7 Best Bakeries To Get A Black And White Cookie In NYC
Those who have never lived in New York may only have eyes for bagels and lox whenever they visit the city. Black and white cookies, though, don't get the kind of fame they deserve, despite a short stint in the spotlight after starring in a 1994 episode of "Seinfeld". Texturally speaking, these cookies may remind you of miniature cakes, a similarity that may become stronger depending on whether the half-moon motif on top is made with frosting, icing, or fondant. Half vanilla and half chocolate, these cookies are best when eaten on the day they're made.
For many New Yorkers, the black and white cookie is sweetly nostalgic; it's been sold to Manhattanites since at least the turn of the 20th century, when Glaser's Bake Shop first put them in the display case. Sadly, this famous bakery shut its doors in 2018, but there are still plenty of bakeries around the city that turn out fabulous black and white cookies worth talking about. Using customer reviews, we picked out some of the best and have described them in this article.
We're not here to comment on authenticity; the black and white cookie has a rich history, and many variations exist today. Still, customers are pretty clear about what distinguishes a superb black and white cookie from a dismal one. For instance, the ideal specimen is tender, light, and moist, and it should be sweet, but not cloying. You can learn more about our methodology at the end of this article.
William Greenberg Desserts
Many Redditors report that the black and white cookies at William Greenberg Desserts are the best in New York City, and multiple customers claim that they are the best they have ever had. The fluffy, cakey base of these cookies is especially well reviewed, though the frosting also receives high marks for packing just the right amount of punch. The bakery's Upper East Side location is particularly recommended over the Upper West Side.
The black and white cookies at William Greenberg Desserts are some of the bakery's most beloved treats, and they come in many variations. In addition to the classic dessert, these cookies are offered in flavors like pumpkin and sweet potato, as well as colors ranging from hot pink to Hanukkah blue. The red velvet variation is clearly a customer favorite. You can even get flourless and gluten-free black and white cookies. One Yelper shared that they ordered the miniature black and white cookies to distribute at a conference, and they were an absolute hit for their freshness, flavor, and visual aesthetics. Indeed, these cookies make for great gifts, because they are said to be delicious several days after they have come out of the oven. If you know someone with a baby, make sure to grab them a black and white teether!
Multiple locations
Orwashers
Black and white cookies are famously a hallmark of Jewish bakeries, and the ones at Orwashers are said to be fresh, thick, moist, and soft, with a thin layer of frosting that is not too sweet. Generally, customers are pleased with the pleasant notes of genuine vanilla and rich chocolate fudge in the topping, as well as with how the frosting snaps a bit with each bite. Since 1916, Orwashers has expanded from its original Upper East Side venue to now run several locations, including one on Long Island. Of course, you might already be familiar with the bakery's excellent bread, which is used by restaurants across the city (including Pastrami Queen, which was one of Anthony Bourdain's favorite haunts).
You can buy the black and white cookies at Orwashers in their original large avatars, or else in miniature versions that can be purchased singularly or in packs of six. They're somewhat on the pricier side, but that doesn't stop Redditors from lavishing them with praise and proposing them as the best black and white cookies in the city.
Yelp reviews are similarly glowing, with one customer saying that, thanks to their size, texture, flavor, and icing-to-cookie ratio, these black and whites are as good as it gets. They reportedly survive the test of time, too, so don't hesitate to share the love with friends and family who aren't lucky enough to live in NYC.
Multiple locations
Russ & Daughters
This isn't the first time we've suggested heading to Russ & Daughters for one of New York's most unique treats. The lemon zest and almond extract in the cookie portion of Russ & Daughters' black and whites make them stand apart from their competition. Plus, the chocolate and vanilla icing, with its crackly texture, is well reviewed and seems to leave nothing to be desired. Some customers claim that they can feel dry or stale, but nevertheless, they have accumulated stellar reviews on Goldbelly, where you can have them shipped nationwide. Allegedly, these cookies can be stored for up to five days at room temperature (try our sugar cube hack to keep your cookies extra soft and fresh).
Redditors confirm that the black and white cookies at Russ & Daughters are worth the gamble. With several locations in some of the city's busiest neighborhoods, it's not altogether difficult to get your hands on one of these desserts. They don't come in endless variations like they do at other bakeries (don't expect multiple color options or a miniature alternative), but when you've got a good black and white cookie, there's really no need for the bells and whistles. Besides, many would agree that the take-it-or-leave-it nature of this cookie just adds to the charm.
Multiple locations
Empire Cake
The black and white cookies at Empire Cake are a bit different from what folks describe as strictly traditional. For one, the base has been described as especially spongy and airy. For another, the frosting wraps around the whole cookie — top, bottom, circumference, and all. And instead of vanilla, the white side is composed of a bold white chocolate, a win for those who often put up with vanilla in order to enjoy the chocolate half of a black and white cookie. Depending on your appetite, and whether you are sharing or want to have leftovers, you can purchase these cookies in small, medium, or large sizes.
Redditors love these cookies, often nominating them as the best in New York City. Yelpers agree that these black and white cookies are phenomenal. One customer said that they make for excellent edible souvenirs. Another Yelper described the cookie portion as having "the consistency of a muffin top, zebra cake, [and] Twinkie all rolled into one." Still, these cookies are said to not be excessively sweet, and you may even find the icing to be slightly tangy.
Make sure to keep your mission in mind when shopping for black and white cookies at Empire Cake. As you might have guessed from the name, the cakes here are excellent, too; in particular, it's one of the best bakeries in New York City to get a birthday cake.
(212) 242-5858
450 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Lassen & Hennigs
Folks love the black and white cookies at Lassen & Hennigs, saying that they are some of the best in New York City, largely because they are so generously frosted. In fact, many would contend that these better fit the definition of the half-moon cookies popularized in Upstate New York due to their fluffy base and the use of frosting rather than fondant. But again, we've found that there's no strict definition of a black and white cookie, and these certainly aren't called half-moon cookies on the menu.
Moving past semantics, these black and white cookies are made fresh daily at Lassen & Hennigs, which has two storefronts — the original bakery that was established in Brooklyn Heights in 1949, and a newer edition that opened in DUMBO. The black and white cookies are said to taste fresh and be reasonably priced. Several Yelpers concur that these treats top their competition throughout the city. If you feel like sharing with others, opt for the miniature black and white cookies, which are available in boxes of 16.
(718) 875-6272
Multiple locations
The Pastry Box
Glossy, buttery, and thickly iced, the black and white cookies at The Pastry Box may surprise you with their high quality. One Yelper, who shared that they weren't the biggest fan of black and white cookies prior to tasting The Pastry Box's version, was pleasantly surprised by the contrasting flavors of the icing and the soft texture of the cookie. Another customer was taken aback (in a good way) by how light these cookies are. Yet another complimented the sweet but not cloying nature of the cookie, as well as the fact that it's topped with a somewhat snappy and well-proportioned icing.
Redditors not only love the black and white cookies at The Pastry Box, but they also praise the staff and owner, Tiara Bennett, for being so hospitable. Bennett (who is also the chef) certainly has enough training to convince us that these black and white cookies can be so consistently delicious. She trained at the International Culinary Center and then worked in several Michelin-starred establishments before opening her own bakery in 2023.
(646) 429-8717
515 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
The Donut Pub
With dozens of donut variations in flavors like maple croissant and cannoli kreme, there's no doubt that The Donut Pub lives up to its name and has been offering some of the best donuts in New York City since 1964 (sorry, Krispy Kreme). But did you know that this shop also offers some of the city's best black and white cookies? Admittedly, these treats might not blow you away with their frosting, which some feel is sweet but not bold enough in flavor. However, the cookie layer is said to be soft and fresh.
Though they now come in more traditional cookie avatars, The Donut Pub has offered custard-filled donuts topped with chocolate and vanilla icing in the past. One Yelper reports that even the current version of the black and white cookie is reminiscent of a donut with its soft icing and rich flavor. The base of this cookie is baked until deeply browned, and its dryness contrasts nicely with the creamy icing on top. The best part, though? There's no wrong time to get a black and white cookie at The Donut Pub. Both locations are open 24 hours a day.
Multiple locations
Methodology
We curated this list using online reviews of New York City bakeries. Because they do not produce their own cookies, grocery stores and delis like Zabar's and Barney Greengrass were not considered. There's no universal definition of what a black and white cookie should look and taste like, and so the cookies in this review represent a wide range of styles.
Bakeries whose black and white cookies were commonly described as overly saccharine, crumbly, and stale were not included. Instead, cookies that were praised for being tender, cakey, visually appealing, and perfectly sweet were favored. We especially appreciated hearing about cookies with bold flavors, both on the chocolate and the vanilla halves. Price, though sometimes noted, was not a factor.