My Grandma'S Hermits
Grandma's Hermits are classic spiced cookies filled with raisins and walnuts, offering warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves—perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix shortening, sugar, egg, and molasses.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring well.
- Add 5 tablespoons of water to the mixture.
- Stir in raisins and chopped walnuts (if using).
- Divide the dough into 4 sections and form each into a long roll.
- Place 2 rolls on a greased cookie sheet and flatten each slightly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Cool the cookies and cut into squares.
- Repeat with the remaining dough sections.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer texture, consider using butter instead of shortening. If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of ginger and cinnamon. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or cherries for a different twist. To make these cookies less sweet, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. For an extra crunch, add oats to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These hermits are delicious on their own or served with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a festive touch, try serving them alongside Grandma Goyens Raisin Pie during family gatherings or holidays.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until they are soft again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Grandma'S Hermits contains roughly 141 calories, with 2g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 12g fat.
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 these cookies without walnuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts are optional, so feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. You can also experiment with other mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes if desired.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and firm to the touch when they are done. Keep in mind that they will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking them to ensure a chewy texture.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the texture may be denser. To maintain lightness, consider using a blend of both flours or adding a little extra water to the dough.
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).