Anne Bell’s Holly Hermits
📜 Collection: UK2 | ✍️ Attribution: Anne Bell | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic, soft, and chewy spice cookie packed with candied fruit, raisins, and nuts. This old-fashioned drop cookie features a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 10 mins | None | 3 1/2 dozen cookies |
🔪 Key Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- sifter
- cookie sheets
- mixing spoon
Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Cup | Shortening | room temperature |
| 1 Cup | Brown Sugar | packed |
| 1 | Egg | large |
| 3-4 Tablespoons | Water | divided |
| 1 1/2 Cups | Flour | all-purpose |
| 1/2 Teaspoon | Baking Soda | sifted |
| 1/2 Teaspoon | Cinnamon | ground |
| 1/4 Teaspoon | Salt | fine |
| 1/4 Teaspoon | Nutmeg | ground |
| 1/4 Teaspoon | Cloves | ground |
| 3/4 Cup | Candied Fruits | chopped mixed |
| 1/2 Cup | Raisins | none |
| 1/2 Cup | Walnuts or Pecans | chopped |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease your cookie sheets.
- In a large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup shortening and 1 cup brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the 1 egg and 3-4 tablespoons water until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Combine and Bake
- In a separate bowl, sift together the 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Fold in the 3/4 cup candied fruits, 1/2 cup raisins, and 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans by hand.
- Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are lightly browned and fragrant.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Original Recipe Scan
