Hermits (Bar Cookies)
Hermits are chewy, spiced bar cookies packed with raisins and walnuts, offering warm flavors of molasses and cinnamon, perfect for comforting snacking or dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and molasses, mixing well.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until combined.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts.
- Divide the dough into 6 strips and place on cookie sheets (2 strips per sheet).
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 9 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a different spice profile, you can replace the nutmeg with allspice. To make the cookies chewier, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Hermits are delightful served warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also pair beautifully with the Potluck Dinner Potato Casserole for a hearty meal. For an extra treat, top them with a light drizzle of icing or serve alongside Dipped Shortbread for a sweet dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a resealable bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hermits (Bar Cookies) contains roughly 395 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% 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 dried fruits instead of raisins?
Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even dried cherries for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to maintain the moisture balance in the dough.
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 will firm it up and make it easier to shape. Alternatively, you can add a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Can I make these hermits gluten-free?
Yes, you can make gluten-free hermits by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. The results may vary slightly, but they should still be delicious!
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).