Can I make these without a moon mold?

Absolutely! Just shape the dough into small crescent moons by hand. It’s actually kind of relaxing—like edible Play-Doh.

What kind of sugar should I use for sprinkling?

White sugar cookie sprinkles are lovely, but granulated sugar works just as well. You could even go fancy with a pinch of sanding sugar or edible glitter for moon-themed desserts.

Do these work as moon sugar cookies for parties?

Yes! These are perfect for moon-themed parties, space birthdays, baby showers, or Eid. Their subtle sweetness makes them universally loved.

How do you make Half Moon Cookies?

Making Half Moon Cookies is easier than it sounds! They’re typically crescent-shaped cookies (hence “half moon”) made by rolling small balls of dough and shaping them into curves before baking. You can also use a traditional wooden mold for perfect shapes. The key is to use a soft, buttery dough—just like in our Moon Cookies recipe—so they hold their delicate shape without spreading too much. Once baked, sprinkle with sugar while they’re still warm for that moonlit sparkle. Bonus: they freeze beautifully if you want to make them ahead!

What are Half Moon Cookies?

Half Moon Cookies , also known as crescent cookies or lunar cookies , are soft, subtly sweet cookies shaped like a crescent moon. They often have a melt-in-your-mouth texture and are dusted with sugar or sometimes dipped in chocolate for extra indulgence. While some regional versions (like the black-and-white frosted kind from New York) differ in style, our Moon Cookies stick to the tender, buttery version inspired by old-world baking traditions. They’re perfect for moon-themed desserts , celebrations, or just when you want something sweet and cozy. And while they’re not exactly a high-protein snack, each cookie still contains a small amount of protein thanks to the butter and flour—just enough to keep you from feeling totally guilty about reaching for a second (or third).

Moon Cookies – Soft, Buttery Crescent Dessert Recipe

Description

These Moon Cookies are buttery, tender, and subtly sweet with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s simply magical. Whether you use a moon-shaped mold or hand-form crescents, they’re guaranteed to impress with their dreamy simplicity and nostalgic charm.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/3 cups butter (2 sticks + 6 tbsp), room temperature

2/3 cup sugar

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

Extra sugar for sprinkling (white sugar cookie sprinkles or plain granulated)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275°F.
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until combined.
Gradually add the flour, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls. If using a mold, lightly flour one side of the ball and press into the mold. Tap the mold gently to release. If not using a mold, shape dough into crescent moons by hand.
Place shaped cookies on a baking stone or cookie sheet.
Bake for 70 minutes. Cookies will not brown but will be set.
While still warm, sprinkle with sugar for a shimmering finish.

Notes

Room-temperature butter is key to proper creaming.

Lightly flouring the mold prevents sticking.

Store in an airtight container; flavor improves after a day.

No mold? Hand-shaped crescents are just as beautiful and delicious.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 70 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: moon cookies recipe, crescent cookies, melt-in-your-mouth butter cookies, easy holiday cookies, vintage shortbread