Black and White Cookies are large, round, drop cakes which are iced on one half with white fondant or frosting and the other half is frosted with dark chocolate frosting or fondant.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/BLACK-AND-WHITE-COOKIES-106171 Black and White Cookies The base of the cookie is usually vanilla or lemon flavor though both the base and frosting may be altered by region or event. The cookies are very popular in New York City.Gridskipper: New York's Best Black and White Cookies The cookies are also finding their way to other cities, and can be found in bakeries from Dallas to Los Angeles. The name half-moon cookies is sometimes used interchangeable with the term Black and White Cookies, but there may be differences in the texture or icing between these two very similar treats. Half-moon cookies are thought to have been introduced by Hemstrought's Bakery in Utica, NY.http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/BLACK-AND-WHITE-COOKIES-106171 Black and White Cookies

The Black and White Cookie was featured in the "Dinner Party" episode of Seinfeld (originally aired February 3, 1994). In the episode, Jerry and Elaine try to track down the last chocolate babka in the city. While in pursuit of the babka, Jerry suggests that people "look to the cookie" to solve their problems given the way the white and black live in harmony atop the cookie. During the show's last episode, fans across the country made B&W cookies to honor the show's passing.

Black and White Cookies are also known as Half-Moons (primarily in Upstate New York and parts of New England). Though the cookie is basically the same, the cake-like bottom of Half-Moons are more often chocolate flavored. In Germany they are known as Amerikaner cookies.