Herman'S Hermits

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A delightful ginger-spiced cookie bar with raisins, featuring rich molasses and warm cinnamon flavors, perfect for sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
  2. Press the mixture into a jelly roll pan or a 9 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
  3. Sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  5. Allow to cool, then cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the raisins with chopped nuts or dried cranberries if you prefer. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. To enhance the spice profile, you might add a pinch of nutmeg. This recipe is similar to those found in traditional American recipes, so feel free to experiment with spices.

Serving Suggestions

These squares are delightful on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. They also pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider drizzling with caramel sauce or serving alongside fresh fruit. They make a great addition to a dessert table, alongside treats like Cherry Crumble.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the squares, layered with parchment paper, for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herman'S Hermits contains roughly 674 calories, with 13g protein, 155g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (175% of the Daily Value), iron (100% of the Daily Value), and calcium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2384mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).

674 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.7g 25% DV
Total Fat 21.2g 27% DV
Carbs 154.7g 56% DV
Fiber 48.9g 100% DV
Sugar 15.3g 31% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2383.6mg 100% DV
Potassium 2009.6mg 43% DV
Cholesterol 116.9mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 45.5mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 22.3mg 25% DV
Calcium 1014.8mg 78% DV
Iron 18.1mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by substituting the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and using a plant-based oil. Ensure the sugar you use is vegan-friendly as well.

What can I use instead of molasses?

If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will change slightly. Brown sugar with a splash of water can also mimic the consistency and sweetness of molasses.

How can I add more flavor to these squares?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or zest from an orange or lemon. You could also mix in other spices like cardamom or allspice for a more complex taste profile.

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).

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