Old Time Cut Out Hermits Brown sugar, 1-1/2 cups; 3 eggs; butter, 1 cup; raisins, chopped, 1 cup; sour milk, 2 tablespoonfuls; soda, 1 teaspoonful; cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice, of each 1/2 teaspoonful; flour enough to roll out. Cut out as in cookies, and bake in a quick oven (375°F) till done. Miss Parloa's Hermit Cookies
These old-fashioned hermit cookies are full of flavor and texture, just like Grandma's! The easy brown sugar drop cookies are flavored with spices and chopped raisins along with chopped walnut or pecans. Feel free to use dried cranberries instead of dates or raisins, or make them with chocolate chips.
Although the "hermit" name could mean the cookies keep well, can "travel," and still be chewy and delicious after many days, other theories point out that their brown color is similar to hermit bags. Hermits are an American favorite thanks to their sweetness, the chewiness of the raisins, and the deliciously fragrant spice combination.
When the first batch is baked, slide the hermits off onto a rack. Carefully slide the loaded sheet of parchment paper onto the cookie sheet and continue baking. Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. These cookies will also keep nicely when frozen; simply thaw at room temperature before eating.