Ina Garten’s Spicy Hermit Bars are soft, chewy, and packed with warm spices, molasses, and a hint of sweetness. These classic old-fashioned cookie bars are rich in flavor, with a slightly crisp edge and a moist, spiced interior. Perfect for holiday baking or an everyday treat, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

What are Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars?

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.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

Rich in warm spices: Perfectly balanced flavors of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
Soft and chewy texture: Moist with a slightly crisp edge.
Simple to make: Easy mixing and baking with no complicated techniques.
Great for gifting: A perfect homemade treat for friends and family.
Stays fresh longer: The molasses helps keep them soft for days.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

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 to Prepare Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

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.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

A cup of tea or coffee: Perfect for an afternoon treat.
Vanilla ice cream: Adds a creamy contrast to the spiced bars.
Drizzle of icing: A simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk enhances the sweetness.
Toasted nuts: Sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top for crunch.
Whipped cream: A light and airy topping for extra indulgence.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bars dense instead of chewy.
Let them rest before cutting: This allows the flavors to meld and keeps the texture soft.
Use dark brown sugar: It gives a deeper molasses flavor compared to light brown sugar.
For extra chewiness: Store in an airtight container overnight before serving.
Adjust spice level: If you love bolder flavors, increase the ginger and cinnamon slightly.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

Cranberry twist: Swap raisins for dried cranberries for a tart contrast.
Chocolate version: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet upgrade.
Orange zest addition: Adds a fresh citrusy note to balance the spices.
Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free treat.
Maple glaze topping: Drizzle with a maple syrup glaze for extra sweetness.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Spicy Hermit Bars

Store at room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness: This can last up to 10 days in the fridge.
Freeze for later: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

FAQs

How do I keep hermit bars soft and chewy?

Store hermit bars in an airtight container at room temperature. The molasses helps retain moisture, but if they start to dry out, placing a slice of bread in the container can help keep them soft.

Can I make hermit bars without molasses?

Yes, you can substitute molasses with maple syrup or dark honey, but the bars may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

Can I freeze spicy hermit bars?

Yes, hermit bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What nuts work best in hermit bars?

Walnuts and pecans are the most commonly used nuts in hermit bars, adding a crunchy contrast to the chewy texture. You can also use almonds or leave out the nuts entirely.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Spicy Hermit Bars are a nostalgic, spice-filled treat that’s perfect for any season. Their chewy texture, warm flavors, and easy preparation make them a go-to dessert for holidays or casual baking. Try this simple yet irresistible recipe and enjoy homemade comfort in every bite!