Oreos: Milk's Favorite Cookie Becoming L.A.'s Favorite Cookie?

Oreos, somehow, are always a contender for most popular cookie. The chocolate sandwich crème has been a cookie jar staple in the American diet since 1912, and its classic “cookies n cream” combination – chintzy or not – always draws a crowd.

Now, it seems that the actual oreo itself is back in style, with an appearance of homemade renditions at three of-the-moment Los Angeles cafes and bakeries.

Bite's Homemade “Oreo”; Credit: S.Parenti

The most recent oreo arrival is from the newly opened Bite Bar & Bakery in Santa Monica and it looks like something the cookie monster would enjoy; it's a very big “oreo” measuring about 4 inches across. The thick dark chocolate cookies crumb just like the original and have a crispiness that elicits dunking. The crème – nice and sweet and made from a combination of shortening, sugar and vanilla – is spread on thick, almost to “double stuff” status.

In Hollywood at The Mercantile LA, on the more petite side of this black and white spectrum is the “BTO.” “BTO” means Better Than Oreo. (It is.) This one's cookies ooze with rich chocolate taste and a much appreciated speckling of chocolate chips. In between the thick and tender silver dollar sized cookies is a fluffy, fresh vanilla scented whipped crème. These little bites are sold individually or, thankfully, by the dozen.

Two BTO's from The Mercantile LA's; Credit: S.Parenti

At Platine Cookies in Culver City, a delicate take on LA's current “it” cookie, much like a fancy relative of the oreo, even has a classy name. The Platino is dainty in size and has a more cake-like chocolate top and bottom. In between, a smooth, rich vanilla creme with a nicely balanced sweetness. It's a well-rounded version that you envision being perfect for a party, or a special treat in a sophisticated picnic lunch.

The Mercantile LA, 6600 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles; (310)962-8202; Platine Cookies, 10850 Washington Blvd., Culver City; (310)559-9933; Bite Bar & Bakery, 3221 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica; (310)401-3397.

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