By Deanna Martinez
Welcome to the heart of historic downtown Wake Forest! Black & White Coffee Roasters is the kind of place that invites visitors to slow down and stay awhile. Located at 314 S. White Street in Wake Forest, this popular neighborhood cafe blends specialty coffee with a relaxed, creative atmosphere that keeps both locals and visitors coming back.
The first thing you’ll notice is the easygoing energy. The shop has an urban feel wrapped inside the charm of downtown Wake Forest. Exposed brick, clean modern touches, local artwork, and plenty of natural light create a space that’s part coffee house and part community gathering spot. Whether someone is catching up with friends, tackling a work project, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a favorite drink, Black & White offers the perfect backdrop.
The café has earned a reputation for taking coffee seriously without taking itself too seriously. Friendly baristas are always happy to chat about beans and brewing methods, or to help customers discover something new. Every cup is crafted with care, which is why coffee enthusiasts from across the Triangle often make the trip to Wake Forest.
Signature Sip: Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte with Oat Milk
Among the shop’s standout offerings, the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte with oat milk has become a customer favorite.
It’s the kind of drink that feels comforting from the very first sip. Rich espresso meets the deep caramel notes of brown sugar, while cinnamon adds just enough warmth to make the flavors feel cozy without overpowering the coffee. Oat milk brings it all together with a silky texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the espresso.
The result is a latte that’s smooth, balanced, and incredibly satisfying. It feels just as fitting on a cool autumn morning as it does during a rainy afternoon or a leisurely weekend stroll through downtown Wake Forest. It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat, yet refined enough to let the espresso’s quality shine through.
The Perfect Pairing
A batch of chewy oatmeal chocolate chip cookies makes the perfect companion to the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte. The warm cinnamon baked into the cookies beautifully echoes the latte’s cozy spice notes. At the same time, the hearty oats and rich chocolate create a comforting balance, turning a simple coffee break into an irresistible treat.
Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cinnamon Cookies
• ¾ cup Crisco, butter-flavored
• 1 ¼ cups brown sugar, packed
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla
• 3 cups oats
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet, milk, or a combination of both
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Line baking sheets with non-stick foil.
• Blend Crisco, sugar, egg, milk, and vanilla until blended.
• In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, soda, salt, and cinnamon.
• Add the dry mix to the wet mix and slowly blend.
• Add chocolate chips. Mix.
• Drop by teaspoonful scoops onto the sheet, 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes.
• Makes 2 ½ dozen cookies.
Tip: I like to use a one-and-a-half-inch ice cream scoop to scoop my cookie dough. It creates round, even cookies!
Bringing Black & White Coffee Home
The experience doesn’t have to end when customers leave the cafe. On the Black & White Coffee Roasters website, coffee lovers can browse an ever-changing selection of freshly roasted whole-bean coffees sourced from around the world. The company roasts orders on scheduled roast days before shipping, helping ensure customers receive coffee at its freshest.
The Perfect Ending
Brew a cup of Black & White signature coffee at home, pair it with a batch of chewy oatmeal, cinnamon, and chocolate chip cookies, and bring a little of the cafe’s warm, creative spirit into your own kitchen.
