Grandma'S Ouellette'S Hermits
Golden, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies with dates and nuts, packed with rich flavors and soft texture, perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the butter, lard, brown sugar, salt, eggs, milk, soda, and vanilla until well blended.
- Add flour, oatmeal, chopped dates, raisins, and nuts to the mixture.
- Mix together until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake until golden brown.
- Place cookies in a roasting pan lined with towels, then cover with a cloth.
- Sprinkle water over the cookies to keep them soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using all butter instead of lard, or substitute coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you want to reduce the sugar, try using a mix of brown sugar and a natural sweetener like maple syrup. To enhance the texture, chop the nuts and dates finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These hermits are perfect as a snack or dessert alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. They also pair beautifully with Sand Dollars(Cookies) for a varied treat platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Ouellette'S Hermits contains roughly 5989 calories, with 81g protein, 788g carbohydrates, and 275g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (194% of the Daily Value), and protein (161% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 substitute the oats with something else?
Yes, you can substitute the oatmeal with a gluten-free alternative such as quinoa flakes or even ground almonds for a different texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make these hermits more festive?
To make your hermits more festive, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also incorporate dried cranberries or orange zest for a seasonal twist that enhances the flavor.
Can I use different fruits instead of raisins and dates?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries or cherries, and use figs or apricots in place of dates. Just ensure any substitutes are chopped to similar sizes for even 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).