Half Moons
Delightfully crisp half moons with a buttery, sweet flavor and a hint of vanilla, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar and shortening; beat well.
- Add eggs, vanilla, and sour milk; beat well.
- Add flour and baking soda, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Refrigerate the dough overnight.
- Roll on a floured board; cut into desired shapes.
- Bake at 375°F on the lower oven rack for 5 minutes, then move to the upper rack and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing with sugar. If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute it with regular milk combined with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Rolling the dough on a floured surface keeps it from sticking, and chilling it overnight enhances the flavor and texture. For a twist, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a glass of milk or coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside American recipes like Goo Goo Bars or Quick Applesauce Rolls. For a festive touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar or drizzling with chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Half Moons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to stay fresh longer, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. For reheating, a few seconds in the microwave will soften them up without losing their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Half Moons contains roughly 210 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of iron (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough before rolling it out. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling and cutting into shapes.
What if I don't have shortening?
You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or margarine. This may slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still yield delicious cookies. Just make sure the butter is softened for easier mixing.
How can I ensure even baking?
To ensure even baking, make sure to rotate your baking sheets halfway through the baking time. Also, using a heavy-duty baking sheet can help distribute heat more evenly, preventing the bottoms from burning while the tops remain undercooked.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).