I have said in the past that a good chocolate chip cookie is the best cookie ever. While I still believe this, a black and white cookie is a close second. Not only is a black and white delicious, it is arguably part of one of the best Seinfeld episodes ever.

A black and white is hard to come by in Minneapolis, though, so last weekend I reserved a few hours to harness the words of Jerry Seinfeld and bake the infamous dessert.

"The black and white. I love the black and white. Two races of flavor living side by side in harmony....If people would only look to the cookie, all of our problems would be solved."

--Jerry Seinfeld

Black and White Cookie
from Baked

Make the cookies: Preheat oven to 350. Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.

In the bow of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl each time. Add the flour mixture in three parts alternating with the buttermilk (start with flour and end with flour). Scrape down the bowl and add the vanilla and lemon zest. Mix on low speed to incorporate.

Using a #50 scoop the batter onto a silpat/parchment lined baking sheet leaving a few inches in between the dough. Bake for 17 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.

Make the frosting: Whisk together the sugar, milk, cream, and vanilla. Add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. Pour half of the frosting into another bowl and add the cocoa powder and one teaspoon of water. Whisk until chocolate frosting comes together. If it is too thick, add water until frosting has desired consistency.

Using an offset spatula, spread the white frosting on half of the cookie. Let it set for an hour or so and then add the chocolate frosting. Let the cookie dry completely before serving. 

Cookies
3 cups AP flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 3/4 sticks unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs + 1 egg yolk
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp vanilla
1 tbsp grated lemon zest

Frosting
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp whole milk
3 tbsp cream 
2 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder