Half-Moon Cookies

Dense, rich, chocolaty cookies topped with light and dark chocolate icing - it really couldn't get much better, especially around Valentine's day! Especially popular in up-state New York, these cookies combine some of the yummiest things around.

For extra nerd/awesome points, you could make a couple full and new moons, and toss in some waxing and waning gibbouses and crescents for good measure.

Always remember: "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza-pie, that's amore!"

You'll Need. . .

Hardware:

Large bowl
Spatula/wooden spoon and/or electric mixer
Teaspoons or small scoop
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper or Silpat
Measuring spoons and cups
Two small bowls
Two small spatulas/knives

Software:

For the cookies

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
2 cups flour
3 heaping tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk

For the icing

4 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ounce bittersweet chocolate (melted)

Making Cookies!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F)
Cream together butter, sugar, and brown sugar
Add egg, vanilla, and salt and mix until combined
Mix in cocoa, baking soda, and baking powder
Add about half the flour and mix to combine
Stir in milk and remaining flour
Scoop or spoon dollops of batter onto lined cookie sheets - make sure to leave space between
Bake 10-12 minutes
Allow to cool and remove from cookie sheets

Making Icing!

Combine all ingredients except the chocolate
Mix until well combined and fluffy
Separate into two portions and stir melted chocolate into one

The Better Half

Lift cookies off the cookie sheets
Flip each cookie over, and using the small knives or spatulas, cover half of the base of each cookie with chocolate icing, and the other with plain icing
Enjoy!

These keep well wrapped individually in plastic wrap, especially if kept cool. If you're going to keep them in the fridge for a while, it's advisable to leave them out for a few moments before eating as the frosting can get a bit firm.