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!"

Step 1: 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)

Step 2: Making Cookies!

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

Step 3: Making Icing!

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

Step 4: The Better Half

1. Lift cookies off the cookie sheets
2. 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
3. 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.