Baking Magic Cookies transforming in the warm embrace of the oven, developing golden edges and irresistible aroma.
Chocolate Glaze Creation Decadent chocolate melting into a glossy, rich coating with a hint of coffee depth.
Chocolate Side Revelation Applying smooth chocolate glaze to create a sophisticated half-moon design.
Vanilla Glaze Crafting a silky white topping that adds a sweet, elegant finish.
Final Glaze Completion Completing the cookie with a pristine vanilla layer, creating the iconic black and white masterpiece.
Tips & Variations for Ina Garten’s Half-and-Halfs
Experiment with almond or orange extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist that elevates the classic cookie's taste profile.
Adjust glazes by adding tiny amounts of liquid to achieve the perfect smooth, shiny coating that drapes elegantly over each cookie.
Keep cookies in an airtight container between parchment layers for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and maintain their delightful texture.
Sprinkle fine chocolate shavings or colorful candy jimmies along the glaze edges to add a personal touch and extra visual appeal.
Replace some granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia for a lighter version that still delivers exceptional flavor and texture.
How to Serve Ina Garten’s Elegant Cookies
Pair with Coffee Companions: Serve these classic black and white cookies alongside a steaming cappuccino or rich espresso for a delightful afternoon treat.
Create Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful ceramic plate with other New York-style pastries like mini cheesecake bites or rugelach for an impressive dessert spread.
Pack for Sweet Gifting: Wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane with a beautiful ribbon, making them a charming homemade gift for friends, teachers, or colleagues who appreciate gourmet baked goods.
Elevate Dinner Party Finale: Present these cookies on elegant dessert plates as a sophisticated end to a dinner party, offering guests a nostalgic yet refined sweet bite.
Storage Tips for Ina Garten’s Classic Cookies
Store Smartly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freeze for Future Treats: Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for 2-3 months, thawing at room temperature before adding glazes.
Refrigerate Glazed Cookies Carefully: If storing glazed cookies, place them in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Consume within 2 days for best texture and flavor.
Prevent Moisture Damage: Allow cookies to cool completely and set glazes fully before storing to maintain their crisp edges and prevent sogginess.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 280 kcal
Servings: 24
What You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Black & White Cookies
For Cookie Base:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and tenderness, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
Baking Powder: Creates soft, light lift in cookies, ensure it's fresh and not expired for maximum rise.
Baking Soda: Helps cookies brown evenly and enhances overall texture, check for recent purchase date.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors, use fine table salt for even distribution.
Sour Cream: Adds rich moisture and subtle tanginess, select full-fat version for optimal richness.
For Sweetening and Binding:
Granulated Sugar: Creates sweetness and helps cookies achieve golden color, opt for pure cane sugar.
Egg: Provides structure and binding, use room temperature for smoother mixing.
Vanilla Extract: Delivers deep, aromatic flavor, choose pure extract over artificial versions.
For Glazing:
Unsalted Butter: Crucial for smooth glazes and rich flavor, select high-quality European-style butter.
Chocolate: Delivers intense dark coating, use good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate.
Ina Garten’s classic black & white cookies blend New York bakery nostalgia with homemade comfort. Delicate cake-like bases topped with smooth chocolate and vanilla glazes create sweet memories for cookie enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Manhattan.
Ingredients
Scale
14 tbsps (1¾ sticks) unsalted butter
1 extra-large egg
1 cup granulated sugar
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
5 oz semisweet chocolate
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
⅓ cup sour cream
2 to 3 tbsps heavy cream
2 tbsps light corn syrup
2 tsps pure vanilla extract
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp instant coffee granules
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F with two racks positioned evenly for consistent heat distribution.
Creaming: Utilize an electric mixer with paddle attachment to blend butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, fluffy consistency, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Liquid Integration: Introduce egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly and ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
Dry Ingredient Combination: Meticulously sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and guarantee even distribution.
Batter Formation: Gradually fold dry ingredients and sour cream into the butter mixture, alternating in thirds and mixing on low speed until just combined.
Cookie Shaping: Cover baking sheets with parchment paper and portion dough using a 5.5cm / 2¼-inch ice cream scoop, placing 5 level scoops per sheet with 5cm / 2 inches spacing between each.
Baking Process: Place cookies in the oven, rotating pans and switching rack positions midway through cooking to ensure uniform browning. Bake until edges turn light golden brown, approximately 16-18 minutes total.
Cooling Stage: Rest cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
Chocolate Glaze Preparation: Melt butter, chocolate, and coffee granules in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each until achieving a smooth consistency.
Glazing Technique: Flip cooled cookies flat-side up and apply chocolate glaze to one half, creating a precise center line. Prepare vanilla glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and cream until smooth and pourable.
Final Decoration: Drizzle vanilla glaze over the unglazed cookie half, smoothing with a spatula if necessary. Allow both glazes to set for 30 minutes before serving to ensure proper hardening.
Notes
Measure Precisely: Use exact ingredient measurements to guarantee the signature soft, cake-like texture of classic Black & White Cookies.
Scoop Consistently: Employ an ice cream scoop for uniform cookie size, ensuring even baking and professional-looking results.
Rotate Strategically: Midway through baking, rotate and swap baking sheets to prevent uneven browning and achieve golden perfection.
Glaze with Care: Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing, and let glazes set thoroughly for clean, distinct chocolate and vanilla halves.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.