Black and White Cookie
The iconic New York bakery treat, right in your kitchen. These are not your average cookies; they have a soft, cake-like texture with a hint of lemon, perfectly complemented by a smooth vanilla and rich chocolate fondant icing. A true taste of the Big Apple.
For 12 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Batter Ingredients
- b.Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
- d.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Cookie Batter
- b.In a large bowl using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- c.Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- d.Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the lemon extract.
- e.Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix only until just combined—do not overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Portion and Bake the Cookies
- b.Using a 1/4-cup measure or a large cookie scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, about 3 inches apart, to allow for spreading.
- c.Bake for 13-15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- d.Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. The flat bottom of the cookie will be the side you ice.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Icing Base
- b.While the cookies cool, prepare the icing. In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and light corn syrup.
- c.Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons of hot water until you have a very thick, smooth paste. This is your icing base.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Create Vanilla and Chocolate Icings
- b.Divide the icing base evenly between two separate bowls.
- c.To one bowl, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of hot water, adding more by the 1/2 teaspoon if needed, until it reaches a thick but spreadable consistency, similar to honey.
- d.To the second bowl, add the sifted cocoa powder. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of hot water, adding more by the 1/2 teaspoon if needed, until it reaches the same consistency as the vanilla icing.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Ice the Cookies
- b.Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing. Turn a cookie over so the flat bottom faces up.
- c.Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the vanilla icing over one half of the cookie, right to the center line.
- d.Spread the chocolate icing over the other half, meeting the vanilla in the middle to create a clean line.
- e.Place the iced cookie back on the wire rack. Repeat with all cookies.
- f.Let the cookies sit at room temperature for at least 1-2 hours for the icing to set completely.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For perfectly round cookies, use a large ice cream or cookie scoop for uniform batter portions.
- 2Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are crucial for a smooth, emulsified batter and a cake-like texture.
- 3Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear to keep the cookies tender.
- 4The icing consistency is key. It should be thick enough not to run off the cookie but thin enough to spread smoothly. Adjust with tiny amounts of hot water or sifted powdered sugar.
- 5For the cleanest line between icings, you can let the vanilla side set for 15-20 minutes before applying the chocolate icing.
- 6Store cookies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Do not stack them, as the icing can stick.
Adapt it for your goals.
Citrus Burst
Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon or orange zest to the cookie batter along with the extracts for a brighter citrus flavor.
Mocha IcingMocha Icing
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in the hot water before adding it to the chocolate icing for a rich mocha flavor.
Almond DelightAlmond Delight
Replace the lemon extract with 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract in the cookie batter for a nutty aroma and taste.
Mint ChocolateMint Chocolate
Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate icing for a classic mint-chocolate combination.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Boost
The carbohydrates from the flour and sugar provide a quick source of energy, making this a satisfying treat to combat an afternoon slump.
Mood Enhancer
Enjoying a delicious, nostalgic treat like a Black and White Cookie can provide a psychological boost, improve mood, and offer a sense of comfort and satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
One homemade Black and White Cookie contains approximately 360 calories, depending on the exact size and thickness of the icing.
