There’s something magical about biting into a soft, cakey cookie glazed with half vanilla and half chocolate. At Betty Cooks, we’ve reimagined these iconic New York-style treats in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. This black and white cookie recipe isn’t just an indulgence—it’s one of our favorite air fryer cookies easy recipes that bridges simplicity with elegance. You’ll want to make these again and again, especially when you’re craving easy desserts that still feel special.

If you love air fryer cookies easy recipes, you’ll appreciate how these classic cookies come together without fuss. Their tender crumb and rich icing make them stand out from the crowd. They’re also a great match for gatherings or gifting, as they stay moist and pretty for days.

Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Story Behind These Iconic Cookies
- What Makes These Cookies So Special
- Baking Tips for Perfect Results
- Air Fryer Cookies Easy Recipes: Why It Works
- When to Serve These Cookies
- Storing and Sharing Ideas
- Recipe Overview
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
These NYC-inspired black and white cookies are tender, cake-like, and frosted with two iconic flavors. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for both special occasions and casual treats. This is one of those air fryer cookies easy recipes that bring bakery-quality cookies into your kitchen.

The Story Behind These Iconic Cookies
New Yorkers have adored black and white cookies for generations. Though they’re traditionally baked in ovens, we’ve adapted the recipe so it complements the simplicity of quick and easy recipes. The cookies’ charm lies in their old-fashioned appeal and elegant finish—perfect for fans of classic American desserts.

What Makes These Cookies So Special
The texture is part cake, part cookie, making each bite soft yet satisfying. The dual glaze adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the cookie base. If you’re exploring sweet easy recipes, this one checks every box—especially when you need something show-stopping with minimal stress.
Baking Tips for Perfect Results
To master this recipe, use room-temperature butter and eggs, don’t overmix the dough, and let the icing fully set before stacking or storing. Even if you’ve never made air fryer desserts easy recipes before, these cookies are a great place to start.
Air Fryer Cookies Easy Recipes: Why It Works
This method works because it minimizes oven heat and speeds up cooling time. That’s why air fryer cookies easy recipes like this one have gained traction among busy home bakers who still want standout flavor and texture.
When to Serve These Cookies
Perfect for holidays, birthdays, bake sales, or just a weekday treat, these cookies feel special no matter the occasion. If you’re making recipes for dinner and want a light but sweet ending, this dessert pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Storing and Sharing Ideas
Keep cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also travel well, making them ideal for lunchboxes or neighborly gifts. They complement hearty dinner recipes as a fun and surprising finish.
Recipe Overview
Check out the full step-by-step recipe at Betty Cooks for all measurements and instructions. You’ll find this is one of the most rewarding air fryer cookies easy recipes to add to your baking collection.
Notes & Tips
Want to get creative? Try adding peppermint or almond extract to the icing, or dip half in sprinkles before it sets. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe delivers every time. It’s also perfect when experimenting with chicken stirfry easy recipe nights followed by sweet treats.


Classic NYC Black and White Cookies – Air Fryer Cookies Easy Recipes
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon extract
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, vanilla, and lemon extract.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture into the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Drop ¼ cupfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes or until edges are golden. Let cool completely.
- For icing: In a medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and water until smooth and thick but spreadable.
- Transfer half the icing to another bowl and stir in cocoa powder and a little water to reach desired consistency.
- Flip cookies over and spread vanilla icing on one half and chocolate on the other. Let set.
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