The Black and White Cookie Latte is a cozy, chocolatey drink inspired by the iconic New York treat. It’s rich, creamy, and comes with a fun aesthetic twist by dusting half of the foam with cocoa powder—perfect for mornings, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A fun, flavorful spin on a mocha
- Made with real chocolate and vanilla bean paste
- Simple ingredients and quick to prepare
- Visually striking with its cocoa-dusted design
- Customizable with your favorite milk or sweeteners
- Great served with a black and white cookie on the side
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon chopped dark chocolate (at least 70% preferred)
- 1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup milk of your choice (2% regular milk recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 ounce espresso shot (or 1 Nespresso pod, or strongly brewed coffee)
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
- Black and white cookies, for garnish (optional)
directions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine chopped chocolate, 1 tablespoon of milk, and vanilla bean paste. Stir continuously until smooth.
- Spoon the melted chocolate mixture into a serving mug.
- Brew your espresso directly into the mug (if using a pod or machine) or brew separately and pour into the mug. Stir to combine with chocolate.
- Froth the remaining 1/2 cup of milk using a frother or alternative method (see notes).
- Pour the frothed milk into the mug over the espresso mixture.
- Dust half of the top of the latte with cocoa powder for the “black and white” look.
- Serve with a black and white cookie on the side for an extra treat.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 1
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 minute
- Total time: 11 minutes
Variations
- Sweeter version: Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to the chocolate mixture.
- Espresso substitute: Use 1 ounce of very strong brewed coffee if espresso is unavailable.
- Vanilla substitute: Use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract in place of vanilla bean paste.
- Different chocolate: Try milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor.
- Non-dairy options: Use oat, almond, or soy milk as desired.
storage/reheating
This latte is best made fresh, but you can:
- Storage: Store chocolate base separately for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine with fresh espresso and milk.
- Reheating: Reheat chocolate mixture gently on the stove or in the microwave before preparing the latte.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?
Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to replace 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate (at least 70%) offers a deep, rich flavor, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter result.
How do I froth milk without a frother?
Heat the milk in a saucepan and froth with a hand frother, or blend it briefly in a blender.
Can I make this with coffee instead of espresso?
Yes, use 1 ounce of very strongly brewed coffee as a substitute.
How can I make this latte sweeter?
Add sugar, honey, or flavored syrup to the chocolate mixture before combining with the espresso.
What milk works best?
2% regular milk froths beautifully, but any milk (dairy or non-dairy) will work.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free milk and substitute the chocolate with dairy-free dark chocolate.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, scale the ingredients up proportionally and prepare each serving fresh for best results.
How do I get the black and white cookie look?
Dust only half the foam with cocoa powder for a split-tone effect.
Is the black and white cookie necessary?
Not at all! It’s a fun garnish but optional. The latte is delicious on its own.
Conclusion
The Black and White Cookie Latte brings together the comforting flavors of dark chocolate and espresso with a touch of nostalgia. Whether you’re reminiscing about New York or simply want something decadent in your mug, this easy-to-make latte is the perfect way to elevate your coffee ritual.
Print
Black and White Cookie Latte RECIPE
A cozy, decadent Black and White Cookie Latte inspired by the classic New York treat. Made with dark chocolate, espresso, and vanilla, topped with frothed milk and cocoa powder for a stylish and flavorful nod to its namesake cookie.
- Total Time: 11 minutes
- Yield: 1 latte
Ingredients
1 tablespoon chopped dark chocolate (at least 70%)
1 tablespoon + 1/2 cup milk of your choice (e.g., 2% milk)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract)
1 ounce espresso shot (or 1 Nespresso pod or strong brewed coffee)
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Optional: Black and white cookie, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate with 1 tablespoon milk and vanilla bean paste, stirring until smooth. Transfer to a mug.
- Brew espresso directly into the mug (or separately and pour in), then stir to combine with the chocolate mixture.
- Froth the remaining 1/2 cup of milk using a frother or heat and froth manually. Pour over the espresso-chocolate mixture.
- Dust half the top of the latte with cocoa powder to mimic a black and white cookie. Optionally serve with a black and white cookie on the side.
Notes
- You can use vanilla extract instead of paste; just double the amount.
- If you don’t have an espresso machine, use very strong coffee.
- To froth milk without a frother, heat and use a hand frother or blend for a few seconds.
- For a sweeter latte, add sugar or sweetener to taste with the chocolate mix.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop, Espresso Machine
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink (with 2% milk, no cookie)
- Calories: 179
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 59mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 17mg