Soft, chewy, and full of warm spices, Old-Fashioned Hermit Cookies are a true classic. These old-time cookies are rich with molasses, brown sugar, raisins, and nuts — a nostalgic treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy scent of cinnamon and cloves. Perfect with tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (or chopped dates)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. -
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses, egg, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. -
Combine Wet and Dry:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until blended. Fold in the raisins and nuts. -
Shape the Dough:
Scoop tablespoons of dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. You can also chill the dough for 20 minutes for easier handling. -
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are firm but the centers are soft. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips:
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For extra chewiness, don’t overbake.
-
Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to make them plump and juicy.
-
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week — they taste even better the next day.
Nutrition (per cookie):
Calories: 145
Carbohydrates: 23g
Sugar: 14g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Sodium: 90mg
