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–+ servings
Hermits
Hermits are an old-fashioned spiced cookie beloved for their chewy texture, warm spices, and deep molasses-like flavor. Traditionally made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, they're often studded with raisins or nuts and made tender with a surprising ingredient—cold coffee. These cookies were especially popular in New England and are considered a regional classic. Their name may come from the way they’re stored—tucked away in tins where they become even more flavorful over time. Ideal for lunchboxes, afternoon tea, or holiday baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 36 cookies
Calories 115 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 eggs (large, well beaten)
  • 2 cups brown sugar (firmly packed )
  • 1 cup soft shortening (or unsalted butter)
  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup coffee (cold )
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp baking soda (level)
  • ½ cup raisins ( or chopped nut, or both, if desired)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Mix Wet Ingredients

  • Beat eggs thoroughly.
  • Add brown sugar and shortening. Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Coffee and Dry Ingredients

  • Stir in cold coffee.
  • Sift together flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
  • Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix well.

Step 3: Fold in Add-Ins

  • Stir in raisins, nuts, or both if desired.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

  • Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes, until lightly browned.
  • Cool on a wire rack.

Tips

  • Chill the dough slightly if cookies spread too much.
  • Use strong brewed coffee for deeper flavor.
  • Substitute butter for shortening for a richer taste (texture will change).
  • Add both raisins and nuts as suggested on the card for fuller texture.
  • Toast nuts before adding for extra flavor.
  • Sprinkle tops lightly with cinnamon sugar before baking.
  • Bake one test cookie first to gauge spreading.
  • Store in an airtight tin; flavor improves after a day.

Nutrition

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1.2gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 35IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword coffee-flavored dessert, drop cookies, holiday baking, nostalgic food, old-fashioned baking, spice cookies, vintage cookies
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