Comments on: Chocolate Half Moon Cookies

By: Maureen

Maureen — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:13:56 +0000

What is it about this simple little cookie that inspires such loyalty?! Just got back from the Utica NY region and “imported” a dozen Hemstrought’s Half Moons. My family is now scattered across the US and we’ve never encountered them anywhere but upstate NY. Although the Hemstrought’s bakery locations are closed, you can buy them by the dozen at Walmart and BJs. The vanilla cookie version is just WRONG — the only true half moon is a chocolate cookie . I was forced to buy a tray of Valentine half moons while I was in Whitesboro — with pink frosting instead of the vanilla, but I’m a purist and the traditional black and white is my favorite. Will definitely try making some, but I’ve also found that the bakery version freezes really well (if you can manage not to eat them all!)

By: Katie Z

Katie Z — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:15:39 +0000

Thank you so much for posting this recipe. My grandfather worked most of his life at Harrisons Bakery (the one across from Sacret Heart) and now that I’ve moved away I can never find these cookies anywhere. This brings back very fond memories.

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 04:05:13 +0000

What a wonderful find. Grew up in Utica and used to buy a Black and White every afternoon on my way home from John F. Hughes Elementary School. Have been back to Utica recently and was disappointed that Hemstroughts was not there. About five years ago they still had a store in Clinton but the cookies were not the same. Tasted chemically- like they switched to a mix. Big disappointment. Will try the recipe and hope they reproduce the taste of the originals. I moved to NYC in the mid-60s to attend NYU and imagine my surprise when their Black and Whites were only available in a vanilla or lemon cookie version. They were meant to be chocolate- as anyone from Upstate NY knows. Hemstroughts used to vary them however by frosting some entirely with vanilla and others with all chocolate icing. Their chocolate icing was the best-smooth and oh, so chocolatey.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:41:49 +0000

I just made these last night as a Valentine’s dessert for my husband. I LOVE THIS RECIPE! Thanks for sharing. I really think that they taste better than the ones that I am used to. I am not a big fan of these from the store but yours are worth it!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:18:33 +0000

I was so glad to find this yummy halfmoon recipe! I am from Elmira and have always gone to either Light’s Bakery or Kountry Krullers (they make the BEST vanilla half moons). It will be so nice to be able to bake some of my own, but they will never taste as good as the ones fromthe bakery.
Thanks for sharing!!

By: Donna

Donna — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:32:48 +0000

Hi and happy holidays – I am from Homer, NY and have lived in Raleigh NC for 10 years now. We also have great memories of the half moon cookie from Central NY. I use a cookie batter called GOBS and then make a butter frosting. I will make them tomorrow to surprise my sister for New Years Eve. Take care

By: Maureen

Maureen — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:38:31 +0000

Must be a local fav this Half moon cookie recipe. This is the same as my Granmother’s except that hers calls for buttermilk. I make them for my Dad each Christmas now she is gone. We are all from Onondaga County! Thanks for posting, I am going to try your frosting on it! Maureen Creeden

By: Andrea

Andrea — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:28:41 +0000

Hi Heather. You are right, these aren’t exactly like Harrison’s (which have gotten more expensive over the years), but I am glad you enjoyed them! Best wishes. ~Andrea

By: Heather

Heather — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:26:10 +0000

Andrea…my husband and I are originally from Syracuse…now living in Tenessee. We grew up eating Harrisons Bakery half moon cookies! In my family, Harrison’s bakery was the first stop after church on Sundays( even before stopping at Durstons for the NY times). Harrison’s is also the first place we go when we come home to visit! Our children are huge fans too.
Several years ago, I received a version of the recipe. I tried to share it with a local bakery here…and they refused to frost the bottoms! Haha…and they tried to charge an arm and a leg for a single cookie( Harrison’s is very reasonably priced). Needless to say they did not make them for very long, nor did they remain in business. Not a single good bakery in our area( another NY novelty we miss).
We were thrilled to find your recipe! We made them last night. Amazing! Although they are not Harrison’s…We are grateful for the taste of home this Holiday season! Thank you!!

By: linda

linda — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 03:37:08 +0000

Andrea,
we are from the Syracuse area.We moved to South carolina 5 1/2 yrs ago.we have been looking for half moons.We were never able to find them.I was on line looking for some new Christmas cookies and I found your web site I made them last night and they didn’t last 24 hrs.Thank you We missed them so much.