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Hermit Slices

Hermit Slices
Alex Lau

To ensure these don’t break, use a couple of layers of parchment paper or foil in the baking dish and make sure they’re completely cooled before removing them.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes about 24

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¾ cup (packed) light brown sugar
11 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1 large egg
¼ cup light (unsulphured) molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
⅓ cup raisins
¼ cup powdered sugar

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 13x9x2" baking dish with 2 layers of parchment paper or foil, leaving a generous overhang on long sides. Lightly coat with nonstick spray.

    Step 2

    Whisk flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.

    Step 3

    Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat brown sugar and 10 Tbsp. butter in a large bowl, scraping down sides occasionally, until pale and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add egg and continue to beat, scraping down sides once or twice, until incorporated and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add molasses and vanilla and beat until combined. Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just blended. Add walnuts and raisins and mix with a large spoon until no spots of flour remain.

    Step 4

    Transfer dough to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across bottom. Bake until top springs back slightly and is slightly darker and edges are firm, 20–30 minutes.

    Step 5

    Meanwhile, melt remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until butter foams, then browns, about 4 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp. water to form a smooth glaze. Brush over hermits and let cool completely. Using parchment overhang, carefully remove hermits and cut into 3½x1½" bars.

    Step 6

    Do Ahead: Hermits, without glaze, can be made 2 months ahead; store airtight and freeze.

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