Black and white cookie facts for kids
A black-and-white cookie is a yummy, round cookie. Half of it is covered in white vanilla icing, and the other half has dark chocolate icing! People also call them half-and-half cookies or half-moon cookies. In Germany, they are known as Amerikaner.
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| Alternative names | Half-and-half cookie |
|---|---|
| Type | Cookie |
| Course | Dessert |
Contents
What is a Black-and-White Cookie?
These cookies are famous for their unique look. One side has sweet vanilla icing. The other side has rich chocolate icing. They are often made with a soft, cake-like base.
There are two main types of these cookies:
- Black-and-white cookies are usually flat. They have a thick, smooth icing called fondant icing. This type is very popular in New York City.
- Half-moon cookies are a bit different. They are often slightly dome-shaped. They have a fluffier cake base and a softer frosting. You can find these more often in places like Central New York and Boston. Sometimes, one side of the cookie might even have more frosting than the other!
Where Did Black-and-White Cookies Come From?
The story of the black-and-white cookie starts in New York City. Many people believe it began at Glaser's Bake Shop. This bakery was opened in 1902 by people from Bavaria, Germany. It was in a part of Manhattan called Yorkville. The black-and-white cookie was one of their first recipes.
The half-moon cookie has a different origin. It is thought to have started at Hemstrought's Bakery. This bakery was in Utica, New York, around 1925.
It's not totally clear how these two cookies are related. They probably both came from a similar German cookie.
The German "Amerikaner"
In Germany, these cookies are called "Amerikaner." The reason for this name is also a bit of a mystery! Some people think the name comes from a baking ingredient. Others believe American soldiers brought the cookie back to Germany in the 1950s. German "Amerikaner" cookies are often covered completely in white frosting.
During a time when East Germany had anti-American feelings, the cookie was sometimes called "Ammonplätzchen." This means "Ammonia cookies."
Images for kids
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Box of black-and-white cookies from a New York City bakery.
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Half-moon cookies and black-and-white cookies in a grocery store in New Hartford, New York (near Utica). The half-moon cookies are significantly larger.
See also
In Spanish: Black and white cookie para niños
