Why is a cookie so expensive?

I just paid $6 for a cookie at a cafe.

Sure, it was delicious. But not $6 cookie delicious.

Let's break this down:

The Business Reality

1. Location premium - Prime Dubai real estate

2. Labor costs - Small batch baking, skilled staff

3. Quality ingredients (allegedly)

4. Inflation on food costs

The Psychology

1. Atmosphere - Carefully curated aesthetics

2. Social signaling - "I can casually spend $6 on a cookie"

3. Exclusivity pricing - When high prices become the point

We've somehow made $6 cookies feel reasonable. When did that happen?

People pay without blinking because:

• This side of town sets the expectation

• The aesthetic justifies the cost

Perhaps the high cost is exactly why they buy? Signaling status and exclusivity?

Or maybe I'm overthinking it, and it's just a cookie with high margins baked in.

(And yes, I finished every crumb. Draw your own conclusions.)