{"id":256829,"date":"2018-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-09-22T00:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/origin-www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hermits\/"},"modified":"2024-08-19T17:55:54","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T22:55:54","slug":"hermits","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/hermits\/","title":{"rendered":"Hermit Cookies"},"content":{"rendered":"
What’s so hermit-like about hermit cookies? Many believe the old-fashioned spice bars emerged in New England in the late 1800s, although others trace them to spiced pastries from the Middle East. Now, they’re about to be on your table. Thanks to ground ginger, ground cinnamon and molasses, they are slightly reminiscent of gingerbread, and they’re soft, chewy and taste like fall.<\/p>\n
There are different theories as to where the name comes from\u2014the most popular one I’ve heard being that you can tuck them out of sight for days, and they’ll still taste great when you find them again. Because of this, they were said to often be sent with people on long journeys. While many of us likely aren’t setting sail, the cookies do travel well, so you can send them in the mail as a gift.<\/p>\n
Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0F. Cover the raisins with boiling water. Let them stand for five minutes, then drain and set aside.<\/p>\n Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, combine the molasses, melted butter, egg white and vanilla extract. Stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in the walnuts and raisins (note: the batter will be wet).<\/p>\n Divide the batter in half, then spread each half into a 12×2-inch rectangle, 2 inches apart, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are lightly browned and set, 10 to 15 minutes.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:\u00a0<\/em>It can be helpful to wet your hands before spreading the cookie dough.<\/p>\n Transfer the cookie rectangles to a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut the cookies diagonally into 1-1\/2-inch bars. Remove the cookies to wire racks to cool.<\/p>\n You can keep hermit cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.<\/p>\n You sure can! Since the cookies are moist, for best results, freeze them on a baking sheet in individual layers first. Once they’re frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and keep them there for up to three months.<\/p>\n Yes, you can, but traditionally, they’re made as bars and cut into rectangles.<\/p>\n There are several egg substitutes<\/a> you can use, like flaxseed meal, chia seeds or aquafaba.<\/p>\n Pair them with a cozy cup of hot cocoa<\/a>, a spiced mocha<\/a> or an Irish coffee<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Based on a traditional recipe that’s been enjoyed for more than 100 years, these old-fashioned soft and chewy hermit cookies are full of warming spices that taste like fall.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2034199,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303971,304158,305488,304423,304328,304288,305487,307153,304338,304515,307104,303966,304408,304368,303887,306848,304268,305501,304558,307189,324623,304388,303994,304150,303883,304403],"categories-v2":[308500,310461,309438,310802,308821,308988,308984,308481,259620,310796,310199,308992,308880,310155,308495,308813,308745,308478,309603,259483,310817,308910,310235,309177,308752,308528,309434,308476,308812],"coauthors":[51494],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Maple Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/vermont-maple-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/EXPS_TOHVP24_191647_MR_07_08_1_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Giant Monster Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/giant-monster-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Giant-Monster-Cookies_EXPS_FT23_158479_EC_111523_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Ranger Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/ranger-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Ranger-Cookies_EXPS_FT24_35140_EC_032824_3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Icebox Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/icebox-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_1023_JuliaHartbeck.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pizzelle Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/anise-pizzelle\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Pizzelle-Cookies_EXPS_TOHcom25_136961_MD_P2_04_1_65172.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vanilla Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/grandpa-s-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/EXPS_TOHD24_4963_NicolePerry_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hanukkah Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/hanukkah-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hanukkah-Cookies_EXPS_BBZ22_260167_DR_06_28_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Wookie Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/wookie-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_246050_AbbeyLittlejohn_09.jpg"},{"post_title":"Turtle Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/turtle-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/EXPS_TOHD24_170508_JenaCarlin_12.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mice Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/mice-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps5019_CT1334C27-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Snowmen Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/snowmen-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Snowmen-Cookies_EXPS_HCCBZ18_16672_D05_22_6b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Snowman Cookies","post_link":"\/recipes\/snowman-cookies\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Snowman-Cookies_EXPS_TOHX25_4682_MD_P2_12_06_10b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chewy Surprise 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Cookies","datePublished":"2018-01-01","dateModified":"2024-08-19","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT10M","totalTime":"PT35M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hermit-Cookies_EXPS_TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_7.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Desserts"],"description":"Based on a traditional recipe that's been enjoyed for more than 100 years, these old-fashioned soft and chewy hermit cookies are full of warming spices that taste like fall.","recipeIngredient":["1\/3 cup raisins","1 cup all-purpose flour","1\/3 cup packed brown sugar","1\/2 teaspoon baking powder","1\/2 teaspoon ground ginger","1\/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon","1\/4 teaspoon salt","1\/4 cup molasses","3 tablespoons butter, melted","1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons egg substitute","1 teaspoon vanilla extract","1\/3 cup chopped walnuts"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Soften the raisins","text":"Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0F. Cover the raisins with boiling water. Let them stand for five minutes, then drain and set aside.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the batter","text":"Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, combine the molasses, melted butter, egg white and vanilla extract. Stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until just moistened. Fold in the walnuts and raisins (note: the batter will be wet).","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake the cookies","text":"Divide the batter in half, then spread each half into a 12x2-inch rectangle, 2 inches apart, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until the edges are lightly browned and set, 10 to 15 minutes. Editor's Tip: It can be helpful to wet your hands before spreading the cookie dough.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cool the cookies","text":"Transfer the cookie rectangles to a cutting board. With a serrated knife, cut the cookies diagonally into 1-1\/2-inch bars. Remove the cookies to wire racks to cool.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_4.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"14 cookies","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Kim Bussing"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 122 calories","fatContent":"4g fat (2g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"7mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"87mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"20g carbohydrate (12g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"2g protein. "},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6666665,"reviewCount":3,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2020-10-31","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenCoffee"},"reviewBody":"I baked these Hermits today - I doubled the cinnamon per recipe and then quadrupled the recipe. I baked the Hermits for 10 minutes and they came out of the oven soft, moist, and delicious. My husband will eat a dozen this weekend, and the rest I am freezing for Thanksgiving. A keeper!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2009-02-08","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"CyanLobster"},"reviewBody":"I just made these today and they are fantastic! Easy to make, tastes like a ginger bread cookie with raisins and nuts. Great texture, soft and chewy. These will satisfy a sweet tooth without going over board!","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2017-10-15","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"GreenFlame"},"reviewBody":"I thought these were more like biscotti hermits. Mine came out a little bit on the dry side. My family enjoyed them but I do not think I will make them again.","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":4,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"30133","romance_copy_dek":"Based on a traditional recipe that's been enjoyed for more than 100 years, these old-fashioned soft and chewy hermit cookies are full of warming spices that taste like fall.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Hermit Cookies","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/3 cup raisins","IngredientText":"1\/3 cup raisins"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup all-purpose flour","IngredientText":"1 cup all-purpose flour"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/3 cup packed brown sugar","IngredientText":"1\/3 cup packed brown sugar"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon baking powder","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon baking powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon ground ginger","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon ground ginger"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon salt","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup molasses","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup molasses"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 tablespoons butter, melted","IngredientText":"3 tablespoons butter, melted"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons egg substitute","IngredientText":"1 large egg white or 2 tablespoons egg substitute"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 teaspoon vanilla extract","IngredientText":"1 teaspoon vanilla extract"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/3 cup chopped walnuts","IngredientText":"1\/3 cup chopped walnuts"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Hermit-Cookies_EXPS_TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_7.jpg","RecipeId":30133,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Hermit Cookies Recipe photo by Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Hermit-Cookies_EXPS_TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_7.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Jeri","Lastname":"Tirmenstein","City":"Apache Junction","StateDescription":"Arizona","IsCommunityCook":false,"ContributorAttachmentFileName":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/Recipe\/testkitchenapproved.png","TimeCallout":"Prep: 25 min. 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","NoOfRatings":3,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Hermit-Cookies_EXPS_TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_7.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Hermit-Cookies_EXPS_TOHD24_30133_MollyBolton_7.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? 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Step 2: Make the batter<\/h3>\n
Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Bake the cookies<\/h3>\n
Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 4: Cool the cookies<\/h3>\n
Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Hermit Cookie Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Hermit Cookies<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze hermit cookies?<\/h3>\n
Hermit Cookie Tips<\/h2>\n
Molly Bolton for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Can you make these drop cookie style?<\/h3>\n
What are some egg substitutes I can use in this hermit cookie recipe?<\/h3>\n
What should be served with hermit cookies?<\/h3>\n