Decadent Black and White Cookies
Indulge in these delightful Decadent Black and White Cookies, inspired by the iconic Junior's Cheesecake Restaurant. These soft, cake-like cookies are perfectly balanced with a sweet vanilla glaze on one side and rich chocolate frosting on the other. Each cookie is a delicious treat, showcasing a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee, they're an irresistible nod to classic New York bakery treats, crafted right in your kitchen, and sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cake flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (Sifted)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (Sifted with flours)
Salt
2 teaspoons (Sifted with flours)
Unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups (Softened)
Granulated sugar
2 cups (Measured)
Large eggs
4 (Room temperature)
Pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (Measured)
Lemon extract
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Heavy cream
2/3 cup (Measured)
Confectioners' sugar
10 cups (Sifted)
Light corn syrup
1/2 cup (Measured)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (Measured)
Pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 1/2 tablespoons (Measured)
Hot water
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons (Added as needed)
Bittersweet chocolate
5 ounces (Melted)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Black and White Cookies?
They are iconic New York bakery treats featuring a soft, cake-like base with half vanilla and half chocolate frosting.
What makes these cookies decadent?
This recipe uses rich ingredients like heavy cream, bittersweet chocolate, and high-quality extracts to create a superior flavor and texture.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
These cookies are inspired by the famous treats from Junior's Cheesecake Restaurant in New York.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a soft, cake-like texture that is traditional for authentic New York-style black and white cookies.
What flours are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a combination of 2 1/2 cups of cake flour and 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Why use both cake and all-purpose flour?
Cake flour provides a tender, soft crumb while all-purpose flour gives the cookies enough structure to hold their shape.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of softened unsalted butter.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need 4 large eggs at room temperature.
Why should eggs be at room temperature?
Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother and more uniform cookie texture.
Is lemon included in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses lemon extract in the dough and fresh lemon juice in the frosting for a bright citrus note.
How much vanilla extract is used?
A total of 2 1/2 tablespoons are used: 1 tablespoon in the cookie dough and 1 1/2 tablespoons in the frosting.
What kind of chocolate is used for the frosting?
The recipe uses 5 ounces of melted bittersweet chocolate for the rich chocolate side of the cookie.
Why use corn syrup in the glaze?
Light corn syrup helps create a smooth, glossy finish on the frosting and prevents it from becoming too brittle.
How much confectioners' sugar is needed?
This recipe requires a large amount, specifically 10 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar, to make the frosting.
What is the purpose of heavy cream in the dough?
Heavy cream adds moisture and fat, contributing to the cookie's rich, decadent, and cake-like consistency.
How do I achieve the iconic half-and-half look?
Frost one half of the cookie with vanilla glaze, let it set slightly, and then frost the other half with chocolate frosting.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains cake flour and all-purpose flour, both of which contain gluten.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator to keep the frosting firm.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they can be frozen, though it is best to freeze them with a layer of parchment paper between cookies to protect the frosting.
What is a drop cookie?
A drop cookie is made by dropping spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet rather than rolling or cutting the dough.
How many ingredients are in the recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients listed for this decadent recipe.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flours, baking powder, salt, and confectioners' sugar is essential for a smooth, lump-free result.
Which side of the cookie is traditionally frosted?
Traditionally, the flat bottom side of the cookie is frosted to provide a smooth surface for the glaze.
Can I use salted butter?
Unsalted butter is preferred to control the salt level; if you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
What is the purpose of hot water in the icing?
Hot water is added gradually to the sugar mixture to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency for the glaze.
Does the icing contain lemon?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice are added to the icing for flavor and to help balance the sweetness.
How much bittersweet chocolate is used?
The recipe calls for 5 ounces of bittersweet chocolate.
Can I substitute the bittersweet chocolate?
You can use semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a slightly sweeter frosting, though bittersweet provides the classic contrast.
Are these cookies good for gatherings?
Yes, they are ideal for sharing at parties, gatherings, or as a special gift due to their impressive appearance.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be softened to room temperature so it can be properly creamed with the sugar.