Santa'S Hermits
Santa's Hermits are classic oatmeal cookies with raisins and walnuts, featuring warm spices. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy treats, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat shortening and sugar together until creamy.
- Beat in the eggs.
- Sift together flour, salt, soda, and spices.
- Add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Stir in raisins, walnuts, and oats.
- Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a preheated moderate oven (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have buttermilk, mix a cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This recipe is versatile; consider adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra twist. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
These Santa's Hermits are delightful on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. Consider serving them alongside a slice of Pumpkin Dump Cake Dessert for a festive treat. They make for a great addition to holiday cookie platters or can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast item with a side of fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh, you can also freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Hermits contains roughly 1751 calories, with 16g protein, 226g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (66% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1934mg per serving (84% 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 substitute the raisins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any dried fruit you like, such as chopped dried apricots or cranberries. For a more decadent treat, consider adding chocolate chips instead of fruit. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can omit them altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. This will still provide a nice crunch without the nuts.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
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).