The Best of New York · Eat · Desserts
The best black and white cookies in New York.
Every one from my own visits, updated September 2026. 6 places.
Originating from Eastern European Jewish immigrants, the black and white cookie has risen from humble beginnings to become a beloved staple in New York City’s bakeries. Finding great black and white cookies. With its distinctive yin-yang appearance and perfect balance of vanilla and chocolate flavors, this iconic treat symbolizes the city’s cultural diversity and is a true representation of the city’s melting pot.
Best black and white cookies in New York, 2026
- Bread's BakeryBakery · Upper East SideBut trust me when I tell you the trek is worth the treat.
- OrwashersBakery · Upper East Side & Upper West SideThe frosting perfectly complements the cookie’s soft texture, offering a treat that melts in your mouth.
- Russ & DaughtersBakery · Lower East SideBreaking it in half reveals a satisfying snap, creating the ideal complement to their incredible bagels.
- William GreenbergBakery · Upper East Side & Upper West SideKnown as the quintessential and most iconic in NYC, these cookies offer a burst of originality.
- Zabar'sMarket · Upper West SideNot too big and not too sweet, the cookie at Zabar’s is expertly balanced.
- Empire CakeBakery · ChelseaUnlike other black and white cookies in New York City that only ice the top, the chocolate dip makes this one of the sweetest black and white cookies in New York City.
On the map
Where they are.
5 neighborhoods, Upper East Side & Upper West Side and Upper East Side most of all.
Upper East Side & Upper West Side
Chelsea
Lower East Side
Upper East Side
Upper West Side
Bread's Bakery
Bakery · Upper East Side · 1294 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10021
But trust me when I tell you the trek is worth the treat.
Orwashers
Bakery · Upper East Side & Upper West Side · 308 E. 78th Street & 440 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY
The frosting perfectly complements the cookie’s soft texture, offering a treat that melts in your mouth.
Russ & Daughters
Bakery · Lower East Side · 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
Breaking it in half reveals a satisfying snap, creating the ideal complement to their incredible bagels.
William Greenberg
Bakery · Upper East Side & Upper West Side · 1100 Madison Ave & 285 Amsterdam Ave
Known as the quintessential and most iconic in NYC, these cookies offer a burst of originality.
Zabar's
Market · Upper West Side · 2245 Broadway, New York, NY 10024
Not too big and not too sweet, the cookie at Zabar’s is expertly balanced.
Empire Cake
Bakery · Chelsea · 112 8th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Unlike other black and white cookies in New York City that only ice the top, the chocolate dip makes this one of the sweetest black and white cookies in New York City.
Best black and white cookies in New York, 2026
The seal
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The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: 5+ Flavorful Black and White Cookies in New York City.