets throughout the cookie, contrasting beautifully with the spicy dough. It’s these bursts of raisin goodness that make the Hermit Cookies Recipe so delightfully unique.
Step 7: Form and Flatten Cookie Logs
Divide your dough into two equal parts, each about 494 grams. Roll each into a 12-inch long log, then gently flatten each log to about ¾-inch thickness. This step shapes your cookies and sets them up perfectly for baking.
Step 8: Bake Until Puffy and Cracked
Place the logs on a large baking sheet lengthwise and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the logs have puffed up slightly and show subtle cracks right in the center – a sure sign of that soft but structured cookie inside.
Step 9: Cool and Slice Diagonally
Allow the cookie logs to cool completely before slicing into neat diagonal rectangles. This shape gives each cookie its charming, rustic look and ensures the perfect ratio of crispy edges to chewy center in every piece.
How to Serve Hermit Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious as is, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of water or lemon juice adds a lovely touch. It gives a hint of sweetness and a pretty finish that makes presentation effortless yet elegant.
Side Dishes
Pair these Hermit Cookies with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or your favorite bold coffee to amplify those cozy spice notes. For a fresh twist, enjoy them alongside crisp apple slices or a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between warm cookies and cold dairy is a combo you’ll never forget.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a rustic wooden platter with seasonal garnishes like cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for a festive feel. You can also sandwich a smear of spiced cream cheese between two slices for a decadent treat that’ll impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to one week, making them perfect to bake ahead and enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
You can freeze baked Hermit Cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a resealable freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you’ll always have a sweet stash ready whenever you want.
Reheating
To warm these cookies back up, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This little trick softens them back to fresh-from-the-oven perfection which is absolutely heavenly.
FAQs
Can I substitute raisins with other dried fruits?
Definitely! Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or currants all make fantastic alternatives. Just keep the same quantity for similar texture and sweetness.
Is it possible to make the Hermit Cookies Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture.
How long do Hermit Cookies last at room temperature?
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to a week while maintaining their best taste and texture.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the spices and raisins very well. Add about ½ cup along with the raisins for a delightful crunch.
Do I have to slice the logs diagonally?
While diagonal slices are traditional and give more surface area for crisp edges, you can slice them straight across if you prefer a more uniform shape. Both are delicious!
Final Thoughts
This Hermit Cookies Recipe is one of those treasures you’ll want to keep in your baking repertoire forever. It’s easy to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family anytime you want to spread a little homemade warmth. So go ahead, roll up those sleeves and treat yourself to these sweet, spiced delights—you won’t regret it!
Print
Hermit Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Hermit Cookies are classic spiced molasses cookies loaded with raisins and a subtle glaze. Soft and chewy with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these cookies are perfect for cozy fall and winter baking. This easy recipe involves creaming butter and molasses with sugar, mixing in aromatic spices and raisins, shaping the dough into logs, baking until golden and sliceable, then glazing for a sweet finish.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g, room temperature, 1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- â…“ 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
- â…› tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup raisins (150g)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the Hermit Cookies.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Molasses: Use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and molasses until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper incorporation of flavors and texture.
- Mix in Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the pure vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine 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 spices and leavening.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating on low speed to form a homogenous dough without overmixing.
- Add Raisins: Fold in the raisins evenly throughout the dough to incorporate bursts of sweetness.
- Shape the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal sections, roughly 494 grams each, and shape each into a log approximately 12 inches long.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the logs lengthwise on a large baking sheet and flatten each log to about ¾-inch thickness to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Logs: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the logs are puffed with slight cracks appearing on the surface, indicating they are done.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the baked logs to cool completely before slicing them diagonally into rectangular cookies. Optionally, drizzle or dip with powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and finish.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs) help to create a smooth dough and better texture.
- Flattening the logs to consistent thickness ensures even baking.
- Allow the logs to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Optionally, whisk powdered sugar with a little water or milk to create a glaze to drizzle over cookies.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week to maintain freshness.
