Name: Central NY Half Moon Cookie Cupcakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Use your favorite cake mix or to our homemade version instead of packaged (vanilla or chocolate); Homemade Chocolate Cupcake recipe below:; 1 1/2 cups flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened dark cocoa; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup warm coffee; 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar; 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla, almond or coffee extract; Vanilla Cake Batter:; 1 1/4 cups AP flour; 1 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk; Fluffy Frosting:; 1/4 cup whole milk; 2 teaspoons pure almond or vanilla extract; 10 tablespoons butter at room temperature; 5 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff; Note: divide the frosting in half, then add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to one half for chocolate frosting

If you’re from Central New York, you know there's nothing quite like a Half Moon Cookie, that soft, domed treat with half vanilla and half chocolate frosting.

But what if we told you that you could enjoy that iconic flavor in cupcake form?

Introducing Half Moon Cookie Cupcakes!

In a fun, creative spin on the Utica-born classic!

Whether you make them vanilla or chocolate, these moist cupcakes are frosted on one half with vanilla frosting and the other side with a rich chocolate frosting, just like the originals.

Perfect for birthday parties, nostalgic bake sales, or simply showing off your hometown pride, these cupcakes combine the charm of Central NY baking with a modern twist.

half moon frosted looking cupcakes with buttercream chocolate and vanilla frosting

Why You Will Love This Recipe for Central NY Half Moon Cookie Cupcakes

Two frostings in one bite; Double the flavor, double the fun.
A portable version of the classic; Cupcakes are easier to serve at gatherings.
Great for celebrations, the black-and-white frosting design pops on dessert tables.
Local flair: Pay homage to your CNY roots in a deliciously unique way.

chocolate and vanilla homemade cake batters

Experiment With Toppings

festive sprinkles to match any holiday theme
mini chocolate chips
finely minced pistachios or other nuts
favorite candy bars chopped
coconut
chocolate chunks

Some Tips for Making Perfect Half-Moon Cookie Cupcakes

Flat top is key; Slightly underfill your cupcake liners to create a flatter surface. This mimics the domed shape of half-moon cookies.
Use an offset spatula; For that signature clean line down the center, use a small offset spatula or butter knife. Chill the cupcakes first for easier spreading.
Keep it classic; Use a vanilla buttercream for the white side and a fudgy chocolate frosting for the dark side. No need to get fancy; the original charm is in the simplicity.
Choose your base; Either chocolate or vanilla cupcakes work. You can even make a batch of each for variety and true Half Moon contrast
Can I use store-bought frosting? Yes, but for the best flavor, homemade buttercream and ganache are worth the effort.
Can these cupcakes be made ahead? Absolutely. They store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do I have to use both frostings? Traditionally, yes, but feel free to customize if you're short on ingredients.

several of homemade half moons vanilla cupcakes

How To Make Half-Moon Cupcakes

Use your recipe here and link to it clearly with an anchor text like: Get the Full Original Central NY Half Moon Cookie Recipe Here
In general, here’s what the process looks like:
Bake your favorite chocolate or vanilla cupcakes
Let them cool completely (refrigerating helps)
Frost one half with vanilla frosting of your choice
Frost the other half with dark chocolate fudge frosting
Chill to set or serve immediately!

Love this recipe? Save it for later and share with your fellow cookie fans!

Final Thought on this Half Moon Cupcake Twist!

If you're craving a nostalgic dessert with a personal twist, these Half Moon Cookie Cupcakes are just what your kitchen needs.

They offer the same sweet satisfaction as the Utica bakery favorite but in a cute, cupcake-sized package.

Whether you're baking for a Central NY native or sharing a taste of local tradition, these cupcakes will impress every time.
So the next time you're looking to represent your roots—or just want an excuse to have both chocolate and vanilla frosting—give these cupcakes a try.

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American

Yield: 24

Author: Claudia Lamascolo