Christmas Hermits
Christmas Hermits are traditional spiced cookies packed with raisins, currants, walnuts, and warm holiday flavors, perfect for festive gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and butter together until well combined.
- Dissolve the soda in sour milk and add it to the mixture.
- Separate the eggs and beat the yolks well.
- Add the egg yolks to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the raisins, currants, walnuts, nutmeg, cinnamon, and orange peel.
- Sift the flour and salt together and add gradually to the mixture.
- Mix all ingredients well until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until golden.
- Remove from oven and store in a can.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and toasting the black walnuts before adding them to the mixture. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be sure to let the dough rest for a few minutes before baking to enhance the texture. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Hermits are delightful on their own or served with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. They also pair beautifully with Grandma'S Soft Gingerbread for a festive dessert platter. For a festive touch, you can drizzle a light glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice over the cookies before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the baked hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them by placing the hermits in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Hermits contains roughly 3094 calories, with 36g protein, 458g carbohydrates, and 135g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (215% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), and calcium (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2380mg per serving (103% of the Daily Value).
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 nuts or dried fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the black walnuts with pecans or almonds based on your preference. For dried fruits, feel free to use chopped dates, apricots, or a mix of your favorites instead of raisins and currants. Just ensure that the overall quantity remains the same.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky, you can add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Alternatively, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help firm it up, making it easier to drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
Can I make these hermits ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can enhance the flavors as they meld together. Just be sure to let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
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).