The city that never sleeps runs on sugar, and that’s why the best cookies are in NYC! A cookie is the perfect little pick-me-up for New Yorkers: two or three bites of sweet something-or-other is the perfect accompaniment to our New York coffee. A cookie is hand-held and easy to enjoy on the go… perfect for New Yorkers who are always on the go! And across our great melting pot of a city, you can find a variety of cookies from different cultures to satisfy your sweet tooth! But what cookies are uniquely New York? The ones that were invented here, of course! So, what cookie is New York famous for? You might be surprised by these three famous cookies invented in NYC!
4 MINUTE READ
Black and White Cookies
The black and white cookie was invented in Manhattan in 1902, Glaser’s Bake Shop began selling their creations in the Yorkville neighborhood of the Upper East Side (read the full story of the black and white cookie). Though they closed their doors after 116 years in 2018, the best black and white cookies are still in NYC.
The Black & White cookie is a thick, cupcake-top-like cookie with half chocolate frosting and half royal icing, a duality noted in Seinfeld!
A generous portion and usually big enough to share (if you’re into that sort of thing). What cookie is New York famous for? Soft, subtly sweet, with a generous sugary glaze on top, it is unquestionably the black and white cookie.
Rainbow Cookies
A staple in any Little Italy bakery, the Rainbow cookie is believed to be Italian-American in origin, but its exact invention is unclear. What we do know is that these soft, spongy and sticky miniature layer cakes began appearing as cookies in New York City Italian bakeries, and have quickly become one of the most famous cookies in New York history!
A traditional rainbow cookie, or seven-layer cookie, is made of three layers of almond-paste enriched sponge cake, sandwiching layers of raspberry and apricot jam, and glazed with a thin layer of chocolate on top. Italian bakeries in the USA are a uniquely American invention, and have no tie to Italy.
These bakeries invented the rainbow cookie in its red, white and green layers to remind people of the old country and instill Italian-American pride. Sometimes, bakeries will change the color scheme to, say, blue, white, and orange, to show pride in local NYC sports teams (Go Knicks!).
Oreo Cookies
Oreos were invented in 1912 at the Nabisco factory in Manhattan, which is now home to the famous food hall Chelsea Market. The National Biscuit Factory, shortened to “Nabisco,” was the famous producer of Uneeda Biscuits. Those… didn’t catch on.
The Oreo cookie is the basis of the “Cookies ‘n Cream” flavor profile, which has been translated into ice cream, candy bars, milkshakes, and lattes!
Today, Oreo is a phenomenally well-known brand, and has been spun off into countless flavor combinations to keep fresh for the times. Have you tried Sour Patch Oreos?
The Best Cookies in NYC
New York City is obsessed with invention and innovation. Always on the hunt for something new - that’s why we call it “New” York City! Is it any wonder, then, that New York City has invented these three iconic cookies that have become world-famous and widely sought? We New Yorkers love a sweet lil’ something, whether it’s cutting-edge and trendy or a beloved classic. Hungry for both? Visit our bakery at 936 Fulton Street for our rotating seasonal specials and our favourite staples for some of the best cookies in NYC! If you have two hands, you can eat two cookies at once!
