HERMITS

HERMITS

1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 3/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup packed light-brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1/4 cup unsulfured molasses
3/4 cup raisins

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8-by-8-by-2-inch pan and line with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang. Butter parchment; set pan aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and cloves; set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg; beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl once. Add molasses; beat until combined and scrape down sides of bowl. Add the flour mixture and raisins; beat on low until dough just comes together, about 1 minute. Press dough into prepared pan. Bake until golden but still very soft to the touch, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars. Hermit bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 1 week.