If you're looking for a sweet treat to indulge in, the Black & White Cookie might be just what you need. This iconic cookie is known for its distinctive design, with one half coated in chocolate and the other in vanilla icing. With 470 calories in one cookie, it's definitely a treat to savor.

The ingredients in a Black & White Cookie typically include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and baking powder. The icing is made with confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, and milk, with cocoa powder added to make the chocolate side.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Black & White Cookie, from its history to how to make it yourself at home.

What is a Black & White Cookie?

The Black & White Cookie is a classic treat that has been popular in the United States for over a century. It's a soft, cake-like cookie that is typically round in shape and is divided in half, with one side covered in vanilla icing and the other in chocolate. It's often served as a snack or dessert, and can be found in many bakeries and delis across the country. The Black & White Cookie has become something of an icon in New York City, where it has been a beloved treat for generations. In fact, in an episode of Seinfeld, the character Jerry famously proclaimed that "Look to the cookie!" as a way to promote racial unity.

Ingredients used in a Black & White Cookie

The ingredients in a Black & White Cookie are fairly simple and easy to find. You'll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, baking powder, confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, and cocoa powder. To make the cookie dough, you'll need to cream the butter and sugar together, then add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, you'll mix together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add it to the wet ingredients until a dough forms. The dough is then divided in half, and cocoa powder is added to one half to make the chocolate side. The icing is made by mixing confectioner's sugar, corn syrup, and milk together, then dividing it in half and adding cocoa powder to one half. The icing is then spread onto the cookie in a half-and-half design, giving the cookie its distinctive appearance.

Nutritional Information of a Black & White Cookie

A Black & White Cookie is definitely not a low-calorie treat. One cookie typically has around 470 calories, with 17 grams of fat, 76 grams of carbohydrates, and 4 grams of protein. While the cookie does provide some energy, it's not exactly a nutrient-dense food. It's high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, with very few vitamins or minerals. However, as an occasional indulgence, it can certainly be part of a balanced diet.

How to make a Black & White Cookie at home

Making a Black & White Cookie at home is easier than you might think. Here's a basic recipe to get you started:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 3 cups confectioner's sugar
• 1/4 cup corn syrup

Origin of Black & White Cookie

The origin of the Black & White Cookie is somewhat murky, but it's thought to have originated in the early 1900s in New York City. It was often served alongside coffee and tea in delis, diners, and bakeries throughout the city. The cookie became particularly popular in the mid-1900s, as more and more Jewish immigrants began opening bakeries and delis throughout New York. The cookie's half-and-half design was said to represent the two halves of Jewish and American culture.

Different types of Black & White Cookies

Although the classic Black & White Cookie is simply vanilla and chocolate, there are many variations on this sweet treat. Some bakeries and chefs have experimented with different flavors and color combinations, such as orange and chocolate or lemon and vanilla. Additionally, some recipes call for a cake-like cookie, while others have a more crumbly texture. Some Black & White Cookies are even dipped in chocolate rather than having frosting on one half.

Best places to buy Black & White Cookies

If you're in the New York City area, you'll find Black & White Cookies at many bakeries, delis, and coffee shops. Some of the most popular places to buy these cookies include Zabar's, Dean & Deluca, and Russ & Daughters. Outside of New York, you may be able to find Black & White Cookies at specialty food stores or online. Many bakeries also offer shipping for their treats, so you can enjoy them no matter where you are.

Black & White Cookie vs Chocolate Chip Cookie

While the Black & White Cookie and chocolate chip cookie may both be classic treats, they're quite different in terms of taste and texture. The Black & White Cookie is soft and cake-like, with a subtle vanilla flavor that's complemented by the richness of the chocolate icing. The chocolate chip cookie, on the other hand, is typically crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with a more pronounced buttery flavor. Both cookies can be delicious in their own way, depending on your preferences.

Tips to store Black & White Cookies

To keep your Black & White Cookies fresh and tasty, it's important to store them properly. Ideally, you should keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, away from sunlight and any sources of heat or moisture. If you plan on storing them for longer than a day or two, you may want to consider freezing them. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you're ready to eat them, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Creative ways to serve Black & White Cookies

While Black & White Cookies are delicious on their own, there are many ways to get creative with them. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Make a cookie sandwich: Spread a layer of peanut butter or Nutella between two Black & White Cookies for an extra-indulgent treat.
• Crumble them up: Crush up some Black & White Cookies and sprinkle them over ice cream or yogurt for some added texture and flavor.
• Dunk them: If you're a fan of dunking cookies in milk or coffee, try dipping your Black & White Cookies in a cold glass of milk for a sweet and creamy treat.