cookies and crumbs on a baking sheet

Grandlife guide

A Fall Cookie Recipe & More from Janice Alida Joseph

back to list

For those yet to sample one of Janice Alida Joseph’s cookies—here’s your introduction to a taste explosion like no other. The model-baker has cookie-making down to a fine art and isn’t afraid to get creative, often incorporating unexpected ingredients into her recipes. Here, Alida Joseph shares her delicious black pepper cookie recipe alongside some of her favorite local spots to satiate that sweet tooth. 

What are your favorite ingredients to bake with?

Janice Alida Joseph: Brown sugar and almond extract.

Strangest ingredient you’ve ever included in a cookie recipe?

JAJ: Black pepper.

Can you tell us some of your favorite spots to pick up something freshly baked? What do you order there?

JAJ: My number one is the DKA pastry at Dominique Ansel on Spring Street. I love Breads Bakery or Balthazar for a great cinnamon roll. The banana bread with espresso mascarpone at Two Hands on Church Street is delicious and savory. And then to really indulge, a slice of Hummingbird Cake at Magnolia Bakery is a dream.

Favorite downtown spot for cookies? What’s your go-to cookie there?

JAJ: A warmed-up gingersnap cookie at Dean & Deluca is perfect.

Where can we find the best black-and-white cookie in New York?

JAJ: In my kitchen.

Favorite restaurant for dessert? What makes it so damn good?

JAJ: Raoul’s on Prince Street for a special occasion. They do this beautiful spun-sugar dome over whichever dessert you choose—I love the banana bread pudding—which you crack open with the back of your spoon. It’s exquisite, and such a memorable experience.

Black Pepper Cookie 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 large egg, room temperature

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Fresh ground pepper for dusting

Method:

Beat together the butter and brown sugar well—about 2 minutes

Add the egg and vanilla and beat together well—about 4 min

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, nutmeg, and cloves. Add this to the butter mixture, until just combined

Chill dough for at least 1 hour

Set oven to 400 F

Take small scoops of chilled dough, roll into balls 1-2”, and flatten them slightly. Sprinkle the tops with fresh ground pepper, very lightly

Bake 6-7 min or until cookies are just beginning to brown

PHOTOGRAPHY Sharon Radisch 

You May Also Like

The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

The Grandlife Guide to NYFF

film
food & drink
stories
Must-see movies, where to watch them and other helpful hacks.
Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

Sustainable Fashion, NYC-Style

fashion
stories
The forward-thinking creators blending covetable design with eco-friendly practices.
Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

Local Go-Tos with Todd Snyder, Jesse Harris and Austin James Smith

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
We asked friends of GrandLife to share their favorite spots to drink, dine and brunch. Here’s what they told us…
The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

The Best Cheap Eats Below 14th Street

food & drink
stories
From Vietnamese bánh mì to Eastern European comfort food—the flavor-packed offerings that hit the spot without breaking the bank.
Under The Radar Museums

Under The Radar Museums

art & design
fashion
film
music
stories
From a museum displaying historical artifacts of the NYC Subway to the house where jazz legend Louis Armstrong lived, we explore ten hidden gems.
Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

Latest & Greatest: Best New Openings

bars & nightlife
food & drink
stories
From a glamorous martini bar to a French café and bistro housed inside the legendary Hotel Chelsea—the new top spots to check out downtown.
Glasses of Bubble Tea

Boba Fab! NYC’s Best Bubble Tea Spots

food & drink
stories
All you need to know about the sippable Taiwanese treat and where to find the best in the city.
The Grandlife Guide To Coney Island

The Grandlife Guide To Coney Island

travel
stories
From how and where to beach to the best spots to grab a bite—everything you need to know for your Coney Island day trip.
Choose Your Stay
logo-sg
The Hotel That Made Soho Grand
Meet Me At The Roxy
Book Now