This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
You can find more than 15 internationally inspired flavors at Lei'd Cookies
Lei'd Cookies offers a variety of cookies ranging in origin, taste and look.
(
Courtesy Leilani Terris
)
Listen
13:13
Lei’d Cookies brings an array of sweet options to Culver City
Guest: Leilani Terris, baker and owner of Lei’d Cookies in Culver City, they also have a pop-up at Smorgasburg LA
A cookie business with well over a dozen flavors ranging from Mexican hot chocolate to mango sticky rice? How very L.A.! Lei’d Cookies started as a pandemic pop-up. Nowadays, you'll find them in the Culver City Arts District.
About the owner
Baker and owner Leilani Terris posing, holding two cookies from Lei’d Cookies.
(
Courtesy Leilani Terris
)
Co-owner Leilani Terris originally thought she'd become a physical therapist. After applying to school, she took a gap year, taught herself to bake and connected with co-owner James Lewis to start their cookie business.
Terris sat down with Austin Cross, who hosts AirTalk every Friday, to explain how their cookies take customers on a bite-sized journey to other countries.
What's the best way to experience Lei'd Cookies?
Add ice cream to a warm cookie at their Culver City shop. If you want a more communal experience, take a trip with a group of friends to Smorgasburg L.A., which takes place every Sunday in downtown L.A.
Sponsored message
Known for international flavors
Terris wants customers to get a taste of other cultures. Lei'd Cookies has put a spin on ghriba, a type of shortbread cookie from Morocco, and spicy Mexican hot chocolate.
Bakery details
- Although Terris didn't start with professional culinary experience, her co-owner, James Lewis, worked in restaurant management for years prior to opening.
- They joined Smorgasburg L.A.'s list of vendors in 2021.
- Lei'd Cookies opened its brick-and-mortar in Culver City in 2023.
Cookies we tried
- Orange Date Blossom Cookie (Ghriba inspired and includes apricot jam and walnuts)
- Mayan (cinnamon, cayenne, and chocolate from Tabasco, Mexico)
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Guava and Goat Cheese (their best-seller)
How to visit
- Address: 8588 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 5-9 p.m.
- Cost: Single cookie is $5, a box of five is $20, and a box of 10 is $35.
What should we try next?
Have a question or comment about a segment? Want to pitch us a story?
Fill out the form below, and please include an email address so we're able to follow up if necessary! We're not able to respond to every inquiry, but all submissions are read and reviewed by our production team.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
