What are hermit cookies?

Hermit cookies are traditional oatmeal cookies that are flavoured with brown sugar, cinnamon and mixed spice, and often include raisins and nuts. They are one of the most popular types of cookies in the United States and are often associated with the holiday season.

Hermit cookies are believed to have originated in Scotland, where they were traditionally made with oatmeal, spices, and molasses. The cookies were brought to the United States by Scottish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries, and they soon became a popular treat in the country. Over time the molasses flavour was replaced by brown sugar and chocolate and nuts became more common.

Today hermit cookies come in many varieties with chocolate chips being one of the most common additions. However, the traditional recipe, made with brown sugar, oatmeal, cinnamon, and spice and featuring plump raisins and toasted pecans is still a favourite.