Half Moon Cookie Recipe

Half Moon Cookie Recipe

The Half Moon Cookie Recipe is soft, cakey, and topped with two sweet frostings — half vanilla and half chocolate.

These cookies are famous for their fun look and rich flavor. The base is like a mini cake, and the frosting adds the perfect sweetness.

They’re great for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a bakery-style treat at home.

I first saw half moon cookies in a small bakery window. Their half-and-half design caught my eye. When I tasted one, I knew I had to bake them myself — and they turned out just as amazing.

Recipe Detail

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Servings: 10 cookies
  • Calories: 210 per cookie
  • Course: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Equipment List

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients List

For the Cookies:

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 3:
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4:
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 5:
Add egg and vanilla extract; mix well.

Step 6:
Add dry mix and milk slowly; mix until smooth.

Step 7:
Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet.

Step 8:
Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges turn golden.

Step 9:
Cool cookies fully on a rack before frosting.

Step 10:
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for white frosting.

Step 11:
Divide frosting into two parts; add cocoa to one for chocolate.

Step 12:
Spread vanilla frosting on half of each cookie.

Step 13:
Frost the other half with chocolate frosting.

Step 14:
Let cookies sit until frosting sets.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overbake; cookies should stay soft.
  • Let cookies cool fully before frosting.
  • Use a small spatula for smooth frosting lines.
  • Add a drop of lemon juice to the vanilla frosting for a tangy twist.
  • Store in an airtight box to keep them fresh.

Best Serving Ideas

1. With Coffee:
These cookies go perfectly with a cup of hot coffee.

2. Ice Cream Treat:
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies.

3. Dessert Platter:
Serve them with brownies and cupcakes for parties.

Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, bake and store them for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cookies and frost before serving.

Can I use store frosting?
Yes, but homemade frosting tastes much better.

Why are my cookies too flat?
Chill dough for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I make mini versions?
Yes, just bake for a shorter time.

Conclusion

The Half Moon Cookie Recipe is soft, sweet, and fun to make. With its half vanilla, half chocolate frosting, it’s a perfect mix of flavors. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven for a true bakery-style treat at home.

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.