Hermits are a raisin nut cookie which is more like a cake than a cookie. Plumped up with all the taste and goodness that home baking can put into them and with the delightful aroma of nutmeg and cinnamon wafting from their making, they are a sweet dessert treat which is difficult to resist. They are soft as cake yet still munchy crunchy delicious and the perfect recipe addition to compliment your holiday baking. This delicious dessert treat is spicy and sweet so when it comes to the holiday recipes this one is ideal. Although the history on hermit cookies is a little hazy there are a number of theories as to how these spice rich cookies may have earned their distinctive name.
Another theory is that hermit cookies were not to be eaten right away but rather to be put away for a few days so that the rich spices within them would have time to permeate throughout the cookie. This period of isolation would then be the reason why these delicious drops of fruit and nut were called hermits. (Note that is is still a recommended practice to tuck this cookie away for a few days after you bake them.)
There are many theories as to the history of Hermit cookies. Another is that it could be this biscuit's ability to stay fresh for long periods of time that contributed to their naming. This cookie's long shelf life would have made them a suitable food for nomads or sailors on their long trips and voyages. An olden day traveler could tuck these biscuits into their pocket or roll cloth and have a ready food to sustain them during their travels.
Cookies are a wonderful snack at any time of the year but for special events or the Christmas holidays they are the perfect treat to pull out for visiting friends and family. It is always a wise idea to have plenty on hand so when you do your baking do up a double batch so you are able to pop some in the future for future use. Now let's get baking, this traditional old country recipe will bring a touch of the past into your kitchen today. Pop on your apron, grab your spatula and preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
The Ingredients for this Drop Cookie Recipe
3 eggs
4 cups brown sugar
1 cup cold tea or coffee
1 and 1/2 cups margarine
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
7 cup flour
2 cups raisins
2 cups chopped walnuts
1. Stir together the first six ingredients. Add in the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Allow the Hermits to Cool Before Eating
Want to Know Why Walnuts are so Good Food for You?
Most recipes are adaptable so don't be afraid to play a little with the ingredient list. Some add ins you might use to zazzle up your recipe are: Chocolate Chunks, Chocolate Chips, Coconut, Walnuts, Pecans, Almonds, Raisins, Jujubes, or Cherries.For fun you can also shape your cookies to match the holiday. Create them and decorate them. Pop cookies, brownies, or small cakes onto a stick for creatively cute lollipop treats. Have your baking bring out the oohs, aws, and giggles. Fabulous desserts are easy when you bake love into every bite. Keep in mind that cookies are also a great gift idea for the holidays. I used to love it when my mom sent a homemade package of edible treats. Making theme cookies for gift giving really can be fun as well as an economical way to save a few dollars.
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