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WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS

Updated

Phone: (212) 861-1340

Address: 1100 MADISON AVENUE 10028

TLDR

Renowned UES institution famous for its quintessential NYC black and white cookies and nostalgic American-Jewish baked goods.

Reddit Sentiment for WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS(based on 34 Reddit opinions)

53% Positive38% Neutral9% Negative

Tags

bakery 12american 7jewish 4cookies 20cake 6desserts 4View All

Neighborhoods

Upper East Side

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
positive

Molly Fitzpatrick examines the black and white cookie from William Greenberg Desserts, noting its unique caramelized base and dual-texture icing.

Molly Fitzpatrick • Sep 14, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
The Best Bakeries in New York City

Willa Moore • Date unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

A staple of the New York bakery scene since 1946, this shop is widely considered the gold standard for quintessential black and white cookies [1], [2]. Beyond its famous cookies, the bakery offers a nostalgic array of American and Jewish treats, including rich flourless chocolate cake, seven-layer cake, and seasonal specialties like gingerbread [1], [2], [3]. Patrons frequent this institution for its consistently high-quality desserts and enduring classic appeal [4], [5].

Food Overview

The bakery specializes in a wide variety of classic American and Jewish desserts, with its black and white cookie serving as the standout item [1], [2]. These cookies are noted for having a dense, vanilla cake-like base and a soft frosting, though the texture can vary based on production [1], [3], [6]. Other popular items include flourless chocolate cake, rainbow cookies, crumb cakes, and seasonal favorites like gingerbread people and chocolate pecan pies [1], [2], [3].

Highlights / Recommended

The black and white cookies are the most frequently recommended signature item [2], [4], [5]. Additionally, the flourless chocolate cake and rainbow cookies are highly regarded by frequent visitors [3], [6], [7].

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally view this bakery as a timeless and highly reliable destination for high-quality, classic desserts [4], [5]. While the quality is widely celebrated, some debate exists regarding the ideal texture of the cookies, with some patrons preferring a crunchier bite than what is typically provided [3], [6].

Most Mentioned Dishes

  • 01
    black and white cookie
    5 mentions
  • 02
    black and white cookies
    3 mentions
  • 03
    black & white cookies
    2 mentions
  • 04
    chocolate cake
    2 mentions
  • 05
    flourless chocolate cake
    2 mentions

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About WILLIAM GREENBERG JR DESSERTS

This thread is a central hub for discussions on the city's best black and white cookies, with many users pointing to this bakery as the definitive top choice.
A detailed review of rainbow cookies across multiple bakeries, highlighting the high chocolate content and marzipan texture of the version sold here.
A helpful discussion regarding purchasing and wrapping options for the bakery's famous mini cookies, useful for those planning events or gifts.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Looking For The Best Black White Cookie In Nyc

"The user dislikes this location specifically on the West Side because the cookies are shrink-wrapped."

Negative
Sep 17, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Black White Cookie In Nyc

"The commenter advises that the east side location is superior to the west side location for their cookies."

Neutral
Sep 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Black White Cookie In Nyc

"The user recommends sticking to the original black and white cookies rather than holiday variations at this location."

Positive
Sep 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Black White Cookie In Nyc

"A simple recommendation of the bakery."

Positive
Sep 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Black White Cookie In Nyc

"The commenter suggests William Greenberg as a top choice for black and white cookies."

Positive
Sep 13, 2026View Comment →

Often mentioned with William Greenberg Jr Desserts

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