Hermits with Wine

Hermits with Wine
  • PREP TIME
    0 mins
  • COOK TIME
    0 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    0 mins
  • SERVING
    18 People
  • VIEWS
    24

These spiced, wine-infused cookies, redolent with cinnamon and nuts, boast a remarkable history. Winning a small sum during the Great Depression, they provided sustenance and became a beloved family tradition, ultimately comforting troops abroad. Their exceptional keeping qualities made them ideal for care packages, though they rarely lasted long enough at home to be tested!

Ingridients

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Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    39 g
  • Cholesterol
    31 mg
  • Fiber
    1 g
  • Protein
    4 g
  • Saturated Fat
    4 g
  • Sodium
    217 mg
  • Sugar
    23 g
  • Fat
    17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. (5 minutes)

02

Step

In a bowl, combine the raisins with 2 cups of white wine. Allow to soak, ideally for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours. The longer they soak, the plumper and more flavorful they will become. (30+ minutes)

03

Step

In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. (5 minutes)

04

Step

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon extract. (2 minutes)

05

Step

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, and salt. (2 minutes)

06

Step

In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in 1/3 cup of white wine. It will fizz slightly. (1 minute)

07

Step

Add the wine-baking soda mixture to the creamed shortening mixture and beat until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. (3 minutes)

08

Step

Drain the soaked raisins, discarding the wine (or reserving it for another use). Gently fold the raisins and chopped walnuts into the cookie dough. (3 minutes)

09

Step

Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between cookies. (5 minutes)

10

Step

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. (12 minutes)

11

Step

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. (10 minutes)

For a deeper flavor, consider using a fortified wine like sherry or port instead of white wine.
These cookies are excellent with a dusting of powdered sugar once cooled.
Store the cookies in an airtight container with sheets of wax paper between layers to maintain their texture and prevent sticking.

Karelle Hirthe

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.8/ 5 ( 8 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
  • Kathlyn Lynch

    These cookies are amazing! The wine adds such a unique flavor. My family loved them.

  • Lexie Barrows

    The recipe was easy to follow, and the cookies turned out perfectly. I will definitely be making these again.

  • Jamal Schoen

    I substituted dates for the raisins and used pecans instead of walnuts. They were delicious!

  • Trinity Funk

    I made these for a bake sale, and they were the first to sell out!

  • Keyon Oconner

    The soaking time for the raisins is key! Don't skip that step. It really makes a difference.

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