Family Favorite Emergency-Friendly Sugar Cookie Recipe
Crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with adaptable ingredients, these sugar cookies are a cherished family favorite during the Christmas season—and they’re perfect even in emergencies! Designed with preparedness in mind, this recipe ensures you can whip up a comforting treat using long-term food storage staples while keeping holiday traditions alive.
Equipment
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1+ Baking Sheets Use more baking sheets to speed up the baking process.
- 1+ Cookie Cutters
- 1 Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar Substitute: Blend granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until fine, or use powdered sugar from your food storage.
- 1 cup butter softened (Substitute: 1 cup shortening or reconstituted powdered butter for extended storage needs.)
- 1 egg Substitute: 1 tablespoon powdered egg + 2 tablespoons water.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Substitute: Vanilla powder or imitation vanilla extract, both of which have excellent shelf lives.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract Optional (Substitute: Almond flavoring powder or omit if unavailable.)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Substitute: Whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or flour from your emergency stash.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder No substitute needed; baking powder is shelf-stable!
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar Substitute: 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar if fresh, though cream of tartar stores well long-term.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend the powdered sugar, butter, egg (or substitute), vanilla, and almond extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup butter, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and cream of tartar, mixing until the dough is soft but not sticky.2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with light greasing or parchment paper.
- Roll and Shape: Divide the dough into halves. Roll each portion to about 3/16-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface or cloth-covered board.
- Cut and Decorate: Use cookie cutters to create shapes, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for a finishing touch.
- Bake: Arrange cookies on the baking sheets and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until edges just start to turn golden brown.
- Cool: Let cookies cool for 1-2 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer-term options, freeze the baked cookies or dough up to 3 months if circumstances permit.