Hermitage Honey Rye Cookies

Honey Rye Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rustic flavor of rye with the natural sweetness of honey. These cookies are an adaptation of traditional recipes that date back to the early settlers who utilized rye, a staple grain, sweetened modestly with the honey they could procure locally. They're a simple but delicious nod to history, offering a unique taste that modernizes the rustic charm of past times.

Ingredients

• Rye flour - 2 cups
• All-purpose flour - 1 cup
• Baking powder - 1 tsp
• Baking soda - 1/2 tsp
• Salt - 1/2 tsp
• Butter - 1 cup, softened
• Honey - 3/4 cup
• Brown sugar - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Ground cinnamon - 1 tsp
• Ground ginger - 1/2 tsp

Preparation and Cooking Process

To create these delectable Hermitage Honey Rye Cookies, commence by gathering all ingredients and preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This crucial step of gathering ingredients helps ensure a smooth baking process.

First, you'll want to mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together rye flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This blend will provide the structure and texture desired in your cookies.

In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, honey, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process may take a few minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until well incorporated. For even more rich flavors, stir in the ground cinnamon and ground ginger, ensuring a harmonious blend of spices.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can harden your cookies.

With the cookie dough ready, begin forming rounded tablespoons of dough, placing them onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. The dough can be sticky, so consider dampening your hands slightly with water to make handling easier.

Bake the cookies in your pre-heated oven for 12-15 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. Keep a close watch on your cookies to prevent overbaking; they should be golden brown with a slight crisp on the edges. Here, a cooking timer comes in handy.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling stage locks in their flavor and ensures the perfect chewy texture.

Enjoying Hermitage Honey Rye Cookies

Hermitage Honey Rye Cookies are best enjoyed with a warm beverage like tea or coffee, which complements their warm spices. These cookies also make for a thoughtful gift, especially during the holiday season, wrapped in a simple string with a handwritten note about their historical significance.