Hermits Recipe

Hermits are a classic cookie that has been enjoyed for generations. They are soft and chewy, filled with warm spices and sweet raisins. The name "hermits" is thought to have originated from the idea that these cookies were a popular choice for outdoor activities and travel, as they were durable and could be easily packed.

The history of hermits can be traced back to colonial America, where they were believed to have been influenced by traditional British fruitcake. Over time, they evolved into a cookie form, with the addition of spices and raisins. The combination of flavors created a delicious treat that quickly became a favorite among families across the country.

Fun fact: Hermits were traditionally made with molasses instead of sugar, giving them a rich and distinct flavor. However, over the years, sugar became the preferred ingredient due to its availability and milder taste.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for hermits:

Ingredients:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of butter
- 3 well beaten eggs
- 3 tablespoonfuls of milk
- 6 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoonful of cinnamon
- 1 teaspoonful of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoonful of clove
- 1 cup of chopped raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking sheet.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

3. Add the beaten eggs and milk to the mixture and mix well.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.

6. Stir in the chopped raisins, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

7. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about a quarter of an inch thick.

8. Cut the dough into small squares using a sharp knife or a cookie cutter.

9. Place the squares onto the greased baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

11. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer the hermits to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

These hermits are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.

Similar to hermits, there are other delicious cookies that you might enjoy:

1. Snickerdoodles: These cinnamon-sugar-coated cookies have a soft and chewy texture, similar to hermits. They are typically made with cream of tartar, which gives them their distinctive tangy flavor.

2. Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Like hermits, oatmeal raisin cookies are filled with plump raisins that add a burst of sweetness to each bite. They often include rolled oats, giving them a hearty and delicious texture.

3. Molasses Cookies: As mentioned earlier, traditional hermits were made with molasses. Molasses cookies have a rich and deep flavor, similar to hermits, and are often spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

So, whether you choose to enjoy hermits or explore other delightful cookie options, you can't go wrong with these classic treats. Happy baking!

Vote