Title: The Crookie Craze: How a Paris Baker’s Creation Took the World by Storm
In the bustling streets of Paris, a new pastry sensation has taken the city by storm – the crookie. A fusion of croissant and cookie, the crookie was born out of a baker’s desire for a creative diversion and a few cookies for inspiration. Stéphane Louvard, the mastermind behind the crookie, first created the pastry almost a year and a half ago, but it wasn’t until TikTok videos showcased his creations that demand for the crookie exploded.
Mr. Louvard, a seasoned baker who has been making croissants from scratch for decades, got the idea for the crookie one morning in October 2022. He decided to mix croissants and cookies together, creating a unique and indulgent treat. Initially made for fun during his long shifts at the bakery, the crookie gained popularity among regulars and soon became a viral sensation on social media.
The crookie frenzy has not only taken over social media but has also spread to bakeries across France and around the world. Maison Louvard, Mr. Louvard’s bakery in central Paris, saw a surge in demand for the crookie, with customers lining up to get their hands on the coveted pastry. At the peak of the craze, the bakery had to reorganize its production to keep up with the overwhelming demand.
While the crookie has garnered praise for its unique flavor and texture, it has also faced criticism from some detractors. Complaints about the pastry being too oily, heavy, or “too American” have surfaced on social media. Additionally, the price of the crookie, at 5.90 euros for takeout and 7.10 euros to eat in, has raised eyebrows among customers.
Despite the mixed reviews, the crookie continues to attract tourists and locals alike, with Maison Louvard selling about 1,000 pastries a day. The crookie craze has even reached international shores, with bakeries around the world offering their own versions of the popular pastry.
As the crookie craze continues to sweep the globe, bakers and pastry chefs hope that the trend will inspire more people to explore the world of baking and create their own unique creations. While the crookie may be the latest sensation in the pastry world, the quest for the perfect croissant in Paris remains a timeless pursuit for many.
