Introduction: A New Pastry Obsession Is Born
Who came up with crookie? It started as an unassuming treat tucked behind the glass counter of a small Parisian bakery. A flaky, golden croissant, its layers concealing something unexpected: rich, gooey cookie dough. Then, the internet took over. TikTok and Instagram food influencers captured the indulgent first bite, the perfect blend of crispy pastry and warm, melty cookie. Within weeks, the crookie—a hybrid of croissant and cookie—became an international obsession.
But who came up with the crookie? Where did this viral TikTok pastry originate? And why has it captivated dessert lovers worldwide? Let’s dive into the delicious history, creator, and cultural phenomenon behind this irresistible cookie croissant hybrid.
The Man Behind the Magic: Who Invented the Crookie?
Who came up with crookie? The crookie inventor is none other than Stéphane Louvard, a Parisian pastry chef with a passion for pushing the boundaries of traditional baking. Louvard is the proud owner of Boulangerie Louvard, a charming bakery nestled on Rue de Châteaudun in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
The Accidental Invention of a Social Media Star
Originally, the crookie wasn’t intended to be a viral sensation. It was simply a special treat for regular customers—a playful experiment combining two beloved pastries. Louvard, like many French bakers, understood the art and science behind perfecting pastries, balancing precision with creativity. (Read more about the craft of pastry-making in The Science Behind Creating Unique Pastries.)
His creation remained a hidden gem, enjoyed mostly by locals—until social media changed everything.
How Did the Crookie Become Famous?
The Power of Instagram and TikTok
The crookie’s rise to fame can be traced back to one pivotal moment: a video posted by The Ultimate Guide, a popular Instagram account dedicated to Parisian food discoveries. The video showcased the cookie-filled croissant in all its decadent glory, and it wasn’t long before it caught fire online.
Shortly after, TikTok influencer Johan Papz—known for showcasing the latest TikTok food trends—took a bite on camera, his reaction pure bliss. That clip alone sent thousands of followers scrambling to Boulangerie Louvard.
A Pastry Goes Viral
Almost overnight:
- Daily sales skyrocketed to 150-200 crookies per day
- Tourists started lining up outside the bakery before opening hours
- Other Parisian bakeries began attempting their own versions
- The crookie jumped continents, appearing in bakeries in Hong Kong, Brussels, and New York
Who came up with crookie? Much like the cronut and the cube croissant, the crookie is part of a larger social media-driven wave of hybrid pastries, proving that food trends are now global, thanks to the power of viral content.
What Makes the Crookie So Special?
A Perfect Harmony of Two Desserts
Who came up with crookie? The crookie trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about taste and texture. The magic lies in the balance between buttery, flaky croissant layers and soft, melty cookie dough.
What’s Inside a Crookie?
At Boulangerie Louvard, the crookie is crafted with:
- 24-hour fermented milk sourdough croissant, made with high-quality Charente butter
- Rich chocolate chip cookie dough, featuring premium Xoco Gourmet chocolate
The result? A crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey center, with just the right amount of crunch and chewiness.
How Is a Crookie Made?
The process is surprisingly intricate, involving:
- Cutting a freshly baked croissant lengthwise
- Filling it with raw cookie dough and sealing it back
- Baking it again, ensuring the cookie dough firms up but stays gooey inside
- Adding an extra layer of cookie dough on top
- Final bake, giving the crookie its signature crispy, caramelized shell
Where Can You Buy a Crookie?
Who came up with crookie? If you’re in Paris, the best place to buy a crookie is, of course, Boulangerie Louvard. Since December 2023, the crookie has been a permanent menu item due to its unwavering popularity.
For those outside of France, bakeries in cities like:
- New York (trendy bakeries in SoHo have started replicating it)
- Hong Kong (notable patisseries have added their own twist)
- London (fusion bakeries are experimenting with fillings)
If you can’t find one near you, don’t worry—you can make it at home!
(Want to recreate this viral sensation? Discover the authentic Crookie recipe and how you can recreate this viral sensation at home.)
How to Make a Crookie at Home: A Simple Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 buttery croissant (preferably a day old for structure)
- ½ cup cookie dough (chocolate chip works best)
- 1 egg yolk (for an extra golden glaze)
- A pinch of sea salt (to enhance flavors)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Carefully slice the croissant open without cutting all the way through
- Stuff the inside with cookie dough, pressing gently to fill the layers
- Spread a thin layer of dough on top for a crispy finish
- Brush the crookie with egg yolk for a golden glaze
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookie dough is slightly firm
- Sprinkle with sea salt and let cool slightly before indulging!
Why Is the Crookie Trending?
The crookie’s success isn’t just about taste—it taps into three major food trends:
- The Hybrid Pastry Craze – Much like the cronut, cube croissant, and cruffin, the crookie appeals to the modern love for innovative bakes
- Social Media-Driven Food Trends – Its Instagrammable cross-section and TikTok-worthy gooey bite make it a must-share dessert
- Nostalgia Meets Luxury – The childhood comfort of cookie dough combined with the elegance of a French croissant hits the sweet spot for foodies worldwide
Final Thoughts: A Dessert Worth the Hype
From a small Parisian bakery experiment to a global food sensation, the crookie is proof that culinary creativity knows no limits. Whether you grab one in Paris or bake it at home, there’s no denying that this cookie croissant fusion has earned its place as a modern dessert icon.
FAQs
1. Is the crookie available outside of France? Yes! Many bakeries in New York, London, and Hong Kong now offer their versions of the crookie.
2. How did TikTok make the crookie famous? A viral TikTok video by Johan Papz showcased the crookie, sparking massive interest worldwide.
3. Can I make a crookie with different cookie dough flavors? Absolutely! Peanut butter, Nutella-stuffed, or matcha cookie dough are delicious variations.
4. What makes Boulangerie Louvard’s crookie special? They use high-quality Charente butter and Xoco Gourmet chocolate, ensuring premium taste.
5. Is the crookie just a fad? Given its continued popularity and worldwide adoption, the crookie might just be here to stay!