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The Best and most Delicious, Family Favorite Christmas Sugar Cookies

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.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 43 minutes
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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.

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1+ Baking Sheets Use more baking sheets to speed up the baking process.
  • 1+ Cookie Cutters
  • 1 Cooling Rack

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Chill the Dough: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  4. Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with light greasing or parchment paper.
  5. 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.
  6. Cut and Decorate: Use cookie cutters to create shapes, then sprinkle with granulated sugar for a finishing touch.
  7. Bake: Arrange cookies on the baking sheets and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until edges just start to turn golden brown.
  8. 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.