Go Back
A high-resolution photograph showcases nine freshly baked sugar cookies, each with a single raisin centered on top, arranged neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Jana Rae

Grandma's Raisin Center Sugar cookies

Buttery, cake-like sugar cookies with a signature raisin center - just like Grandma made! Features anise or vanilla flavoring with adaptable spice twists for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: cookies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough Base:
  • 1 cup 2 sticks softened butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar + extra for sprinkling
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp anise extract or vanilla extract Grandma's original used anise!
  • cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
Must-Have:
  • 24 raisins for the signature centers

Method
 

Make the Dough
  1. Cream butter & sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy (2 mins).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then anise/vanilla.
  3. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
  4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
Chill & Preheat
  1. Cover dough and refrigerate 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets.
Shape & Bake
  1. Roll dough into 1" balls and place 2" apart.
  2. Press 1 raisin deep into each center (Grandma's trick!).
  3. Sprinkle with sugar and gently flatten slightly.
  4. Bake 8-10 minutes until just set (they’ll firm up as they cool).
Cool & Serve
  1. Cool 4 minutes on pan, then transfer to racks.
  2. "No frosting needed - the raisin is the jewel!" - Grandma

Notes

Tips

✅ Butter Temp: Should leave a slight indent when pressed (not melty)
✅ Chill Time: Don’t skip! Prevents overspreading
✅ Baking Hack: For extra-soft cookies, pull out when edges just turn golden
✅ Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week

Decorating Ideas

Simple: Dust with cinnamon sugar
Festive: Pipe orange buttercream leaves
Elegant: Drizzle with maple glaze
Fun: Use leaf-shaped sprinkles

 Flavor Variations

• Maple Brown Sugar: Replace ¼ cup white sugar with brown sugar
• Orange Spice: Add 1 tsp orange zest + ½ tsp cloves
• Pecan Sandies: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans