Pecan Hermits
Pecan Hermits are chewy, spiced cookies with chopped raisins and pecans, offering warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. Perfect for snack time or holiday treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves in a large mixing bowl. Beat well until smooth.
- Add beaten eggs and milk to the mixture. Beat until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped raisins and chopped pecans.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute half of the raisins with dried cranberries for a different twist. If you're out of ground cloves, allspice or more nutmeg can work in a pinch. Ensure your baking sheets are properly spaced to allow for even baking. This recipe yields soft cookies that can be enjoyed fresh or stored.
Serving Suggestions
These Pecan Hermits are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie platters or as a sweet treat for gatherings. Try pairing them with a slice of Molasses Crisp for a varied taste experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Hermits contains roughly 349 calories, with 3g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 475mg per serving (21% 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 cookies 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. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're looking for alternatives to pecans, walnuts or almonds work great in this recipe. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version or substitute with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done when they have turned a golden brown color and the edges appear set. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so it's okay if they seem slightly soft in the center.
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).