Owned by Lydia Shane since the early 2000’s it seems as though many still have not heard of DeLuscious Cookies & Milk, its location on the second floor of what looks like an office building undoubtedly part of the reason as both Ingredients and innovation...set a high standard even amidst growing competition. Beginning as a delivery-only concept, the bulk of business still via online ordering and pick-up or send-out from 829 North Highland Avenue, it is after climbing a flight of stairs that guests will find bakers hard at work, the “front of house” seemingly not used to on-site sales but happy to make recommendations from a list of classics and seasonally variable specials. Certainly not an everyday indulgence, though the $4 per item cost is not far from that of other Los Angeles artisan bakeshops, it was in exchange for $20.50 that five items were taken elsewhere to enjoy, first bites of the carefully wrapped Cinnamon Brulee Cookie finding rim crisp and center soft with the familiar flavor of a Snickerdoodle dialed up a few notches by gooey puddles presumably made of melted Streusel. Onward next to Chocolate Chip, the Cocoa-riddled structure similar to its predecessor though no two bites are similar thanks to three types of Belgian Chocolate, it was with more density that Peanut Butter next delivered expected flavors, though unlike so many others DeLuscious’ version adds un-ground Nuts prior to baking for less sweetness and more texture. Rounding out Cookies with Oatmeal Raisin, a preponderance of dried Fruit nicely balanced by bold Baking Spices, it was in ‘grand finale’ fashion that DeLuscious wowed with a Butterscotch Blondie, the texture almost that of Gooey Butter Cake but the tang of Cream Cheese replaced by caramelized Brown Sugar and Molasses.More