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National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day 2023: Date, History and all you need to know

This cookie was originally referred to as gingerbread men when it was first made in the United States in the 19th century.

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day 2023: You love spicy food, but you also like cookies? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then get ready to celebrate on November 15th! You may wonder, what is a spicy hermit cookie. Molasses, raisins, and spices are traditionally used in making this cookie.

This cookie was originally referred to as gingerbread men when it was first made in the United States in the 19th century. If you want to celebrate National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day with a delicious treat, try making some yourself. Here’s a recipe you’ll love.

What is a Spicy Hermit Cookie?

In the fall and winter, Spicy Hermit Cookies are typically made with molasses, ginger, and cinnamon.

The History of the Spicy Hermit Cookie

The Spicy Hermit Cookie is a traditional Newfoundland cookie that dates back to the early 1800s. Sir John Franklin, the British explorer who died while seeking the Northwest Passage, is said to have loved the molasses and spice cookies. British soldiers brought cookies to Newfoundland, which became a staple in the colony.

The cookies became known as “Spicy Hermits” due to their similarity to the American cookie known as the “Gingerbread Hermit.” The Spicy Hermit Cookie is a darker, more molasses-flavored version of the Gingerbread Hermit, and was said to be more popular with sailors due to its ability to withstand long voyages without going bad.

Fishermen and other workers in Newfoundland outports loved the Spicy Hermit Cookie because it was a convenient snack. In Newfoundland, Spicy Hermit Cookies are still a popular treat, and can be found in bakeries and supermarkets.

Year	Date	Day
2022	November 15	Tuesday
2023	November 15	Wednesday
2024	November 15	Friday
2025	November 15	Saturday
2026	November 15	Sunday

How to Make Spicy Hermit Cookies

Ingredients:
1 cup of sugar
one cup of brown sugar
1 cup of margarine
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
4 cups of flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of nutmeg
1 package (12 ounces) of raisins
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream together the sugars, margarine, eggs, and vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture. Add the raisins and mix well. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove to wire racks to cool.