Bret KavanaughAny dessert enthusiast knows you have to respect the classics. The prime example of that is the humble and forgiving chocolate chip cookie. Invented in the 1930’s by Toll House Inn owner Ruth Graves Wakefield, its stratospheric rise in popularity cemented it as the quintessential American cookie.
Everyone has their own tips and tricks to make a delicious batch of chocolate chip cookies, and it’s easy to make them well. Making the best one, though — now, that’s something else entirely.
Not content to stick with delicious Portuguese egg tarts and Filipino ensaymada, Irvine’s Paderia Bakehouse decided to take on the challenge of making the best chocolate chip cookies. They definitely succeeded.
What’s on the Menu at Paderia Bakehouse
The cookies at Paderia are as thick as a fist, with chewy edges and a warm, gooey center. They combine the best qualities of cookie dough with the warmth and texture of a well-baked treat, and the flavor — indescribable.
Photo credit: Max Milla (@mxmilla)
There are a few different options on the cookie menu at Paderia:
- Classic chocolate chip. You’ll taste the high-quality chocolate in this cookie as you bite into its scrumptious center.
- Chocolate walnut. The soft inner layer of this cookie is interrupted by crunchy little morsels of walnut for a unique and delicious texture.
- Peanut butter chocolate. Salty, creamy peanut butter morsels liven up the classic chocolate chip cookie.
- Triple chocolate. This is for the true brownie lover. Made with imported Belgian chocolate (milk and dark combined), it’s incredibly rich and satisfying.
- Blueberry coconut pecan. This is a blueberry pie captured in the form of a cookie. The nutty, chewy addition of coconut flakes and pecans adds volume, body, and flavor. If you love fruit pies, you’ll love this.
While each is amazing in its own right, I have to be honest: the sheer goodness of the classic chocolate chip cookie kept me from trying the rest for a long time. Why mess with perfection? When I did, I realized my folly — I thought their cookies couldn’t get any better, but I was wrong. Instead of picking just one favorite, I would urge you to try them all. Seriously, get all of the cookies from Paderia. You won’t regret it.
Photo credit: Max Milla (@mxmilla)
Delicious Drinks at Paderia Bakehouse
Forget Starbucks — it’s all about the drink menu at this Irvine bakery. From fruit-sweetened tea to strong Central American coffee, Paderia has a wide variety of beverages available.
Tea lovers: try the strawberry jamaica (made with heart-healthy hibiscus petals), the minty citrus refresher, or the not-too-sweet pineapple tea. They’ll refresh your palate and take the edge off of their indulgent pastries.
If you need a little bit more caffeine than that, try the South American cold brew coffee or the Vietnamese iced coffee (sweetened condensed milk mixed with highly concentrated coffee).
Paderia Bakehouse also has a full menu of horchata, including:
- Classic horchata. This drink is a blend of rice, sweet vanilla, crème, and cinnamon.
- Matcha horchata. Trendy matcha goes well with this famous Mexican drink.
- Strawberry horchata. Strawberries and cream are the perfect combo, and this drink takes it to another level.
- Dulce de leche horchata. Caramel and velvety crème perfectly accentuate rich rice and cinnamon flavors.
Paderia Bakehouse’s Irvine Hours
Great news for pastry lovers! Paderia Bakehouse has extended the hours at its Irvine location. It’s now open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the weekends. These new hours offer plenty of time to fit a cookie break into your schedule, so you can go multiple times a day if you want to. This reviewer definitely does!
Where to Find Paderia Bakehouse
The Irvine location of Paderia Bakehouse is located right off the 55 and 405 in The Square at Skypark Circle. If you’re surrounded by office buildings, you’ll know that you’re in the right place. If you’re lost, just look for the airport. It’s only two blocks down.
The shopping center that Paderia is in has plenty of parking available at both the back and front lots, so don’t worry about getting the timing just right. The location does get packed during the lunch rush, but you’ll still be able to find a spot.
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