Old-Fashioned Hermits
Old-Fashioned Hermits are nostalgic cookies packed with warm spices and raisins, offering a chewy texture and rich flavor—perfect for cozy gatherings and cookie lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1/3 c. margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2/3 c. firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. lemon extract ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/4 c. unsweetened apple juice ⓘ
- 56 raisins ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add beaten egg and flavorings; mix well.
- Combine flour and next five ingredients, mixing well.
- Add to creamed mixture alternately with apple juice, beginning and ending with flour, and mix well after each addition.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray.
- Press a raisin in the center of each cookie.
- Bake at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cool slightly on cookie sheets before removing.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, consider using softened butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the raisins with chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture. If you prefer a more intense spice flavor, increase the ground cinnamon and allspice. Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
These hermits are delightful on their own but can be paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Consider serving them alongside a slice of Margaret'S Honey Bun Cake for a more indulgent dessert spread. They also make a great addition to a picnic or lunchbox.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy them later, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Hermits contains roughly 1620 calories, with 27g protein, 485g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (1058% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 837mg per serving (36% 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 make these hermits ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just allow the dough to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping and baking.
What can I use instead of apple juice?
If you don't have apple juice on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of orange juice or even water mixed with a splash of vanilla extract for moisture. Each option will slightly alter the flavor but will still keep the cookies moist.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Yes, to make these hermits vegan, substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients.
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).