Black and White Cookies Recipe | Classic New York Bakery-Style Treat

Black and White Cookies Recipe

Soft, cake-like cookies iced with half chocolate and half vanilla fondant, a beloved New York bakery classic.

Black and White Cookies are a staple of New York bakeries, known for their light, cakey texture and distinctive half-chocolate, half-vanilla icing. These cookies offer the perfect balance of flavors and are a must-try treat!

Ingredients (Makes 12 Large Cookies)

For the Cookies:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• ⅓ cup buttermilk

For the Icing:

Vanilla Icing:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Add Egg & Flavoring: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
5. Alternate Adding Dry & Buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Scoop & Bake: Using a ¼ cup scoop, drop batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers spring back when touched.
8. Cool Completely: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Icing

1. Make Vanilla Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Make Chocolate Icing: In another bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until glossy.

Step 3: Ice the Cookies

1. Flip the Cookies: The flat bottom side of the cookie will be the top for icing.
2. Spread Vanilla Icing: Using a spatula, spread vanilla icing over half of each cookie. Let set for 5 minutes.
3. Spread Chocolate Icing: Spread chocolate icing over the other half of each cookie.
4. Let Set: Allow the cookies to dry for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

🍪 Pair with coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
🍫 For extra shine, add a few drops of corn syrup to the icing.
🎉 Make mini versions for bite-sized party treats!

Enjoy your homemade Black and White Cookies—a true New York classic! 🍪✨