Manny Valladares is always looking for the next tasty bite to feature on "AirTalk" Food Friday on LAist 89.3.
Published Jun 12, 2026 3:50 PM
Lei'd Cookies offers a variety of cookies ranging in origin, taste and look.
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Courtesy Leilani Terris
)
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.
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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.
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?
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