Aurelie:The Cookie Guru, Santa Monica

Jul 12, 2011

The Santa Monica Place Market 395 Santa Monica Pl · Ste 347 · Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Neighborhood: Santa Monica

Mmmmm… Cookie.

I ventured over to SMP the other day to check out a fantastic cookie maker, The Cookie Guru. Other than selling her famous cookies at Farmer’s Markets, this is Aurelie’s first cookie shop. I was fortunate enough to run into her at her little stand where she proceeded to tell me a bit about the history behind her soon to be famous cookie. We chatted and she explained to me all the painstaking research that went into creating her version of the perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie.

She said that the perfect cookie should be “gooey, chewy, and crunchy”, all of which her cookie is. It is warm, right out of the oven and super soft. It is slightly undercooked which makes the cookie deliciously melt-in-your-mouth fantastic. Baking anything is such a science (which is probably why I suck at baking stuff… I got a C in science class). I truly believe that it is also an art, reserved for those who can master it. Aurelie has definitely got the science down. This is a pretty darn good cookie. There’s a slight nuttiness to it and there are no real “chips” as the chocolate is instead a sliver, almost like it’s own layer, right in between the actual cookie. It’s quite fantastic.

The price, set at $3 is steep, but remember guys that we are doing Santa Monica prices here. You’ll find comfort in knowing that the ingredients are all organic and carefully selected to create the specific “Guru” taste. She uses a no-nonsense European-style butter and a 66% bitter-sweet, dark chocolate from Tcho chocolate. It’s a quality product, a great splurge when you want to sin some and a delicious gift idea. For $15 you can get a ½ dozen and be the hit of the party. Or just eat one a day for 6 days and then join a gym.

She makes her own organic flavored Milk, which I hear is pretty tasty as well. I’m unfortunately lactose intolerant, (the worst stab in the heart for a foodie!) so if you visit Aurelie, try the Milk and let me know how it is! This way I can at least live vicariously through my readers.

For now, The Cookie Guru only makes chocolate chip. There’s usually a special cookie of the month as well. Last time, it was Caramel and this month it is Peanut Butter. I gotta say that if you are a fan of Peanut Butter, you’ll love this cookie, it’s so yummy!

Ok, I know some people will gripe without a bunch of different cookie options, but I’m fine with doing basics. If you want variety, go to Mrs. Fields. I guarantee you’ll wish you came here instead.

Me? Well, I’m a simple girl and a cheap date. Take me to get a cookie and I’m yours forever. Take me to The Cookie Guru and I’ll probably marry you right then and there. That being said – SMP is a good cheap date place when you just want to be casual and share an ice cream sandwich at Beachy Cream around the corner or (hint, hint) The Cookie Guru. Are you paying attention, boys?