Skip to main content

Hermit Slices

Hermit Slices
Alex Lau

To ensure these don’t break, use a couple of layers of parchment paper or foil in the baking dish and make sure they’re completely cooled before removing them.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 24

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup (packed) light brown sugar
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1 large egg
¼ cup light (unsulphured) molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
⅓ cup raisins
¼ cup powdered sugar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9x2" baking dish with 2 layers of parchment paper or foil, leaving a generous overhang on long sides. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.

    Step 2

    Whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.

    Step 3

    Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat brown sugar and 10 Tbsp. butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides occasionally, until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add egg and continue to beat, scraping down sides once or twice, until incorporated and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add molasses and vanilla and beat until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just blended. Add walnuts and raisins and mix with a large spoon until no spots of flour remain.

    Step 4

    Transfer dough to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across bottom. Bake until top springs back slightly and is slightly darker and edges are firm, 20–30 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until butter foams, then browns, about 4 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp. water to form a smooth glaze. Brush over hermits and let cool completely. Using parchment overhang, carefully remove hermits and cut into 3½x1½" bars.

    Step 6

    Do Ahead: Hermits, without glaze, can be made 2 months ahead; store airtight and freeze.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.