Ah, the NYC Black and White Cookies – a delightful treat that perfectly captures the spirit of New York in each bite! I will never forget my first visit to a bustling bakery in Manhattan, where I was greeted by rows of these cookies, glistening with their signature black and white icing. I was immediately enchanted, and once I took my first bite, I was hooked! Crispy on the outside, soft and cake-like on the inside, and that dreamy icing – it’s a symphony of flavors and textures.
These cookies are more than just a delicious dessert; they hold a special place in my heart because they remind me of my childhood visits to NYC with my family. We would always stop by a local bakery to grab a couple of these cookies to enjoy while exploring the city. To this day, every time I make them, I’m transported back to those lively streets, the scent of fresh pastries in the air, and the joy of sharing treats with loved ones.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these iconic Black and White Cookies together – I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe in your baking rotation!
What’s in NYC Black and White Cookies?
All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies! I prefer using a good quality all-purpose flour to ensure they have the right texture.
Sugar: A mix of granulated and confectioners’ sugar is used. The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while the confectioners’ sugar will be crucial for our icing.
Baking soda: This gives our cookies a lovely rise and contributes to their cake-like texture.
Unsalted butter: The star of the show! Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium level, and it adds a rich, delicious flavor to the cookies.
Egg: This helps bind everything together, creating that perfect softness inside the cookie.
Milk: Just a little splash to keep the dough moist, and it helps in creating the smooth icing later on.
Vanilla extract: A must for that lovely aroma and warmth. Make sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor!
Dark and white chocolate: This is for the icing. I like using high-quality chocolate for a smooth finish because you deserve the best!
Is NYC Black and White Cookies Good for You?
Now, let’s keep it real: while these cookies are delightful, they are definitely a treat rather than a health food. However, they do have some redeeming qualities.
Butter: Along with being a flavor enhancer, it also contains some vitamins like A, D, and E, but moderation is key here!
Sugar: While it gives a fantastic sweetness and energy boost, I recommend enjoying these cookies in moderation, especially if you’re watching your sugar intake.
It’s also worth mentioning that you can indulge in these cookies without guilt if you balance them with a healthy breakfast or enjoy them after a nutritious meal. So, go ahead, enjoy a cookie or two, and savor the moment!
Ingredients List
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 egg
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar (for icing)
– 1/4 cup dark chocolate (for icing)
– 1/4 cup white chocolate (for icing)
This recipe typically serves about 12 cookies.
How to Make NYC Black and White Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You want to get that oven nice and toasty!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for later.
3. In another large bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is like putting on a warm sweater; it makes everything better!
4. Add in the egg, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies soft and cake-like!
6. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cookies cool, make the icing. In a small bowl, melt the dark chocolate and in another, do the same with the white chocolate.
9. Once the cookies are cool, spread a layer of confectioners’ sugar icing (just whisk the sugar with a few teaspoons of water until smooth) on half of each cookie and the melted dark chocolate on the other half.
10. Allow the icing to set, and voila! Your NYC Black and White Cookies are ready to be devoured!
Sweet Tips for Your Baking Adventure!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of almond extract to the dough for an extra flavor twist!
– Want to get fancy? Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a more decadent look.
– These cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be your little treat waiting in the freezer!
I truly hope you give these NYC Black and White Cookies a try! They are a love letter to New York City and a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Please let me know how they turn out, and if you have any fun stories or tweaks to the recipe, I’d love to hear them! Happy baking!
