Black and White Cookies Recipe (Classic New York Bakery Style)
Best Black and White Cookies Recipe | Soft Classic New York Bakery Cookies
Learn how to make classic Black and White Cookies with a soft cake-like texture and rich vanilla and chocolate icing. This authentic New York bakery recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
πͺ Black and White Cookies Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 18 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, New York Bakery
Calories: Approximately 260 kcal per cookie
Black and White Cookies are an iconic New York bakery favorite known for their soft, cake-like texture and signature half-vanilla, half-chocolate icing. These nostalgic cookies are tender, buttery, and beautifully frosted, making them perfect for holidays, birthdays, afternoon tea, or whenever you're craving a classic American dessert.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Authentic New York bakery flavor
- Soft, fluffy, cake-like cookies
- Rich vanilla and chocolate icing
- Easy beginner-friendly recipe
- Perfect for holidays and celebrations
- Great make-ahead dessert
- Freezes beautifully
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup whole milk
For the Vanilla Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla and optional lemon extract.
Step 4: Combine
Alternately add the dry ingredients with the sour cream and milk, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Bake
Drop 2-tablespoon portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake for 13–15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the tops spring back when touched.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 6: Make the Icings
Whisk together the vanilla icing ingredients until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate icing ingredients until glossy.
Step 7: Frost the Cookies
Spread vanilla icing over one half of each cookie and chocolate icing over the other half.
Allow the icing to set before serving.
Pro Tips
- Don't overmix the batter.
- Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth icing.
- Adjust the icing consistency with a few drops of milk if needed.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies soft.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies with:
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate
- Milk
- Tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Fruit salad
- Whipped cream
Nutrition Facts (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 260
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called Black and White Cookies?
They are frosted with half vanilla icing and half chocolate icing, creating their signature two-tone appearance.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before icing.
Why are they cake-like?
Unlike traditional cookies, they contain sour cream, creating a soft and tender texture.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes. Full-fat Greek yogurt works well as a substitute.
How long do they stay fresh?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Similar Recipes
- New York Cheesecake
- New York Style Pizza
- New York Pizza Sauce
- Vanilla Cupcakes
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Sugar Cookies
- Red Velvet Cookies
- New York Crumb Cake
Final Thoughts
These Black and White Cookies are a timeless New York bakery classic that combines soft, cake-like cookies with smooth vanilla and chocolate icing. Whether you're baking for a celebration, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, this easy homemade recipe delivers authentic bakery flavor and beautiful presentation in every bite.

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