Are you craving a delicious, homemade treat that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These chocolate half moon cookies are the perfect answer. They're rich, chewy, and utterly irresistible – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from casual weeknight desserts to festive gatherings. This easy recipe delivers a fantastic taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a quick and satisfying baking project.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- Optional: Sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients and prevents lumps in your final cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results. This step is crucial for creating a tender cookie.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Stir in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Using a fork, flatten each ball slightly and create a half-moon shape by pressing down firmly with the tines of the fork. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set. The centers will still be slightly soft.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Half Moons:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 8 minutes.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Different Chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate chunks.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for a warm and sophisticated twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-180 calories Fat: Approximately 8-10g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
These delightful chocolate half moon cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the easy homemade goodness!