Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are like a warm hug from grandma—sweet, comforting, and just a tad nostalgic. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy bar cookie packed with plump raisins, crunchy nuts, and a hint of spice that dances on your taste buds. chewy matcha cookies That’s the magic of these cookies, which feel right at home whether you’re enjoying them in front of a cozy fire or at a picnic in the park.
Now picture this: you’re standing in your kitchen, flour dusting the counters like powdered sugar on a cake. You hear the oven preheating while the sweet aroma of cinnamon wafts through the air. As you mix the ingredients together, memories flood back—maybe it was your mom whipping up these treats after school or perhaps a neighbor sharing their secret recipe during holiday gatherings. fudge stripe cookies Whatever the occasion, Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies have a way of bringing people together and making every bite feel like home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are super easy to make with simple pantry staples that everyone has on hand.
- Each cookie is bursting with flavor from spices and fruits that create an irresistible treat for any occasion.
- Their rustic, bar-cookie appearance makes them visually appealing and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or dessert; they adapt beautifully to different tastes with endless mix-in options!
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies (easy bar cookie)
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookies, providing structure and chewiness; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is essential; it helps balance out the spices and adds moisture to our bars.
- Brown Sugar: Adds richness and depth to flavor; use dark brown sugar for extra caramel notes.
- Baking Powder: This little agent makes our cookies rise and gives them that lovely fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that embodies comfort; feel free to go heavy-handed if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the flavor profile; it’s like wearing your favorite sweater on a chilly day!
- Salt: A crucial ingredient that balances sweetness; don’t skip it unless you want bland cookies.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture; let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help create that chewy texture we all love in cookies.
- Dried Raisins or Currants: These little gems add sweetness and texture; soak them first for extra juiciness if desired.
- Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): For crunch! Chop them up but don’t go too crazy—this isn’t a nut party!
How to Make Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies (easy bar cookie)
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with nonstick cooking spray so your cookies don’t stage a prison break.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. You want these flavors mingling like old friends at a reunion.
Step 3: Cream Butter
In another bowl, cream your softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. This is where things start getting creamy!
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough cookies instead of tender ones!
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins
Fold in those beautiful raisins (or currants if you’re feeling fancy) along with your chopped nuts—this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Bake
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center. Cool before cutting into squares.
Transfer to plates and enjoy warm for an extra delightful experience! These Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are perfect with coffee or milk!
You Must Know
- Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are not just delightful treats; they evoke nostalgia and warmth from childhood baking.
- Enjoy their chewy texture and rich flavors, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring alone while binge-watching your favorite series.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and gathering all ingredients. Mix the wet and dry components separately before combining them. Finally, pour the mixture onto a baking sheet for even baking and delicious results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out raisins for chocolate chips or nuts based on personal preference. Add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an extra kick, making each batch uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To maximize flavor, let the cookie dough chill for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- This helps develop richer tastes.
- Always use fresh spices for optimal flavor; old ones can dull your cookies.
- And remember, underbaking slightly will keep them chewy!
Baking these cookies reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and flour-covered counters. Every bite takes me back to her warm hugs and the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting through the house.
FAQs :
What are Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies (easy bar cookie)?
Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies, often referred to simply as hermits, are delightful bar cookies that combine a rich blend of spices with fruits and nuts. These cookies have a chewy texture and a warm, comforting flavor profile. Traditionally, they incorporate ingredients like molasses, raisins, and walnuts or pecans. Their name comes from the way they were often made in homes where they were deemed ‘hermit’ because they could be stored for long periods without spoiling. This makes them an ideal treat for sharing or enjoying over time.
How do I store Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies?
To keep your Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their chewy texture and flavors. If you want to prolong their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; however, ensure they are well-wrapped to avoid drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven for a freshly-baked taste.
Can I make substitutions in the Old Fashioned Hermit Cookie recipe?
Yes! You can easily customize your Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies by substituting ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you don’t have raisins on hand, try using dried cranberries or apricots instead. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You can also adjust spices according to your taste; adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile of these easy bar cookies.
Are Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are not only delicious but also a great treat for kids. Their chewy texture and sweet flavors make them appealing to younger palates. Additionally, these cookies can be a fun baking project to engage kids in the kitchen. Just make sure to supervise young children while working with ingredients and cooking appliances. They can also learn about measuring and mixing as they help create these easy bar cookies!
Conclusion for Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies (easy bar cookie) :
Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are a fantastic addition to any dessert repertoire due to their rich spice combination and chewy texture. These easy bar cookies provide versatility through ingredient substitutions and customization options that cater to various tastes and dietary needs. Storing them properly ensures their freshness over time while making them an excellent treat for both sharing and enjoying alone. Bake up a batch today and discover why these classic cookies remain beloved by many!
Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies
Old Fashioned Hermit Cookies are a nostalgic treat that combines chewy goodness with sweet raisins, crunchy nuts, and warm spices. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful bar cookies evoke memories of cozy kitchens and family gatherings. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a delicious snack throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup dried raisins or currants (soaked if desired)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, cream the softened butter until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the raisins (or currants) and chopped nuts.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow cooling before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie square (50g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Leave a Comment