In a small bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let mixture stand about 5 minutes or until bubbly.
In a saucepan, heat milk and butter or margarine until butter is almost melted.
In a large mixing bowl, beat yeast mixture, milk mixture, eggs, 1-3/4 cups flour, and salt for 3 minutes.
Rinse raisins with water. Drain. Toss raisins with the 2 tablespoons flour. Beat into the dough. (Dough will be sticky.)
Make the Cookie Glaze, if desired.
To fry, drop dough by heaping teaspoons, 5 or 6 at a time, into deep, hot fat (365 degree F). Fry for 2 minutes, turning once.
Drain on paper towels. Coat with glaze or sugar while warm. Makes 48 cookies.
Beat together powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to make a thin glaze.