It was (and still is) quite common in Europe for sweet baked goods to contain bits of dried fruit, nuts, and/or citrus fruit zest. Crusaders returning to Europe in the Middle Ages brought back with them descriptions of spiced, fruit-filled cookies and cakes. These have now evolved into staple items for celebrations at Yuletide. But, honestly these hermit cookies are good any time of year.

This tradition was common in many different countries and meant that households in the pre-industrial age could preserve and use the fruit they harvested long into the winter. Many desserts and dishes served at Christmas also had lots of spices, which act as natural preservatives in their own right. The tasty combination can be found in Christmas pudding, plum cake, fruitcake, mincemeat pies, and in these hermit cookies, a staple of New England baking.

This recipe calls for raisins and dates, but you could use dried apples, plums, cranberries, or even candied citron if you wanted. The important part is that the fruit, whichever it may be, gets a chance to mix with the spices we love so much in winter: cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom.

After making the dough and then folding in your fruit and nuts bake these for a modest 10 minutes or so.

Then just enjoy the harmony between the spices and the fruit that’s perfect for the holidays.