Old-Fashioned Hermit Cookies (1900s Recipe)
This Old-Fashioned Hermit Cookie Recipe from the 1900s has a warm, spiced flavor and chewy texture, featuring dried fruit and nuts. These nostalgic cookies were a staple in early 20th-century cookbooks, offering a comforting bite reminiscent of home-baked treats from a bygone era.
Ingredients
- ½ cup lard or butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped dates
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened lard (or butter) with sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. One at a time, add the eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and baking soda.
- Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed sugar mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Stir until fully incorporated, forming a soft dough.
- Add Fruits & Nuts: Gently fold in the raisins, chopped dates, and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake & Cool: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Traditional Texture: These cookies are meant to be chewy, but if you prefer a crispier texture, bake them a minute or two longer.
Flavor Enhancements: A touch of molasses can be added for a deeper, more old-fashioned flavor.
Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain softness.
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