Black and White Cookies

MAKES: 18 Cookies

PREP: 15 Min

COOK TIME: 12 Min

Practically every bakery has these cookies they call either black and white or half moon cookies. No matter what they're called, what makes these so good is that you don't have to decide if you want chocolate icing or vanilla, 'cause each cookie has both. This Black and White Cookies recipe is one that you won't want to miss!

One of our favorite things about our recipe for half moon cookies is that it's very easy to make. You won't have to spend all day in the kitchen in order to whip up this delicious dessert! Cake mix forms the base of a cookie that's rich and fluffy, and your favorite store bought frosting will make the perfect topping. We love the texture of these cookies. The cakey cookie and the creamy frosting are amazing together! It's hard to stop after just eating one, which is why these are the perfect cookies to bring to a party. Make a batch for your next family meal or potluck, and we're sure that everyone will be glad that you did!

What You'll Need

1 (18-ounce) package white cake mix
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
8 ounces (half a 16-ounce container) chocolate frosting
8 ounces (half a 16-ounce container) vanilla frosting

What to Do

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, and eggs; mix well. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto cookie sheets. Bake 12 to 14 minutes, or until firm.
Remove cookies to wire racks to cool completely. Frost half of the flat side of each cookie with vanilla frosting and the other half with chocolate frosting. Serve, or cover loosely until ready to serve.

Half Moons or Black and Whites?

Many different bakeries around the United States make their own version of these frosted cookies made popular in the state of New York. And while many bakers use the names half moon and black and white interchangeably, there are actually small differences between the two cookies.

Half moon cookies originated in Utica, New York, at Hemstrought's Bakery. They are actually traditionally made using a chocolate cake base! Although Hemstrought's is now closed, bakeries in the area still proudly sell half moon cookies. You can even purchase variations, such as all chocolate frosting on a chocolate cookie, or all vanilla frosting on a vanilla cookie. And, of course, you can get chocolate and vanilla frosting on a vanilla cookie, like in the recipe above. Half moon cookies also usually have creamy frosting. In New York City, this confection is known as Black and White Cookies, and the frosting is typically more of a glaze!

While we love learning a thing or two about culinary traditions, we mostly just hope that you try the recipe out for yourself. No matter if you call ‘em Black and White Cookies or Half Moon Cookies, we know that our version will have you sayin’, "OOH IT'S SO GOOD!!®" What do you call these cookies? Let us know in the comments below!

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 18

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 303
Calories from Fat 144
Total Fat 16g 25 %
Saturated Fat 2.8g 14 %
Trans Fat 0.0g 0 %
Protein 2.1g 4 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 21mg 7 %
Sodium 242mg 10 %
Total Carbohydrates 39g 13 %
Dietary Fiber 0.4g 1 %
Sugars 31g 0 %

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msklavos 4025386

Mar 26, 2021

When I was younger I used to live in Utica, NY and my Aunt used to take me to Hemstrought's to get these, amazing cookies. I now live in Schenectady, NY and there is a bakery here called Blue Rose and they make these cookies just about the same way as Hemstrought's. They are unbelievably delicious!!!!!!!

dfrazz

Jan 24, 2018

Haven't tried your recipe yet for Black White cookies but wanted to clarify that Black Whites and Half Moons are not the same thing. Black Whites have glossy icing, Half Moons have creamy frosting. I can say this as a Native New Yorker currently living in New England.