Post Overview: Where to find the best black and white cookies in NYC
The black and white cookie deserves a spot on the Mt. Rushmore of New York City eats, but I didn’t know how big of a deal they were until I moved here.
Within a week of living in the city two of my co-workers got into a heated debate regarding who has the best black and white cookies in NYC. All I could think is, you’re arguing about cookies?
But last week when my wife and I started wrangling on the subject ourselves, I understood the sentiment. A good, flavor filled New York City black and white cookie tastes like home, comfort and heaven.
So believe me when I tell you I have strong opinions on the matter. I don’t want any of you to be popping blood vessels if you disagree, but after seven years of eating at least a cookie a month I stand by this list.
So what are we waiting for, let’s go over the best black and white cookies in NYC.
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Best Black and White Cookie NYC
#10. Orwashers
Founded in 1916, Orwashers is a time-tested favorite that’s been servicing New Yorkers for generations. Their success can be attributed to traditional baking methods that have been perfected over the last 107 years.
The recipes were originally brought by the Orwasher family from Hungary to the Upper East Side. Nevertheless the flavors helped them expand, adding storefronts in the Upper West Side and Long Island.
With their strong foundation in baking it’s only fitting Orwashers makes some of the best black and white cookies in NYC. It leans more cake than cookie, which is fine by me and it’s as fluffy as a pancake!
The frosting matches the cookie’s soft texture.
You won’t be breaking any teeth biting into this little piece of heaven, it’s sweet and as soft as a cloud. For all these reasons Orwashers is a great place to start this list of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
Address: 308 E. 78th Street & 440 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
#9. Russ & Daughters
Famous for making some of the best bagels in New York City, ordering a black and white cookie at Russ & Daughters might be an afterthought.
But I’ll tell you this much, you won’t regret tacking one onto your order. Unlike the soft Orwashers black and white cookie, at Russ and Daughters the treat leans more firm.
There are hints of almond and vanilla that will make your heart pitter-patter with joy and the subtle notes of lemon are delightful.
It has a nice snap when you break it in half and is the perfect following act to a mouthwatering bagel. All this to say, you won’t be disappointed with one of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
Address: 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
#8. Bread’s Bakery
Breads Bakery is not only one of the best bakeries in the Upper East Side, but in all of New York City. With four locations, this bakery has grown like wildfire mostly thanks to their award-winning chocolate babka.
But don’t think for a second that’s the only thing worth your greenbacks. Bread’s Bakery also makes some of the most flavorful and unique black and white cookies in NYC.
By using a laminated dough to give the cookie a croissant-like texture the cookie is in a league all its own.
Some people might think its distasteful to mess with the tried and true, traditional black and white cookie recipe, but Bread’s Bakery has hit a home run.
Don’t knock it ’til you try it, because it’s one of the best black and white cookies in NYC. There’s some chocolate sandwiched inside the cookie and it’s not too sweet, yum!
My only complaint is that this beloved New York City black and white cookie is that it’s only sold at the Upper East Side Bread’s Bakery. But trust me when I tell you the trek is worth the treat.
Address: 1294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
#7. Donut Pub
As the name suggests, Donut Pub makes some of the best donuts in New York City. But don’t write it off as simply a donut shop. The bakery has been open since 1964 so its had ample time to perfect other recipes.
I’m talking about one of the best black and white cookies in New York City, baby. It’s a thick boy, with plenty of doughy goodness to keep you satisfied.
The frosting is exactly what you’d expect at a donut shop, sweet and rich. The flavors combine into a hodgepodge of goodness and make for one of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
Address: 740 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
#6. Simply Nova
Don’t let the name fool you, Simply Nova is much more than a treasure-trove of smoked fish and bagels. Specifically the Brooklyn bagel shop is responsible for some of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
This one isn’t as fluffy as some of the other cookies on this list (which isn’t my preferred way). But hey, different strokes for different folks. I wouldn’t go as far as to call it crunchy, but it definitely leans more cookie than cake.
And flavor-wise it’s the full package. The different notes are easily savored and it’s best paired with a hot cup of coffee. As one of the best black and white cookies in NYC it has me crawling all the way to Williamsburg repeatedly.
Address: 754 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
#5. Zabar’s
Founded in 1934 and serving New Yorkers for 80+ years, Zabar’s is quite possibly the most beloved grocery store in New York City.
It’s hard to imagine a more old-fashioned grocery store in the Big Apple, found on the corner of Broadway and West 80th, this family run grocery store is a true New York experience.
But I’m not here to tell you where to do your grocery shopping. I’m filling you in on a not-so well kept secret: Zabar’s makes one of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
Not too big and not too sweet, the cookie at Zabar’s is expertly balanced. It’s a great introduction to NYC black and white cookies since it’s traditional and tasty.
Address: 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
#4. Vesuvio Bakery
Since Vesuvio Bakery opened its doors in 1920 it’s been a staple of SoHo. The Italian bakery is the size of a shoe-box but is a reminder that great things come in small packages.
On top of the flavorsome focaccia and phenomenal pignoli cookies, Vesuvio is also responsible for some of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
Pair it with a shot of Italian espresso and you’ll be grinning from ear to ear the rest of your day.
Address: 160 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
#3. Empire Cake
Located a mere two blocks from the High Line (one of the best parks in New York City) is Empire Cake, one of the best bakeries in Chelsea.
I’ll be honest, I’ll occasionally walk the High Line for exercise and then reward myself with a treat from Empire. Some call it throwing my workout away – but I call it incentivizing.
Although Empire Cake’s fame comes from their homemade twinkies and cupcakes, they also make one of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
It’s spongy and soft, and completely dipped in chocolate. Unlike other black and white cookies in New York City that only ice the top, this one will give your sweet tooth a run for its money.
Address: 112 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
#2. Lassen & Henning’s
Brooklyn Heights is not only one of the most charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn, it’s also home to one of the best black and white cookies in NYC.
At Lassen & Henning’s you get that old school, New York bakery experience. It’s been servicing Brooklynites for more than seven decades, opening up shop in 1949.
The icing is made with buttercream that makes it so rich and delicious I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Needless to say Lassen & Henning’s will have a loyal base of customers for the next seven decades with some of the best black and white cookies in New York City.
Address: 114 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
#1. William Greenberg
Serving New Yorkers since 1946, William Greenberg Desserts is one of the oldest and best bakeries in the Upper East Side. Their success has propelled them to open a second location in the Upper West Side and we’re all better for it.
Their iconic black and white cookies consistently grace the top of award lists year after year. It’s only fitting they’re the best in NYC.
In fact, whereas other joints on this list are famous for other items and just so happen to sell black and white cookies too, this New York City bakery’s claim to fame are the cookies themselves.
It’s the quintessential and most iconic of all black and white cookies in NYC (after the Glasers Bakery closed in 2018). But originality doesn’t mean boring, William Greenberg often makes a variety of colorful cookies, too.
You’d be well served ordering one for the road too, since I guarantee you’ll be dreaming about it once its gone.
Address: 1100 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10028 (UES) & 285 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10023 (UWS)
Quick recap of the Best Black and White Cookies in New York City (Post Summary)
- William Greenberg
- Lassen & Henning’s
- Empire Cake
- Vesuvio Bakery
- Zabar’s
- Simply Nova
- Donut Pub
- Bread’s Bakery
- Russ & Daughters
- Orwashers
NYC Black and White Cookies (Helpful Map)
And there you have it friends, the best black and white cookies NYC has to offer. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything.
To this end I wish you happy hunting! Cheers.
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