Description
Geoffrey Zakarian’s Hermit Cookies are a spiced classic featuring molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and orange zest, finished with a smooth vanilla bean glaze. These chewy, aromatic cookies bring warmth and sophistication to any dessert table, perfect for holidays or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 large egg whites or 4 teaspoons meringue powder mixed with 1/4 cup water
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, allspice, and ginger in a medium bowl.
- In a stand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and molasses until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract, eggs, and orange zest; mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until the dough comes together. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop the dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Arrange the dough balls 1 inch apart and bake for 12–14 minutes, until tops are no longer glossy and edges are firm.
- Let cool on baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
- For the glaze, beat confectioners’ sugar, egg whites, and vanilla seeds until smooth and shiny.
- Pipe or drizzle the glaze over cooled cookies and allow to set before serving.
Notes
- Spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement to avoid dryness.
- Chilling the dough enhances flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain slightly soft in the center.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Try variations with dried fruit or nuts for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Geoffrey Zakarian's Hermit Cookies, molasses cookies, spiced cookies, holiday cookies, orange zest dessert, glazed cookies, chewy molasses cookie recipe