Raisin Filled Sugar Cookies

Instructions:

In the bowl of the Bosch Mixer fitted with the wire whips, combine sugar, Karo syrup, shortening, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Whip until thoroughly combined. With the mixer on speed 1, slowly add milk.

Add salt, baking powder, baking soda, and flour, mix until just combined. Dough will be slightly sticky. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

While dough is chilling, make the raisin filling. In a medium saucepan, bring raisins and water to a simmer. Combine sugar and E-Z Gel, then mix into the saucepan with the vanilla until the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 – 1/4" thickness. Cut into desired size circles. Put raisin filling in the center of half of the cookies leaving at least a 1/4" border. Top with remaining cookies and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.

Place cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 10 - 12 minutes.