National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

The National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day, celebrated each year on November 15, honors a distinctive cookie with rich spices, molasses, and dried fruit that has been delighting bakers and snack-lovers for more than a century.

History of National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

The ‘hermit cookie’ itself dates back to at least the late 1800s in the U.S., particularly in New England, where it appeared in cookbooks and community recipe collections. The version celebrated today emphasizes “spicy” to highlight the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and often raisins or currants that give it character and depth.

The official observance of the day seems to have been adopted more recently, with multiple holiday-calendars noting November 15 as the date to bake, share, and enjoy these cookies.

Why is National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day important?

While on the surface it may feel like a fun excuse to bake cookies, the day honors a recipe that embodies tradition, flavor heritage, and communal comfort. These cookies remind us how simple ingredients and warm spices can create lasting memories—and how food plays a role in culture and sharing.
Moreover, celebrating a somewhat lesser-known baking tradition like the hermit cookie invites curiosity, experimentation in the kitchen, and the passing of recipe lore between generations. It’s about more than flavor—it’s about connection, history and creativity.

• It gives recognition to a cookie that many may not know but can enjoy.
• It invites home-bakers to try their hand at something a bit more interesting than the usual.
• It encourages sharing food as a gesture of friendship or hospitality.
• It preserves culinary tradition by spotlighting a recipe with roots in community cookbooks.
• It fosters a sense of fun and warmth around baking and gathering.

How to Celebrate National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day

A great way to mark this day is by baking a batch of spicy hermit cookies using a recipe that includes warm spices, raisins or currants, and maybe a glaze or topping if desired. Then share them with someone—a friend, family member or neighbor. The act of baking and gifting transforms a simple treat into a moment of connection.

• Choose or find a hermit cookie recipe with spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg and raisins/­currants.
• Bake the cookies (or cookie bars) and let their flavor develop (these often taste better after resting).
• Package a few cookies and deliver them to someone you appreciate, with a note.
• Take a photo of your baking result and share it on social media with #NationalSpicyHermitCookieDay.
• Use the day to reflect on a family cookie recipe you might adapt or pass on.

National Spicy Hermit Cookie Day Dates Table