In Paris, Stéphane Louvard, a 51-year-old Parisian baker, has gained fame for his creation, the crookie, a croissant-cookie-dough hybrid. It has become a popular treat in the city, especially after a French social media influencer’s video about it went viral on TikTok in 2024. Since then, demand for the crookie has surged, and it has even caught the attention of famous pastry chefs and Olympic athletes like Simone Biles.
The crookie is just one example of how American pastries are making their mark in France. French food expert Nicolas Nouchi attributes this trend to social media influence and a desire among younger generations for convenient and sweet dessert options. The snacking universe in France is evolving, with an increasing number of quick-service outlets offering American-style treats like donuts and cookies.
Other American-French hybrid pastries, such as Dominique Ansel’s Cronut, have also gained popularity worldwide. In addition to the Cronut, variations like the cruffin, croloaf, cretzel, croclair, and croffle have emerged in different countries. These pastries combine French pastry craftsmanship with American flavors, appealing to a diverse audience.
While traditional French pastries like baguettes remain a staple in the country, there is a growing interest in innovative pastry creations. Bakeries like Bo & Mie and Land & Monkeys in Paris offer unique pastries inspired by American desserts, attracting customers from all over France. Despite the influx of American-style pastries, bakers like Louvard and Ansel believe that classic French pastries will always have a special place in the hearts of the French.
As Paris embraces a fusion of French and American pastry traditions, the culinary scene in the city continues to evolve. With the Olympics in town, athletes and visitors have the opportunity to indulge in a wide range of pastries, from traditional baguettes to innovative Franken-pastries like the crookie. Paris remains a hub of culinary creativity, where old and new pastry traditions coexist harmoniously, catering to a diverse and discerning audience.