Classic Black and White Cookies

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Classic Black and White Cookies.

1. Step 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. Step 3

   In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter together using an electric mixer for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Mix in the lemon zest, vanilla extract, and lemon extract until well combined.

4. Step 4

   Gradually add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture in three equal parts, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.

5. Step 5

   Spoon out 1/4-cup portions of the cookie batter onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

6. Step 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Step 7

   While the cookies are cooling, prepare the vanilla icing. Melt butter in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add water until the icing reaches a smooth consistency that falls off the back of a spoon in thick ribbons, about 2 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.

8. Step 8

   Once the cookies are cool, frost half of the underside of each cookie with the vanilla icing using a rubber spatula. Allow any excess icing to drip back into the double boiler and let the cookies sit for 10 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Next, prepare the chocolate icing. Return the double boiler to medium heat and add confectioners' sugar, semisweet chocolate, bittersweet chocolate, corn syrup, butter, vanilla extract, and food coloring to the remaining vanilla icing. Mix well, adding water until combined. Heat until the icing falls off the back of a spoon in thick ribbons, about 2 to 4 minutes, then reduce heat to low.

10. Step 10

    Frost the other half of each cooled cookie with the chocolate icing in the same manner. Allow the cookies to cool until the icing sets, which may take 1 to 2 hours. Serve and enjoy!