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.
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!
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
Must-Have:
- 24 raisins for the signature centers
Instructions
Make the Dough
- Cream butter & sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy (2 mins).
- Add eggs one at a time, then anise/vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet until just combined.
Chill & Preheat
- Cover dough and refrigerate 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets.
Shape & Bake
- Roll dough into 1" balls and place 2" apart.
- Press 1 raisin deep into each center (Grandma's trick!).
- Sprinkle with sugar and gently flatten slightly.
- Bake 8-10 minutes until just set (they’ll firm up as they cool).
Cool & Serve
- Cool 4 minutes on pan, then transfer to racks.
- "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 sugarFestive: 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