I’m updating this post a bit because the old version was a little to chatty with me going on and on about family Thanksgiving and my hair. Meh. Who cares? How about a Hermit Bars recipe, instead?
This is my streamlined version of an old Hermit Bars recipe from Cook’s Illustrated. I apologize for the old photo and will try to take a new one soon.
Recipe
Hermit Bars
Hermit Bars are sliced spice cookies. This recipe is adapted from an old issue of Cook's Illustrated and happens to be one of my favorites.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace (or pinch of nutmet
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt use less if using salted butter
- 1 cup raisins plumped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 1 egg beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cream together butter and sugar using high speed of electric mixer. Beat for 3 minutes. Beat in eggs and molasses.
- In a separate bowl, stir together all dry ingredients. Stir dry ingredients into molasses mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment or Silpats. Divide dough into 2 sections and form two logs of about 14x2 inches. Brush logs with beaten egg. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes. Slice each log at an angle about 2 inches thick. Makes about 16 bars.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Anonymous
There was no way to make these into “logs” and “brush” them with beaten egg. The batter was a gooey glob. They did result in decent drop cookies though.
Judy
These were really good. I would definitely make them again. Anyone know the fat count and calorie count?
Thanks,
Dulcinea
I’ve made some additions to this recipe, which as shown, needs no improvement! But one of the reasons I love to make Hermit bars is to use up all of my Christmas baking leftovers.
I’ve added about 2 ounces of chopped, crystallized ginger and 3 ounces of chopped dried prunes; I’ve omitted the raisins. I drizzled some standard confectioners’ sugar frosting in stripes after they come out of the oven. I must say they are a nice deviation!
ronnie
I am looking for a recipe for a chewy hermit that is crispy on the outside – do you know
of any such recipes? They had lots of molasses too
Thank you
Lisa
I have been looking for an authentic Hermit recipe for years! This was the best hermit recipe I have ever tried. It is exactly like the hermits you find in New England! Thanks!
Anna
Hi Keith,
Thanks for letting me know. Yet another great recipe from Cooks Illustrated.
Keith Leblanc
Had some absolutely delicous hermit bars prepared by famed chef Mark Borezo of Charlton, MA. I made a batch of the bars above and they blew away Borezo’s.
Great job.
Anna
Randi, I’m going to have to go check out your blog. Hopefully, you’ve posted a story on how you burnt hermit bars. Or maybe the recipe was off. Hmmmmmm.
Randi
have you seen the hermit bar recipe in that martha stewart holiday cookie magazine? I made them, but I burnt them : (
Anna
Thanks, Molli! Next time I get one where my eyes are opened, I’ll post it.
Molli
You must post a picture if you went blonde. I just can’t picture it. You look great as a brunette.