“Look to the cookie, Elaine. Look to the cookie.” uttered some comedian off some historic 90’s sitcom. When it comes to the black and white cookie, he’s right though. There’s nothing quite like eating a fresh chocolate and vanilla cookie you picked up at your favorite bakery. It’s a quintessential New York treat and one that’s gone down in the history books as one of the best desserts the city has to offer. But, where does it come from and why is it so popular today?
There’s More to the Black and White Cookie Than NYC
Melissa Clark, a food columnist at the New York Times, states that these cookies aren’t just a New York staple, they’rea major part of Jewish culture. According to her, “Black-and-whites have been an entrenched part of the very robust Jewish cookie scene in New York City for a century.”
However, these cookies have a long-debated history about their creation. Specifically, is it really a cookie?
According to Molly O’Neill, black and white cookies are “broken promises” in that they’re floury cakes baked in a cookie shape. Essentially, they’re “drop cakes” because the batter resembles what you’d find in the batter of a cupcake, with a little extra dough so it does not run all over the place.
Nonetheless, people love them and flock to their nearest bakery for a bite of its vanilla, chocolatey goodness.
The Origins of the Black and White Cookie
The cookie is believed to have been created by Glaser’s Bake Shop, which was opened in 1902 by Bavarian immigrants in Manhattan. Many others believe the cookie began as “half-moon” cookies that were served at Hemstrought’s Bakery in Utica, New York. While it’s hard to tell where these cookies’ roots lie, each story shares one common element: they come from German food traditions.
While these cookies seemingly have been around forever, it wasn’t until the 1940s and 1950s they became popular. During and after WWII, American soldiers reintroduced the cookie to Germany, which inspired the name “Amerikaner”. The term is actually derived from the shape of Brodie helmets worn by U.S. soldiers during the World Wars.
Other Names for the Black and White Cookie
While Chompie’s and many people around the world call them black and white cookies,it does have other names. In upstate New York and New England, it’s commonly referred to as “half-moons.” while the Midwest often calls them “harlequins”. Germany also calls these treats “Amerikaner”.
What Are These Cookies Made of?
While there are many ways to make a black and white cookie, the most common way is this:
- Butter (or shortening)
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Flour (both cake and all-purpose)
- Sometimes milk
- Vanilla
- Lemon extracts
- Sometimes orange
- Frosting confectioner sugar
- Water
- Bitter chocolate
- And some corn syrup
Chompie’s Serves The Best NYC Desserts in Arizona
Craving something sweet but can’t fly out to New York City? Not a problem. Chompie’s bakery serves some of the best desserts you probably only ever expected to find in The Big Apple. We have everything from black and whites, rugelach, bowties, cannolis, eclairs, and so much more. We also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner items if you’re craving something savory.Visit our locations pageand stop by one of our restaurants today!
FAQs
The Origins of the Black and White Cookie
Who is the founder of Chompie's? ›
Family, friends and customers remember the life of Chompie's restaurant founder. Lovey Borenstein, who opened Chompie's restaurant with her husband, Lou, and family, recently passed away. She would have turned 90 on April 22.
What makes a black and white cookie different? ›
Black-and-white cookies, half-and-half cookies, and half-moon cookies are similar round cookies iced or frosted in two colors, with one half vanilla and the other chocolate. They are found in the Northeastern United States and Florida.
Who makes black and white cookies? ›
The Black and White Cookie Company™ If you are craving a delicious trip down memory lane, look to the cookie. Lovingly handcrafted in Brooklyn, New York, our Black and White Cookies are a fresh, fluffy yellow cake-like cookie with a subtle lemon flavor.
What is the key to eating a black and white cookie? ›
Black and whites were further ingrained in New York City lore in “The Dinner Party” episode of Seinfeld. In one scene, Jerry and Elaine are in a bakery, standing near the glass pastry case. “The the key to eating a black and white cookie, Elaine, is you want to get some black and some white in each bite,” Jerry says.
Where did Chompies start? ›
In 1979, the Borenstein Family — Lou & Lovey and their children, Mark, Neal, and Wendy - ventured west. They brought classic family recipes from Queens, New York to Phoenix, Arizona. Fulfilling their dream to start a business, Chompie's Bagel Factory was born in a mall at 32nd Street and Shea.
What are the Chompies? ›
Chompies are one of the most common monsters in Skylanders series. They are small, green, not very bright creatures that bark and yelp like dogs. They sometimes spawn from Chompy Pods or Root Runners; by destroying these plants, the Chompies will stop appearing.
What is the history behind the black and white cookie? ›
The Origins of the Black and White Cookie
The cookie is believed to have been created by Glaser's Bake Shop, which was opened in 1902 by Bavarian immigrants in Manhattan. Many others believe the cookie began as “half-moon” cookies that were served at Hemstrought's Bakery in Utica, New York.
Should black and white cookies be refrigerated? ›
Storage Instructions
They will keep for up to 3 days, stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you'd like to make them ahead of time, it's better to freeze the cookies after baking. Making the batter and chilling it beforehand will not work.
What do British people call most cookies? ›
Hard or crisp cookies are called biscuits in the U.K. while the chewier dessert can be identified as a cookie.
Size: 1 Cookie, 2oz (57g) , Amount Per Serving: Calories 300, Total Fat 11g (14% DV), Sat. Fat 6g (30% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholest.
What is a half chocolate half vanilla cookie called? ›
These cookies, also known as Half-Moon Cookies, are the best of both worlds. They're half way between a cake and a cookie. The icing is half chocolate and half vanilla.
Are Oreo cookies black or brown? ›
Whether Mondelez wants to admit it, there's actually evidence to support the fact that the cookie is black. And it comes down to how the cocoa in the cookie is processed. The ingredients of a standard Oreo give us a clue: “cocoa (processed with alkali).”
What is another name for black and white cookies? ›
In New York City, where I come from, they are simply “Black and White” cookies. This makes sense to me. But in New England they are “Harlequins” and in the Midwest “Half Moons.” In Germany, and most of the rest of the world, they are “Amerikaners.”
What makes black and white cookies so good? ›
The term “cookie” is actually a little bit of a misnomer when it comes to black & whites, as the base is far more cake-like than cookie-like. They have a soft, velvety texture with a fine crumb, and the texture is cakey but firmer and denser than that of a traditional cake.
What flavor are black and white cookies? ›
BOTH, PLEASE!” That's my kind of cookie! The one where you don't even have to choose. Black & White Cookies are a soft, cakey cookie that clearly have vanilla and chocolate flavors on top, but they have a subtle lemon flavor and aroma to them as well.
Are black and white cookies not cookies? ›
Black and white cookies are technically a cake. That's probably not the hardest truth for you to swallow—literally—if you've ever bitten into one. The combination of a springy, spongy interior crumb with thick fondant frosting is decidedly cake-y.
What is the base of a black and white cookie? ›
If you're talking to a New Yorker and say you have a black and white to offer them, here's what they're going to expect: a vanilla cake bottom topped with royal icing or fondant, half chocolate, half vanilla.
What makes the Oreo cookie black? ›
During alkalization an alkaline ingredient is added to the cocoa which increases the pH of the cocoa powder, often turning it alkaline. Increasing the pH, thus alkalizing the powder causs the color to change from a light brown into a dark brown or even black color.
What makes cookies different? ›
The ingredients you used could be the culprit – using different sugars, melted butter, baking powder or baking soda can alter a cookie's texture and taste.
