Great Cookies at Glaser’s Bake Shop: Traditional Bakery on the Upper East Side

The black and white cookie is a staple of the Northeast American bakery–not to mention a staple of my childhood. And I’ve found that in NYC, only one place makes them like the old days. It’s the popular dessert bakery Glaser’s Bake Shop on the Upper East Side–and at 110 years old, they’re masters at the black and white cookie.

A Traditional Black & White Cookie: via Yelp

Ever since I was little, I’ve loved that soft shortbread cookie beneath those two dueling flavors of fondant–almost like two iced shortbread cookies wrapped into one. And tasting the black and white cookies at Glaser’s quickly turned into a trip down memory lane. The light and spongy cookie sometimes called half-moon cookies had not failed to crumble, a sure sign of a fresh shortbread. And the black and white icing atop had the perfect amount of richness.

Upper East Side Storefront: Glaser's Bake Shop - via Yelp

Glaser's Bake Shop Counter & Staff - via Yelp

Glaser’s Upper East Side Bakery Serves Cookies and Other Desserts

Glaser’s NYC sits in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, on First Avenue at 87th Street. But unlike most of its neighbors, this bakery has been here for over a century. It’s become embedded into the local community, through changes good and bad; though always churning out those sweet breads, cakes, cookies and pastries every morning.

Glaser's cookies and cakes on display - via Yelp

Inside, the shop seems as if little has changed since its beginnings in 1902. The ladies behind the counter still tie your boxes up the old fashioned way–from rolls of string that hang from the ceiling, just at arms reach. The walls are adorned with old wooden cabinetry, and the subtle gold accents remind us of bygone era. Glaser’s is authentic; it’s delicious; it’s a refreshing step into a true NYC Italian bakery. So go up to Yorkville and take a taste–I highly recommend their black and white cookie.

Plated Black & White Cookie - A Staple at Glaser's on Manhattan's Upper East Side

written by: TF Cornerstone

TF Cornerstone is a New York City-based residential & commercial real estate acquisition, development & property management firm whose portfolio includes luxury condos and no fee apartment rentals.