Hermits
Description
These traditional British Hermits are the ultimate comfort cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Unlike their American counterparts, these cookies feature a richer dough loaded with warm spices like nutmeg and ginger, complemented by the chewy texture of plump raisins and the crunch of chopped English walnuts. The use of margarine gives them a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality that holds up beautifully over time. They are ideal for afternoon tea, holiday gift-giving, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, these cookies bring a nostalgic, home-style warmth to any occasion.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
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Cream the margarine and sugar together in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and ginger.
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Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture along with the chopped walnuts and raisins, mixing just until combined.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared cookie sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned and the tops are set.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 814.5kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24.6g38%
- Saturated Fat 7.7g39%
- Cholesterol 93.2mg32%
- Sodium 1761.0mg74%
- Total Carbohydrate 131.3g44%
- Dietary Fiber 3.2g13%
- Sugars 39.9g
- Protein 15.4g31%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: Hermits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld.
Substitutions: You can substitute butter for margarine for a richer flavor. If you prefer less spice, reduce the nutmeg and ginger by half.
Tip: For softer cookies, do not overbake. Remove them from the oven when they look just set but still slightly pale on top.
Ingredient Note: The original text mentions "Dry sugar substitute" and "cinnamon" in the directions but not clearly in the ingredient list. If using a sugar substitute, ensure it is a dry blend suitable for baking. Cinnamon is a common addition to hermits; add 1/2 teaspoon if desired.
