Hermits(A Christmas Cookie)
A festive, spiced cookie bursting with raisins and walnuts, featuring warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors—perfect for holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Crisco, brown sugar, and eggs together.
- Stir in the cold black coffee.
- Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the sifted mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Stir in the raisins and broken black walnuts.
- Chill the dough for at least one hour.
- Drop teaspoons of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting some of the black coffee with espresso. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the black walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds. Make sure to chill the dough thoroughly to enhance the texture of the cookies. If you like a bit of crunch, add more nuts or even some chocolate chips for a twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious hermits alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a wonderful addition to holiday cookie platters, especially when paired with other festive cookies like Apple Blondies. Consider drizzling them with a light glaze for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hermits(A Christmas Cookie) contains roughly 2382 calories, with 35g protein, 296g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), protein (70% of the Daily Value), and calcium (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1360mg per serving (59% 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 regular butter instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute regular unsalted butter for Crisco, though it may alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit richer. Ensure you cream the butter well with the sugars to achieve a good consistency.
What can I substitute for raisins?
If you're not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a different flavor profile. Both options add a nice tartness that complements the spices.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking for the best results.
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).