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Old-fashioned hermit cookies with white icing resting on a wire cooling rack

Hermit Cookies

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5 from 18 reviews

Description

Experience the nostalgic warmth of heritage baking with these thick, chewy Hermit Cookies. Infused with a deep blend of aromatic spices, crunchy walnuts, and sweet currants, they are finished with a delicate icing for a truly timeless treat.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup natural cane sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup currants
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for icing)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for icing)

Instructions

  1. Sift the whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice into a medium-sized bowl to ensure an even spice distribution.
  2. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and natural cane sugar until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly and scraping the sides of the bowl.
  4. Gently fold in the currants and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed through the batter.
  5. Incorporate the sifted dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with small splashes of milk, mixing until just combined.
  6. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least one hour to develop flavor and prevent excessive spreading.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and drop level tablespoons of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, flattening them slightly with damp fingers.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are deeply golden, then move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth to create the icing.
  10. Spread a layer of icing over each cooled cookie and allow them to set before serving.

Notes

For an even deeper flavor, try letting the dough rest in the refrigerator overnight to allow the spices to fully permeate the whole wheat flour. If you do not have currants, golden raisins make an excellent substitute, though they will provide a slightly larger, sweeter burst of fruit. Always wait until the cookies are completely stone-cold before applying the icing to prevent it from melting and running.

  • Prep Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://cookiesfresh.com/hermit-cookies/