Happy Spicy Hermit Cookies Day (Nov 15)! Spicy Hermit Cookies bring warmth and comfort to every bite. These classic treats make a perfect snack or dessert for the holiday season.

Spicy hermit cookies recipe

Spicy hermit cookies are a version of the classic hermit cookies, especially popular in New England. These cookies have a soft, chewy texture and a rich blend of spices and dried fruits.

Spicy hermit cookies are on the plate with cinnamon sticks

Hermit cookies use a dough with molasses, brown sugar, and warm spices. Common spices include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. They typically contain dried fruits, like raisins, currants, or dates. Some recipes also include nuts for extra crunch.

Spicy hermit cookies have a warm, inviting flavor. It offers a delightful texture mix. The soft cookie contrasts with chewy dried fruits and crunchy nuts. These cookies are perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting snack on chilly days. Here’s how to make the spicy hermit cookies:

Spicy Hermit Cookies

A delightful treat that combines the warmth of spices with the chewiness of a classic hermit cookie.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 15

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 cookies

Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup brown sugar packed
1 large egg
½ cup molasses
1 ½ cups raisins or currants optional
½ cup chopped candied ginger optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the egg and molasses to the butter mixture, and beat until well combined.
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Stir in the raisins or currants and chopped candied ginger if using.
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Keyword baking recipes, homemade cookies, spicy hermit cookies

Pairing suggestions

Spicy hermit cookies pair well with many foods and drinks. Below are specific pairing suggestions:

1. Drink Pairings

Enjoy with strong black coffee for a bold contrast.
Sip with hot chocolate to balance the sweetness. It is ideal for cozy winter evenings and colder months.
Complement with chai tea or cinnamon herbal teas. Warm spices mirror the cookies’ flavor profile.
Pair with mulled wine during holiday gatherings.
Drink with chilled milk to balance the sweetness.

2. Food Pairings

Pair with sharp cheddar cheese to contrast the cookies’ sweetness. Aged cheddar complements the warm spices perfectly.
Crumble over fruit salad featuring citrus to enhance the cookies’ spiced flavor notes.
Serve alongside caramel ice cream for a balanced dessert. The creamy texture complements chewy cookies effectively.
Top yogurt parfaits with crumbled cookies, honey, and berries for a quick, flavorful breakfast.
Match with roasted nuts and dried fruits to amplify the cookie’s nutmeg and cinnamon undertones.

3. Special Occasions

Feature at holiday gatherings for their nostalgic appeal. They’re perfect for sharing and gifting.
Pack for picnics or trips; sturdy texture ensures freshness, making them great for outdoor events.

Variations

1. Dried Fruit Medley

Substitute raisins with dried cranberries, apricots, and figs for a tangy-sweet flavor.
This mix enhances the cookie’s taste, creating a balanced sweetness.

2. Nutty Delight

Replace walnuts or pecans with chopped almonds or hazelnuts to add variety.
The nuts provide crunch and a buttery flavor, complementing the spices perfectly.

3. Coffee-Infused Concord Hermits

Replace molasses with cooled brewed coffee and increase brown sugar to 1 cup.
This adjustment creates a robust flavor, enhancing the spice profile beautifully.

4. Spiced Chocolate Chip

Add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with dried fruits and nuts.
The chocolate balances spiciness and adds richness for a delightful contrast.

5. Cinnamon Glazed Hermits

Drizzle a glaze of confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla over cooled cookies.
This addition adds sweetness and a creamy texture to the spiced flavors.

6. Pumpkin Spice Hermits

Add 1/2 cup pumpkin purée and replace traditional spices with pumpkin pie spice.
This variation creates moist cookies with warm, seasonal flavors ideal for fall.