This post has been sponsored by Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. All opinions expressed are my own.
Soft, sweet, and cakelike, these Black & White Cookies are a sure treat for both Chocolate and Vanilla lovers alike.
Harkening back on some of my favorite childhood memories, one that seems to stand out is going into the local Bagel Shop with my mother where we would pick up lunch after school and as a treat a Black & White Cookie. Now, if you're from New York, you're well familiar with these half-moon cookies. They are best described as being cakelike. Very soft and often quite large too, they boast of both a black and white icing, hence their given name.
You can't go to a deli, café, or bagel shop in New York without seeing these stacked on the counter. The best part for me, is that no matter where you may find one, they always taste a little different because everyone has their own opinion of what a Black & White Cookie should be. The icings also tend to be unique on their own, as some can be more frosting-like.
For some time now I've tried my own hand at 'perfecting' my favorite version of this cookie. After hours of research and several attempts, I finally crafted a recipe that would make any cookie-loving NYer proud. Fresh lemon zest, a hint of almond extract, and good quality vanilla are the secret ingredients here. Investing in quality ingredients makes the difference in any recipe. When it comes to baking I only trust Nielsen-Massey with their fine line of extracts sourced from the highest grade ingredients.
The pure vanilla extract is also instrumental in the icings, adding a depth of flavor reminiscent of the cookies I grew up loving.
I am happy to finally be sharing with you the recipe to these treasured cookies and I hope you give them a try soon!
More Sweet Treats to Love from LTG
Spiced Apple Hand Pies - Warm spices and flaky pie dough make these Apple Hand Pies a treat for any occasion.
Italian Butter Cookies - Soft, buttery cookies are sandwiched together with raspberry jam then dipped in chocolate and sprinkles for the classic, bakery favorite we all grew up loving!
Butter Cake with Citrus Rum Syrup & White Chocolate Mascarpone Frosting - This buttery moist cake is soaked in an orange and rum syrup then layered with a white chocolate and mascarpone cream. The result is a delightfully airy dessert with a symphony of flavors.
Black & White Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 dozen cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups AP flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen Massey Pure Vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon Nielsen Massey Almond Extract
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/3 cup buttermilk or sour milk (to make sour milk combine 1/3 cup whole milk + 2 teaspoons vinegar. Let stand of 10 minutes until curdled)
For the Icings:
- 3 cups confectioner's sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup, divided
- 1 teaspoon Nielsen Massey Pure Vanilla, divided
- 2-4 tablespoons hot water, divided
- 1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch process cocoa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until whipped. Add egg, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest. Add buttermilk and beat again on low speed until combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat until a smooth batter comes together.
- Drop 2 tablespoons worth of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets and bake the cookies for about 12-15 minutes, until they are slightly golden around the edges. Carefully transfer the cookies to a cooling rack while preparing the icings.
For the icings:
- For the vanilla icing whisk together, 1½ cups confectioner's sugar, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon hot water. The icing should be smooth but spreadable.
- For the chocolate icing whisk together 1½ cups confectioner's sugar, 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ cup cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons hot water. Since there is cocoa powder adding to this one, you may need to adjust the about of hot water you need to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Once the cookies have cooled, spread vanilla icing on half of each cookie and chocolate on the other half.
- To store, let the cookies set for about half an hour before storing in an air tight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
Kath Rivera says
This post made me hungry! I love cookies and seeing black and white flavor makes me crave for it.
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, We are cookieholics and these look great! I've only had black and whites once...many years ago. Stay Safe and Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Heather says
My great-Uncle was a baker and used to make the best black and white cookies! I would love to make them for my girls.
Melissa Cushing says
What an amazing post and loving this recipe for Black & White cookies. My husband would go nuts if I made these homemade for him so thank you for sharing! I also love that brand of Vanilla 🙂 You get what you pay for!
Lisa says
Very nice! I like how the colour contrast of the cookies also matches the flavour. I will try making these.
Lavanda Michelle says
Those cookies look super delicious. They are also quick to make, I'll think about making these for my daughters upcoming birthday. Thanks for the recipe!
Gloria says
These look totally delicious. Perfect for a black-tie event. They would be great for a New Year's party.....or a special birthday.
Bernice Hill says
I have only had Black and White cookies once and they were delicious. I'm glad to see your recipe so I can make them for myself now.
Melissa Dixon says
This looks great and it will always remind me of the Seinfeld episode about the black and white cookie. Look to the cookie he says, haha but man now I want one.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I love using Nielsen Massey Vanilla and extracts in my baking. This is also a pretty cookie which I can make with my kids.
Marysa says
I have enjoyed these for many years, but have never tried making my own. This would be a fun project to do with the kids.
monica y says
Those cookies look delicious. My grandma used to say that a good vanilla extract was the secret to good cookies and cake. She was rigth
Chef Dennis says
Yum! These cookies look so mouthwatering! I super love that vanilla and chocolate are present here!
Everything Enchanting says
These cookies look so beautiful and yummy 😍 I'll definitely try your recipe. I love cookies and chocolates😉😍
Bella says
yummm these cookies look so good!!! gonna have to try making these
Melissa cushing says
I have Pinned these to my Pinterest boards as they look so delicious and what gorgeous food photos. I will be making these for my husband as he is from NY and loves Black & White cookies.
Jamie says
I love the gorgeous contrast in color with the black and white! Such a delicious recipe with a classic design!
Marissa says
One of my favorite cookies! I have yet to try baking them myself but now I've got a craving and I'm feeling a bit inspired to make it happen. Thanks for sharing, Catherine! These look incredible <3
Naiby says
These cookies seem so sophisticated but yet you make it look easy. I love the black and white combo. You're right about choosing quality ingredients like pure vanilla instead of weird vanillas.
Jo says
That glazing on the cookies looks so tempting! My kids would love these cookies. The contrast colors on the cookies are very attractive!
Moop Brown says
I've actually never had these cookies before but your recipe makes things so straightforward and easy to understand. Thanks!
Cindy says
These look gorgeous and tasted delicious! I moved to CA from NYC a few years ago and have been missing black and white cookies. The flavors were spot on!