Half-moons with chocolate cream

Crescent Moon Cookies with Chocolate Cream: A Delight That Brings Smiles

Desserts are more than just a meal; they are moments of joy, connection, and sharing. Today, I invite you to discover the wonderful recipe for crescent moon cookies filled with chocolate cream, a sweet treat that will brighten any occasion. Whether you're celebrating the return of friends or simply want to indulge yourself, these crescent moons will surely please everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 24 crescent moons

Necessary ingredients

- 3 egg yolks
- 100 g lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 300-320 g flour
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate cream (preferably high quality)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

A bit of history

Filled cookies have a long history, being a beloved treat in many cultures. They are often associated with moments of celebration and gatherings, bringing people together around a table full of goodies. Crescent moon cookies with chocolate cream are a variation that combines a crunchy texture with a creamy filling, making them ideal to enjoy alongside a fragrant coffee or comforting tea.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the egg yolks with the sugar until you achieve a light-colored foam. It is important to use fresh eggs to obtain a fine texture.

2. Adding the ingredients:
Add the lard at room temperature and continue mixing. The lard provides a distinct flavor and tender texture to the cookies, but you can opt for butter if you want a richer taste.

3. Incorporating the sour cream and flavors:
Once the lard is well incorporated, add the sour cream, baking powder, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract. The citrus flavors and vanilla will give a unique taste to the dough.

4. Kneading the dough:
Finally, gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula until the dough becomes firmer. When you can no longer mix with the spatula, switch to kneading with your hands. The dough should be slightly sticky but not stick to your hands.

5. Resting the dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the lard to harden and makes the dough easier to shape.

6. Shaping the crescent moons:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with butter and lining it with parchment paper. Take a piece of dough and shape it into balls, then flatten them into circles.

7. Filling the crescent moons:
On one edge of each circle, add a teaspoon of chocolate cream. Cover with the other half of the circle, pressing lightly on the edges to seal the filling.

8. Baking:
Place the crescent moons on the prepared tray and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until they become lightly golden.

9. Cooling:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a cooling rack. It is important to let them cool completely before transferring them to a storage container.

10. Dusting with sugar:
Once the crescent moons are completely cooled, dust them with powdered sugar. This step not only adds an elegant appearance but also an extra touch of sweetness.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use quality ingredients, especially the chocolate cream. A premium chocolate cream will turn each crescent moon into a real delicacy.
- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as fruit jams, Nutella, or even flavored cream cheese. These variations can bring a fresh twist to the traditional recipe.
- Serving: These crescent moons are perfect to be served alongside fresh coffee or fragrant tea. You can also gift them as a sweet treat to friends or family.

Nutritional information

Each crescent moon contains approximately 100 calories, making them a delicious option for a snack. The lard and sour cream provide healthy fats, while the lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of fat instead of lard? Yes, you can use butter or even margarine, but the texture may vary.
- How long can the crescent moons be stored? They can be kept in an airtight container for up to 5 days, but they become softer if left until the next day.
- Can I freeze the crescent moons? Yes, you can freeze the crescent moons before baking them. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer. When you're ready to bake, let them thaw at room temperature and then bake according to the instructions.

These crescent moon cookies with chocolate cream are a fantastic choice for any occasion and will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, let's get started and enjoy this delicious recipe together!