We’ve got a real treat for you with our hermit cookie recipe, a timeless favorite that’s packed with warm spices and chewy goodness. These old-fashioned bars hail from New England kitchens where they’ve been cherished for generations, offering that perfect blend of molasses, cinnamon and raisins that evokes cozy fall days.
What we love most is how simple yet satisfying they are to bake, bringing a touch of nostalgia to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, we’ll guide you through creating these delightful cookies that are sure to become a staple in your home.
Ingredients
To create our irresistible Hermit Cookies with their warm molasses notes and spicy cinnamon kick, we recommend gathering these key ingredients. We’ve listed them in the order of use for seamless baking.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Sifted for even mixing, as the base of our cookie dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Fresh for optimal rise, added next to activate with acids.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors, stirred in to balance sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Freshly ground if possible, for that signature aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – Provides a bold, peppery depth to complement the cinnamon.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Grated fresh for nutty undertones, rounding out the spices.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature, for creamy incorporation into the mix.
- 1 cup brown sugar – Packed firmly, to add rich caramel undertones and moisture.
- 1/3 cup molasses – Pure and unsulfured, for its deep, earthy sweetness that defines Hermit Cookies.
- 1 large egg – At room temperature, to bind everything together effectively.
- 1 cup raisins – Plumped in warm water if dry, for juicy bursts of flavor in every bite.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Hermit Cookies to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few key tools that streamline the mixing, shaping, and baking process. Having the right equipment ensures accurate preparation and consistent results, building on the ingredients we’ve already outlined.
Essential Baking Tools
We categorize these tools based on their role in the recipe for better organization:
- Mixing Bowls: Use two medium-sized stainless steel or glass bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as butter and molasses. This separation helps achieve the perfect dough texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for precision, opt for a standard set including 1-cup, ½-cup, and ⅓-cup measures for dry goods, plus a liquid measuring cup. Accurate measurements of items like brown sugar and baking soda prevent imbalances in flavor and rise.
- Electric Mixer or Whisk: A handheld electric mixer works best for creaming butter and sugar quickly, or use a sturdy whisk if mixing by hand. This tool ensures the batter incorporates air for a lighter cookie.
- Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper: Select a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. We recommend a half-sheet size for standard batches.
- Spatula and Wooden Spoon: A rubber spatula is ideal for folding in raisins and scraping bowl sides, while a wooden spoon handles stirring the dough without damaging your bowls.
- Oven and Timer: Preheat your conventional or convection oven to the required temperature for optimal baking. Use a reliable kitchen timer to track the 10-12 minute bake time, ensuring golden-brown edges without overcooking.
With these tools ready, we’re set to transition seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Hermit Cookies a straightforward delight.
Instructions
We guide you through baking these nostalgic Hermit Cookies step by step ensuring perfect results every time. With our simple instructions you can achieve warm spicy flavors and a chewy texture that will delight your family.
Prep
First we prepare our ingredients and tools for smooth baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a small bowl plump the raisins by soaking 1 cup of raisins in hot water for 10 minutes then drain them thoroughly to enhance their juicy texture.
Mix and Shape
Now we combine the dry and wet ingredients to form the dough. In a large mixing bowl whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg until evenly blended. In another bowl cream ½ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of packed brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy then beat in ⅓ cup of pure molasses and 1 large egg until smooth. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula followed by the drained raisins to create a thick dough. Shape the dough into 2-inch logs on the prepared baking sheet spacing them 2 inches apart for even spreading during baking.
Bake
We bake the cookies to achieve their signature golden-brown color and irresistible aroma. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges are firm and the tops are set but still soft in the center. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking as this preserves the cookies’ moist chewy interior and enhances the spicy molasses scent that fills your kitchen.
Cool and Store
Finally we cool and store the cookies to maintain their fresh texture. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for about 30 minutes until they firm up. For storage place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature where they will stay fresh for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 3 months to enjoy their spiced flavor later.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Hermit Cookies even more convenient for busy schedules, we can prepare components in advance without compromising their warm, spicy flavors or chewy texture. This approach allows us to enjoy freshly baked treats with minimal effort on the day of serving. Let’s break down the key steps for optimal make-ahead preparation.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We recommend making the dough up to 2 days in advance to let the flavors of cinnamon, molasses, and raisins meld beautifully. Start by following the mixing instructions from our earlier steps—combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt, and spices) with the wet ones (butter, brown sugar, molasses, and egg) until fully incorporated. Shape the dough into a log or disc, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will firm up and develop deeper taste notes.
Soaking Raisins in Advance
For plump, juicy raisins that enhance the cookies’ texture, we can prep them ahead of time. Simply soak the raisins in hot water as outlined in the recipe, then drain and pat them dry. Transfer the plumped raisins to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. This step ensures they stay moist and ready to fold into the dough when you’re set to bake.
Baking and Storing Baked Cookies
If we want to bake a full batch ahead, cool the cookies completely on a wire rack after they come out of the oven, as we described previously. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term enjoyment or freeze for longer periods. Here’s a quick overview of storage options to keep our Hermit Cookies fresh and flavorful:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Keep in a cool, dry place to maintain chewiness. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks | Wrap individually to prevent staleness. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Flash-freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for easy thawing. |
When ready to serve, thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes to restore their golden-brown crispness and aromatic spice.
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed sharing this classic Hermit Cookies recipe with you. It’s a straightforward way to add cozy flavors to your day.
As we wrap up, remember these treats bring timeless charm to any gathering.
Try them out and let them become a staple in your kitchen—we know you’ll cherish the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are hermit cookies?
Hermit cookies are old-fashioned New England bars with a nostalgic appeal, featuring flavors like molasses, cinnamon, and raisins. They’re easy to make, perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, and offer a warm, chewy texture that makes them a beloved treat.
What ingredients are needed for hermit cookies?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, plus wet ones including unsalted butter, brown sugar, molasses, an egg, and plumped raisins. These combine to create the cookies’ rich, spicy flavor and soft texture.
What tools are required to make hermit cookies?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a spatula, and an oven with a timer. These help streamline the preparation and baking process for best results.
How do I bake hermit cookies?
Preheat your oven to 350°F and soak raisins in hot water. Mix dry ingredients (flour, spices, etc.) with wet ones (butter, sugar, molasses, egg) to form dough. Shape into logs on a lined baking sheet and bake until golden-brown, about 15-20 minutes. Cool on a rack before storing.
Can I prepare hermit cookies in advance?
Yes, make the dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it to let flavors meld. Soak raisins in advance for plumpness. You can also bake and store cookies at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for longer, or freeze for months.
How should I store hermit cookies?
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven if desired to refresh texture.