Great Grandmother Francis' Famous Filled Cookies
Famous filled cookies with a rich raisin and orange rind filling, offering a delightful blend of sweetness and citrus, perfect for holiday treats and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups sugar ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 4 teaspoons cream of tartar ⓘ
- enough flour to make a soft dough ⓘ
- 1 1/2 boxes dark seedless raisins (3 cups packed) ⓘ
- grated rind of 1 orange ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms, adding flour as needed.
- In a saucepan, cook raisins, grated orange rind, 1 1/2 cups sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour over low heat until the raisins are plump and the mixture is thickened.
- Let the filling cool.
- Divide dough into small portions, roll into circles.
- Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges.
- Place cookies on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a softer dough, add flour gradually until the mixture is just combined. If you prefer a sweeter filling, consider adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to the raisin mixture. You can also substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you want a different filling, try using apricots or figs instead of raisins, which can give a unique twist to this classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These filled cookies pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal companion for afternoon snacks. For a festive touch, serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You might also consider presenting them on a dessert platter with other treats like Shortbread Toffee Squares for a delightful variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Great Grandmother Francis' Famous Filled Cookies contains roughly 101 calories, with 2g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 553mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different fruits! Dried apricots, figs, or even cranberries can be excellent alternatives to raisins. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels in the filling if the fruit you choose is sweeter or less sweet than raisins.
What is the best way to seal the cookies?
To ensure your filled cookies stay sealed during baking, press the edges together firmly with your fingers. For an added decorative touch, you can use a fork to crimp the edges, which also helps to secure the filling inside.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling it out.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).