Why don't employers recognize the credentials of a MOOC to the same degree that they would a university degree?

We could similarly ask why employers value the degrees of some universities more than others.

I think it's important to realize that ultimately the decisions come from the employers, not the universities. No one is making the employers do anything. But at least the second question might have a clearer partial answer. In part, there is a selection of a tribe, an implicit "culture fit" that's happening. It isn't uncommon to see employer bias towards specific universities. This is especially true with prestigious universities.

But it's not the universities that are making anyone do anything and that's an important distinction.