Spicy Hermits
Spicy Hermits are traditional, flavorful cookies with warm spices, raisins, and a hint of molasses, perfect for cozy gatherings and satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the sugar and salad oil until well blended.
- Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk and molasses, and mix until combined.
- Stir in the raisins.
- Spread the dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the dough. If you’re out of salad oil, vegetable oil or melted coconut oil can be great substitutes. You can also swap raisins for chopped dates or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to avoid lumps in your dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Spicy Hermits make a delightful snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or alongside a hot cup of tea for a comforting treat. They also pair beautifully with Mel'S No Bake Banana Pudding for a sweet spread during gatherings. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent experience.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store leftover hermits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes or until just warmed through, which helps restore their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Hermits contains roughly 1432 calories, with 17g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 90g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (147% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2417mg per serving (105% 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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. It’s best to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness in the hermits while still adding nutritional value.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a similar taste, consider using maple syrup, but keep in mind it may alter the final sweetness of the hermits.
How can I make these hermits more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, try adding an extra egg or using brown sugar instead of white sugar. Additionally, underbaking them slightly can help maintain moisture, resulting in a softer, chewier cookie that still holds its shape.
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).