Description
Spicy Hermit Bars bring classic New England comfort with a zesty twist. Warm spices and rich molasses create a memorable cookie experience that connects generations of home bakers with delightful, nostalgic flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 extra-large egg, at room temperature
- ¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, lightly packed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Additional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup unsulphured molasses
- ½ cup golden raisins
- ⅓ cup minced crystallized ginger (not in syrup)
- 1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar
- Grated lemon zest
- Dark rum, such as Mount Gay
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, cream brown sugar and butter for 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and molasses on low speed, periodically scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even incorporation.
- In a separate large bowl, sift together flour, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, ground cloves, and baking soda until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
- Fold in the crystallized ginger and raisins, ensuring even distribution throughout the dough.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the dough to firm up.
- Transfer the chilled dough to a lightly floured surface and divide it into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a 12-inch long log, placing them on the prepared baking sheet with sufficient spacing.
- Bake for 20 minutes, noting that the logs will remain soft in the center.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar and rum until smooth and pourable.
- While the logs are still warm, drizzle the glaze back and forth using a teaspoon, then sprinkle with fresh lemon zest.
- Allow the logs to cool completely before slicing crosswise into 1½-inch wide bars.
Notes
- Let the butter soften naturally on the counter to blend seamlessly with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform texture.
- Refrigerate the prepared dough for at least 30 minutes, allowing the fats to solidify and prevent spreading during baking.
- Pull the bars from the oven when centers remain slightly soft, as they’ll continue cooking from residual heat.
- Experiment with warming spices like cinnamon or cardamom to personalize the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping the bars moist and delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg