A few months ago I made gingerbread biscotti from Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar: 100 Dairy-Free Recipes for Everyone’s Favorite Treat. Never mind that it was vegan, it tasted terrific and was spicier and more flavorful than some butter/egg versions. Another bonus was that it stayed fresh for months, so I got used to having it around and was disappointed when we ran out. To replenish the gingery smelling cookie tin, I tried another recipe from the book, “Coffee Shop Hermits”.
These are almost as good as the biscotti, but firm and chewy rather than hard, and a little more kid-friendly — so much so that I stuck half of one (they’re kind of big) in Fuzzy’s lunch box. I was out of raisins and used cranberries and candied ginger, but other than that (and halving the recipe), I followed the directions as written and was pleased with how quickly they came together. Because of all the flavor from the spices, I didn’t really miss the eggs and butter you find in most Hermits. Plus the coffee was an interesting touch. Mine was not that strong (it was Duncan Doughnuts coffee from Costco), but the cookies were still really good.
Lunchbox Hermit (aka, Coffee Shop Hermits)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup coffee, strong, black & cooled to room temp
1/3 cup molasses
2/3 cup sugar
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper plus a pinch more if you like heat
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried cranberries plus 2 tablespoons (or to taste) of chopped candied ginger
Some sparkly sugar (or regular) for sprinkling on top
Mix the oil, coffee, molasses and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and cayenne. Stir well. Stir in the cranberries and candied ginger to form a soft dough.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
After dough is chilled lightly moisten hands and divide dough in half. Make it into two logs about 13 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. Sprinkle the tops with sugar.
Bake 24 to 26 minutes till edges are lightly browned and the logs feel firm. Cool for 15 minutes (I didn’t). Cut the logs into approximately 2 inch slices (or however you like them). Cool on wire racks.
Makes 16 large cookies
May Cookie Co. says
January 17, 2011 at 9:09 amI love chewy hermits, can’t wait to try them with the ginger and maybe some chopped almonds.
[email protected] Caramel Cookie says
January 12, 2011 at 7:08 amI have never heard of hermits but they sound good! Do these cookies keep well?
Jennifer says
January 12, 2011 at 7:05 amI love hermits and can’t wait to try your recipe!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit says
January 11, 2011 at 7:14 pmI love hermits- they’re one of my favorite cookies. Yours sound yummy!
Esther says
January 11, 2011 at 6:51 pmThis is the first time I ever heard of a “hermit” too. What an interesting name. I didn’t know biscotti could last that long, mine only lasts 2 days before going soft. I have to try that recipe one day.
vanillasugar says
January 11, 2011 at 6:17 pmit has been months since i’ve had a hermit. i tried the ones by Paul Newmans; they weren’t that bad really. the low fat ones were not that great though.
Upstate NY Native says
January 11, 2011 at 5:19 pmI used to be so excited the few times a year we’d go to the A&P (my Dad had a grocery store) and get packaged Hermits and Spanish Bar cake. Loved,Loved,Loved them both! Thanks for the recipe, the reminder and the memory.
Jennifer says
January 11, 2011 at 2:45 pmOkay, I feel stupid, but what is a “hermit” (other than a possible career goal for my teenage son?)
Katrina says
January 11, 2011 at 2:43 pmI tried the ones you posted a few years ago. They remind me of a grocery store bakery from YEARS ago, can’t even recall which. But I’m sure I’ll try this recipe. I really like them!
Judy says
January 11, 2011 at 11:43 amI have very warm memories of getting hermits at a Rhode Island bakery when I would visit my Grandparents for Christmas vacation back in the early ’70s! Thanks for the recipe.
Caroline says
January 11, 2011 at 8:29 amThese might be a good way to use up the leftover candied ginger that I have in my pantry. I never knew how hermit bars were different than biscotti, so thanks for pointing that out!