Hawaiian Hermits are a delightful take on the classic hermit cookie, incorporating tropical flavors like dates and nuts with warm spices. Often served during the holidays or as an afternoon snack, these cookies strike a perfect balance between chewy, moist centers and slightly crisp edges. Unlike traditional hermits, the inclusion of dates and nuts gives them a chewy texture and subtle fruity depth. The name “Hawaiian” may reflect the tropical inspiration more than geographic origin, making them a nostalgic favorite with a twist.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ lb butter (softened)
- 1 pkg dates (pitted and chopped (about 8 oz))
- 1 cup nuts (chopped, e.g., walnuts or pecans)
- 3 eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, allspice, and cinnamon.
Step 2: Add Butter
- Work in softened butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
- Add chopped dates, nuts, and beaten eggs. Stir until well combined into a sticky dough.
Step 4: Shape and Arrange
- Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a buttered baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Chop dates finely for a more uniform cookie texture.
- Substitute part of the dates with raisins or dried figs.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra aroma (not on the card but common addition).
- Use pecans or walnuts for the “nut meats.”
- Chill dough 20 minutes for neater, rounder drops.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons molasses for a deeper, classic hermit flavor.
- Mix in a pinch of cloves for stronger warm-spice notes.
- Replace half the butter with shortening for a crisper cookie.
- Bake on parchment instead of greasing the pan.
Nutrition
Calories: 67kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 48mgPotassium: 24mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 12IUVitamin C: 0.02mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 0.4mg
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