Apple Hermits (Cookies)
Apple Hermits are soft, spiced cookies filled with fresh apples, raisins, and dates, perfect for autumn gatherings or cookie swaps, offering warm flavors and chewy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend together shortening and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in molasses.
- Add dry ingredients (flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) and mix well.
- Fold in chopped apples, raisins, chopped dates, and nuts.
- Drop by tablespoonfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you don't have raisins, dried cranberries work well too. Ensure your apples are chopped evenly for consistent baking, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon slightly. These cookies are also excellent for freezing.
Serving Suggestions
These Apple Hermits are delightful when served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a slice of Tangy Caramel Ice Spice Cake. They make a great addition to any dessert platter, especially during fall gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple Hermits (Cookies) contains roughly 397 calories, with 4g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans. Just make sure to chop them roughly so they mix well into the cookie dough. This adds not only flavor but also texture to the cookies.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by using less brown sugar or substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, incorporate whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for added fiber. Using applesauce in place of some shortening is another great option.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and shape. You can also add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).