Recipe for Utica Halfmoons

Recipe for Utica Halfmoons

Utica Halfmoons, also known as "black and white cookies" outside the region, are a beloved treat featuring a soft, cake-like cookie base with half chocolate and half vanilla frosting. Here's a classic recipe to bring a taste of Utica into your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup milk
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons milk

For the Chocolate Frosting:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3-4 tablespoons milk

Instructions

For the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded spoonful's of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon.

7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Vanilla Frosting:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

1. Mix Ingredients: In another medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, butter, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.

To Frost the Cookies:

1. Frost Half with Vanilla: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread vanilla frosting on one half of each cookie.

2. Frost Half with Chocolate: Spread chocolate frosting on the other half of each cookie.

3. Set Frosting: Allow the frosting to set before serving. You can place the cookies in the refrigerator for a few minutes to help the frosting firm up.

Enjoy your homemade Utica Halfmoons with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the taste of this classic treat!