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Black and White Cookies are an NYC bakery staple that is soft, cake-like, and covered with glossy vanilla and chocolate frosting.
This Black and White Cookie recipe serves 24 and costs about $8.85 to make. That is only $0.37 per cookie. You cannot buy a cookie at a bakery for that price!
For more bakery-style cookies at home, try my Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies, my Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies, or my Dipped Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies!
MORE COOKIES:|Proper Snickerdoodle Cookies
Black and White Cookies
Do you love black and white cookies, but don’t live in or around the New York area? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with my Black and White Cookie recipe! This recipe is delicious, crave-worthy, and always worth the effort.
My all-time favorite show is Seinfeld. It is a classic that is full of one-liners that never get old. Jerry gives lots of great life advice, in my opinion!
Seinfeld Black and White Cookie
Take, for example, when he says to Elaine, “If people would only look to the cookie, all our problems would be solved.” I mean right, Jerry?!
They’re more like little cakes than cookies, but equally as delicious! The icing is the best part because it firms up after about an hour or so, making it creamy and a little bit crackly when you bite into it.
And remember a cookie can solve all of our problems so grab a glass of milk and eat a Black and White cookie today!
If one of my kids is having a bad day, it is a guarantee I am offering them a cookie so we can sit and talk about it. My mom did the same thing. It is a known fact that cookies solve problems! The black and white cookie is no exception! I cannot have a Black and White cookie andnotthink of the Seinfeld episode!!
“Look to the cookie Elaine…Look to the cookie!” I am laughing just typing it out!
Jerry even gives excellent advice on how to eat Black and White Cookies. He says;
“The key to eating a black and white cookie Elaine is you want to get some black and some white in each bite. Nothing mixes better than chocolate and vanilla.”
I agree 100% with Jerry! Give it a try after baking this black and white cookie recipe! These cookies are divine! They’re more like little cakes than cookies, but equally as delicious!
These Black and White Cookies taste just like the NYC bakery classic with my two tricks.
Cookie Tricks:
- Add just a small dose of real lemon flavor to the cookie. 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest is the perfect amount.
- Warmed up honey is added to the icing to give the vanilla and chocolate icing its distinct flavor and shine.
What does a black and white cookie taste like?
These cookies have a very soft texture, like a cake, and have a vanilla base flavor. The cookies have both chocolate and vanilla icing on top creating the perfect blend of each flavor with each bite.
Who invented black and white cookies?
Although Seinfeld made the black and white cookie extremely popular in its “The Dinner Party” episode, the black and white cookie has been around for quite a while! I was curious as to just how long it has been around.
There are a few different theories, according to the New York Eater. Some people believe the cookie came from another popular cookie called the “half-moon,” due to the many similarities.
However, others believe black and white cookies were first made in Utica by a bakery in the early 20th century. While others believe it dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries when little cakes (cookies) were sold in various markets to shoppers as a way to brighten their day.
Although the exact time and place of the invention of the black and white cookie recipe are up for debate, I am sure glad for its creation!
How long do black and white cookies last?
The cookies will stay fresh after baking for up to three days. However, you can freeze black and white cookies after you have baked and frosted the cookies.
You will want to wait to freeze the cookies after the icing sets up. Another step to be sure and follow is to wrap them as tightly as possible to prevent air pockets. The cookies won’t taste like you took a bite out of your freezer when you wrap them up. The best time to freeze them is the day that you bake them.
Cook’s Tools:
baking sheets
silicone baking mats
mixing bowls
whisk
handheld mixer
¼ cup scoop
wire rack
small saucepan
disposable piping bag
small offset icing spatula
How much will this recipe Black and White Cookie Recipe cost to make?
RECIPE COST: $8.85
PER SERVING COST: $0.37
NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – $0.38
- 2 cups cake flour – $0.82
- ½ teaspoon salt – $0.01
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – $0.07
- 1 cup unsalted butter – $1.60
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – $0.46
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest – $0.48
- ½ cup water – $0.00
- 3 Tablespoons honey – $0.51
- 5 cups powdered sugar – $1.45
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate – $1.97
More Cookie Recipes:
- Easy Peppermint Bark Cookies
- Gummy Bear Thumbprint Cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Loaded Peanut Butter Cookies
- White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies
- Pumpkin Blossom Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle
- Gluten-free Monster Cookies
- Slow Cooker Avalanche Copycat Cookies
How to Make Black and White Cookies:
5 from 12 votes
Black and White Cookies
Recipe Cost $ 8.85
Serving Cost $ 0.37
Prep Time 4 minutes minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes minutes
Total Time 1 hour hour 7 minutes minutes
24 people
Black and White Cookies are an NYC bakery staple that is soft, cake-like, and covered with glossy vanilla and chocolate frosting.
Equipment
baking sheets
silicone baking mats
mixing bowls
whisk
handheld mixer
¼ cup scoop
wire rack
small saucepan
disposable piping bag
small offset icing spatula
Ingredients
FOR THE COOKIES
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cake flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
FOR THE ICING
- ½ cup water
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped
Instructions
MAKE THE COOKIES:
Move the oven rack to the middle and lower-middle positions. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Line 2 baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper, and then set aside.
Whisk together the flours, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl, and set aside. In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until fluffy and lightened in color, about 3-4 minutes.
Beat in the eggs until combined.
Add in ½ of the flour mixture and beat until just combined. Pour in all of the milk and mix until just combined. Add in the remaining flour and mix until just combined and no flour streaks remain. Fold in the vanilla and lemon zest.
Use a ¼ cup measuring cup or a ¼ cup scoop to scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave 2-3 inches between each scoop of batter. Bake the cookies for 16-18 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through baking. The edges will just begin to brown and the centers will be firm.
Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheets and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once the cookies are completely cooled, flip them over so that the flat side is facing up.
MAKE THE VANILLA ICING:
Whisk together the water and honey in a small saucepan. Set the saucepan over high heat, and heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Then, remove the honey mixture from the heat. Place the powdered sugar into a medium bowl and pour half of the honey mixture over it. Whisk until the honey is fully incorporated and smooth, adding more of the honey mixture as needed to reach a spreadable, but not runny, consistency. Whisk in the vanilla extract.
FROST HALF OF EACH COOKIE:
Fill a disposable piping bag with ¼ cup of the icing and snip off the end of the piping bag. Draw a straight line with the icing right in the middle of each cookie. Squeeze any remaining icing from the piping bag into the bowl with the extra icing. Use a small offset icing spatula to spread the vanilla icing over half of each cookie.
MAKE THE CHOCOLATE ICING AND FINISH THE COOKIES:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped chocolate and cook on 50% power for 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until the chocolate is melted, and then set the bowl of melted chocolate aside.
Add the melted chocolate to the remaining vanilla icing and stir until smooth and combined. Add in more of the honey mixture as needed to reach a spreadable, but not runny, consistency. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate icing over the remaining half of each cookie.
Let the cookies sit until the icing is set, about 1 hour. Serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cookie | Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 64mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1.3mg
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These Black and White Cookies first appeared on Food Folks and Fun onMay 24, 2011. I have since updated the pictures, and the original image is below. 🙈
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Leave a Reply
they look great! i’ve always wanted to make these, glad to find out how to ice them to perfection 🙂
Reply
Wow! I’m definitely going to make these to go with my rugelach…it will be just like Seinfeld’s deli!
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I so want to see what all the rave is with these..
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Wow, those sound amazing! Gonna have to try them soon!
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Yum, Yum and More yum!!!
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yummy!!! i love a good cookie & these look like no exception! 😀
thanks so much for linking up to mangia mondays!
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Haha, I remember that episode so well. It was so funny. Your cookie would surely bring peace to the world. Thanks for linking this up to Sweets for a Saturday.
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These cookies look SO good, and I love that Seinfeld episode!
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Oh my favorite Nordstrom cookie is a Black & White! Along with their black and white coffee! This recipe sure looks like it might be the same! Will be trying this!
Thanks for sharing!Reply
Hi Jillian,
I just love a cookie with icing and this cookie looks delicious. I wish I had one or maybe two right now to go with my afternoon tea.Reply
These look so fun and creative! Must try!
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I have been to NYC a few times and never heard of these cookies. I am going to have to give them a go!
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A delicious cookie is definitely the answer to all kinds of situations. These look wonderful, I love that they are two tone.
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Your cookies look delicious and I love the black and white icing, thanks for all the tips for making them!
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I’ve always been intrigued by these cookies, but been too afraid to attempt them as I know I’d mess the icing up! Thank you for your clear step by step photos and explanation as to how to make them!
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These are just like the ones I buy at the local bakery, but homemade is even better!
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A friend from New York sent me a batch of black and white cookies from a bakery and I was instantly hooked. Love how easy and delicious this recipe is!
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These are SERIOUSLY THE BEST!
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I’ve had these from the bakery before, but wanted to try them out at home and this recipe is SO much better! I’ll never buy the store bought stuff again.
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Such a fun cookie recipe! Making again soon!
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Jillian Wade | Food Folks and Fun is a participant of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This costs you nothing, but it helps keep this blog running on butter…lots of butter!
