Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars Recipe
Spicy Hermit Bars are traditional molasses-spiced cookie bars loaded with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Ina Garten’s version enhances the depth of flavor with brown sugar and a touch of vanilla, making them soft, chewy, and incredibly aromatic.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set the temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
- Beat butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add molasses, egg, and vanilla: Mix in the molasses, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in nuts and raisins (optional): Stir in chopped walnuts and raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Spread the batter: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake until set: Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Let cool in the pan: Allow the bars to cool for at least 15 minutes.
- Cut into squares: Slice into bars and serve warm or at room temperature.