Hermit Cookies – Simple Easy Meals

Before diving into the delightful world of hermit cookies, let’s chat about perfect pairings. Picture this: a sunny afternoon, your favorite book in hand, and a warm hermit cookie beside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. It’s comforting, isn’t it? For those who enjoy a more adventurous taste, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a dollop of cream cheese frosting.

If you’re feeling fruity, a side of fresh berries can elevate your experience. Then there’s cold milk, which, let’s be honest, is the ultimate sidekick for any cookie. And if you’re feeling festive, toss some candied ginger on the plate for a spicy contrast. The flavor combinations can spark joy, making each bite of cookie feel new.

What Are Hermit Cookies?

Hermit cookies are a unique treat with roots tracing back to early American history. They blend spices, fruits, and nuts into a soft, chewy texture. Essentially, they’re a mix of a fruitcake and a cookie—rich and satisfying.

Historically, hermit cookies were engineered for travel. Their dense texture meant they traveled well and lasted longer than most baked goods. They became popular among sailors and travelers in the 19th century. Nowadays, we enjoy them at home. They resonate with nostalgia, encapsulating flavors that can bring back the warmth of family gatherings or cozy nights.

What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?

Expect a delightful explosion of flavors! The dates provide natural sweetness with a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy walnuts. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice greet your palate, adding depth with every bite.

It’s like walking through a spice market—each flavor stands tall yet harmonizes with the others. The butter adds richness, while the orange zest brightens the mix with a touch of citrus flair. The overall experience is sweet, spicy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a comforting hug for your taste buds.

What Makes This Recipe Different From Other Hermit Cookies?

There are countless hermit cookie recipes, each with its own twist. My version emphasizes the use of Medjool dates, which contribute a rich sweetness and deeper flavor compared to standard dried fruits.

While many recipes opt for raisins or chocolate chips, this recipe stands out. The addition of orange zest and a splash of maple syrup creates an interesting dance of flavors. Plus, the use of walnuts adds a great crunch, giving it that extra something.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ cups (225g) finely chopped Medjool dates
2 cups (240g) plain all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon flaky kosher salt
½ teaspoon warm ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup (213g) packed light brown sugar
1 large farm-fresh egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup (60ml) whole milk (or 2% works too)
¾ cup (85g) toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
½ teaspoon orange zest

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out deliciously golden.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients. Make sure the butter is softened. If it’s cold, it won’t cream well with the sugar. Chop your Medjool dates and walnuts, setting them aside in separate bowls.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk them well to blend; this prevents clumps in your cookies. Set this aside for later.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial; it adds air to the batter.

Step 5: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Milk

Next, add the farm-fresh egg, vanilla extract, and milk to your creamed mixture. Mix on low speed until combined. This mixture should become smoother and creamier.

Step 6: Blend in Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Just mix until the flour is incorporated; a few lumps are fine.

Step 7: Fold in the Dates and Walnuts

Now, gently fold in the chopped dates, walnuts, maple syrup, and orange zest using a spatula. It may start looking quite delicious at this step!

Step 8: Portion and Bake

Scoop your dough onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking. Aim for cookie mounds about 2 inches apart.

Step 9: Bake Those Cookies

Place your baking sheet in the oven and let them bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are soft.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

Remove them from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Taste? Phenomenal!

Tips on Making Hermit Cookies

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality dates and spices will elevate the flavor of your cookies significantly.

Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Combine just until you see no flour.

Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap or add ingredients like dried cranberries or pecans. Make it your own!

Properly Store: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for longer.

Watch the Baking Time: Every oven is different. Check your cookies a minute or two before the recommended time, especially if they’re on the smaller side.

Nutrition Information

A typical hermit cookie contains approximately:
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g

Note: This can vary depending on your choice of ingredients and portion sizes.

How Can I Store This Hermit Cookies?

These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just place them in a freezer-safe container layered between parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Ingredient Substitutes

Sometimes you need to get creative with what’s in your pantry. Here are some substitutes if you’re missing certain ingredients:

Medjool Dates: Substitute with dried apricots or figs. Both can work well, although they will slightly change the cookie’s flavor profile.

All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. You could also go gluten-free with almond flour, but the texture may differ.

Butter: Coconut oil can be a fantastic dairy-free alternative. It will offer a unique flavor, but make sure it’s not too warm, or your dough may be too soft.

Brown Sugar: You can swap for coconut sugar or white sugar, although brown sugar offers a deeper, richer flavor.

Conclusion

Hermit cookies are more than just a sweet treat. They are a nostalgic bite of history, a showcase of delightful flavors, and a versatile recipe that promises satisfaction with every nibble. Whether you keep them by the coffee pot for a quick snack or share them at gatherings, they’re sure to leave an impression.

Embrace the adventure of baking these cookies. With just a few ingredients, you can create something magical. So, the next time you crave a cookie, remember hermits. They’re not just cookies; they’re a warm embrace from the past, calling you to share joy and comfort. Happy baking!

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• Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies
• Citrus Rice
• Grissini