Hey there my friend 👋. You are in for a treat. These moonlight cookies are soft, buttery, and have the perfect balance of sweetness. The reason they shine—literally—is because of a light dusting of powdered sugar that makes them look like little moons glowing in the night.
And oh, by the way, I am going to show you a trick that keeps them from getting dry, so every bite is melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and/or equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
- Wire cooling rack
Important Info
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: About $5 depending on your pantry staples
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
- Calories per serving: 120 per cookie
- Cook method: Baking
- Season: Perfect for any season, but extra special in winter
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: Vegetarian
How to Make Moonlight Cookies
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work best)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe) |
| Powdered sugar | Granulated sugar (blend for finer texture) |
| Vanilla extract | Almond extract |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Nuts | Omit or use seeds (sunflower or pumpkin) |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk the flour and salt together. Slowly add it to the butter mixture, stirring until fully combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop out small portions of dough (about a tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
- While still slightly warm, dust them generously with powdered sugar.
- Let them cool completely before storing or serving.
Helpful Tips
- For a smoother texture, pulse the nuts in a food processor before adding them to the dough.
- If your dough feels too crumbly, add a teaspoon of milk to bring it together.
- Double coat the cookies in powdered sugar—once while warm and again after cooling—for a perfect snowy look.
- Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft.
- If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, use vanilla bean paste instead of extract.
What to Serve with Moonlight Cookies
These cookies go well with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They are also great alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
You can serve them on a simple plate or in a cookie tin for a festive look. If you are gifting them, pack them in a clear bag tied with a ribbon.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, winter nights, or as a treat to bring to a friend’s house. They also work great for tea parties and baby showers.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep the cookies in an airtight container.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If they lose their softness, microwave them for a few seconds.
Refrigeration
- Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
- Store in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make moonlight cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can leave out the nuts, and the cookies will still turn out delicious. You can also replace them with seeds for some crunch.
Why are my cookies dry and crumbly?
If the dough is too dry, it may need a little more moisture. Try adding a teaspoon of milk or an extra tablespoon of butter to help bind the dough.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great.
Do these cookies have to be rolled in powdered sugar?
No, but the powdered sugar gives them their signature look. If you prefer, you can drizzle them with melted chocolate instead.
How long do moonlight cookies stay fresh?
At room temperature, they last about 5 days. If refrigerated, they stay fresh for 2 weeks, and in the freezer, up to 3 months.
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