Holiday Hermit Cookies
Holiday Hermit Cookies are rich, spiced treats filled with raisins, candied fruit, and walnuts, offering a delightful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Perfect for festive gatherings, they combine oatmeal and moist buttermilk for a hearty, chewy texture that appeals to all ages during special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup soft shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 1/2 cups sifted flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced mixed candied fruit ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups oatmeal ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat the shortening and sugars together until creamy.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Sift the flour, salt, soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg together.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in the raisins, candied fruit, walnuts, and oatmeal.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or replacing half the raisins with chopped dried apricots. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic the tanginess that buttermilk provides. Ensure your shortening is softened for easier mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Hermit Cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings and pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside a festive dessert like Rhubarb Cream Pie for a delightful dessert spread. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a special treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Hermit Cookies contains roughly 270 calories, with 4g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chopped pecans or almonds for the walnuts. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size for even distribution in the dough. This will give you a different flavor profile while still maintaining the cookie's texture.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try reducing the amount of flour slightly or adding an extra egg yolk. Additionally, ensure not to overbake them; they should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven. This will result in a delightful chewiness.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Certainly! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Use coconut oil or a vegetable shortening instead of regular shortening, and make sure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly. The resulting cookies will 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).