Black & White Cookies are iconic, soft, cake-like treats topped with a half-and-half glaze of rich chocolate and sweet vanilla. Popular in New York City, these cookies are often served as a sweet snack or dessert. With a balanced flavor profile and an easy-to-make approach, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp (30ml) warm water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (50g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Preparation

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Chill Time: 10-15 minutes for the glaze to set
Yield: About 12 large cookies

Instructions

1. Make the Cookie Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
   • Fold in the sour cream to give the dough a soft, cake-like texture.
2. Scoop and Bake:
   • Use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to drop generous portions of dough (about 3 tbsp each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges.
   • Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Glaze:
   • While the cookies cool, prepare the glazes. For the vanilla glaze, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of warm water, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
   • For the chocolate glaze, place the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
4. Glaze the Cookies:
   • Once the cookies have cooled, use a spoon or offset spatula to spread the vanilla glaze on half of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.
   • Next, spread the chocolate glaze on the other half of each cookie. Let both glazes firm up, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the glazes have set, your Black & White Cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy the perfect balance of cake-like texture and sweet, smooth glazes.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft to scoop, chill it for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to help with shaping and prevent spreading.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
• Smooth Glazes: When glazing, try to keep the glazes smooth and even to ensure a nice, clean look. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit of water to thin it out.
• Even Cookie Sizes: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop or measure out each cookie to ensure they’re the same size.

Fun Twists

• Chocolate-Dipped Black & White Cookies: Instead of just using a chocolate glaze on one half, dip the entire cookie in melted chocolate for a more decadent treat.
• Citrus-Infused Glaze: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the vanilla glaze for a citrus twist that adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
• Colored Glaze: Use food coloring to tint the vanilla glaze in different shades for a fun, colorful variation for holidays or celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Black & White Cookies are a nostalgic and delicious treat that balances the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of vanilla. With their soft texture and delightful glaze, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special events. Whether you’re new to these cookies or a long-time fan, they are sure to be a hit every time you bake them.

Enjoy your homemade Black & White Cookies, a sweet treat that’s always a crowd-pleaser! 🍪