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–+ servings
Hawaiian Hermits from Mrs. McClure
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 62 cookies
Calories 67 kcal

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
Keyword comfort food, cookies, Dates, heirloom recipe, retro baking, vintage, warm spices
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