Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Croffle

A croffle is a hybrid pastry that fuses the buttery, flaky layers of a with the crispy, indented texture of a , achieved by pressing and baking croissant dough in a . First popularized in 2017 by Irish pastry chef Louise Lennox during a pop-up event in Dublin—following an earlier 2015 demonstration using puff pastry—the croffle draws inspiration from croissant hybrids like the cronut, transforming the traditional French pastry into a versatile base for both sweet and savory toppings. The pastry gained significant traction in starting in late 2018, where it emerged as a trendy café item in , often featuring elaborate fillings like chocolate, ice cream, or fruit compotes, before spreading internationally through and specialty bakeries; as of 2025, it remains a popular item in global café culture. By 2021, croffles had reached major cities like and , with dedicated outlets such as Croffle House in introducing American adaptations, including and seasonal flavors, solidifying its status as a modern dessert innovation. Its appeal lies in its adaptability for dietary variations, such as gluten-free or vegan versions using alternative doughs.

Definition and Characteristics

Description

A croffle is a hybrid pastry that combines the buttery, laminated dough characteristic of a with the indented, crispy exterior of a . This fusion results in a flaky, layered interior pressed into a waffle-like grid pattern, blending the rich flavors and tenderness of traditional French with the satisfying crunch and shape of a waffle. The core concept of a croffle involves taking dough and cooking it in a , which compresses and heats the dough to form a cohesive, unified product with distinct waffle impressions while preserving the dough's inherent flakiness. The process in the dough, involving repeated folding with layers, contributes to the airy, butter-infused texture once transformed. The term "croffle" is a portmanteau derived from "" and "," reflecting its blended origins. It serves as a versatile base for both sweet toppings, such as fruits and creams, and savory accompaniments, like cheeses or meats, making it adaptable for various meals.

Physical and Sensory Properties

The croffle exhibits a distinctive external characterized by a golden-brown color achieved through the cooking process in a , featuring a patterned surface with deep indentations that form the classic waffle grid. Crispy edges are prominent along the perimeter, while breaks in the croffle reveal visible flaky layers inherited from the croissant dough. In terms of texture, the croffle offers a contrasting profile with a crispy and crunchy exterior resulting from the compression and heat of the waffle iron, juxtaposed against a soft, airy, and buttery interior composed of multiple flaky layers. This dual texture provides a satisfying crunch on the outside while maintaining tenderness within, distinguishing it from both traditional croissants and waffles. The flavor profile of a croffle is dominated by the rich, buttery taste derived from the dough base, which remains neutral enough to accommodate or enhancements. An optional coating of prior to cooking can lead to , adding subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall richness without overpowering the inherent butteriness. Croffles form a rectangular or square shape dictated by the , complete with characteristic indentations that facilitate adhesion of toppings. This compact size makes them ideal for handheld consumption or as a base for various accompaniments.

Historical Development

Origins and Invention

The concept of a croissant-waffle predates the formal of the croffle, with an early demonstration appearing in a 2015 magazine video tutorial by contributor Katie Quinn, who pressed thawed in a to create a simple, crispy item. This precursor highlighted the potential for combining the flaky layers of a croissant with the griddled texture of a waffle, though it remained a niche, home-style experiment rather than a commercial product. The croffle as a distinct pastry was invented in 2017 by pastry chef Louise Lennox in collaboration with the bakery chain Cuisine de France in , . Lennox, known for her innovative baked goods, developed the croffle by adapting croissant dough to be cooked in a , resulting in a buttery, indented hybrid that retained the pastry's richness while gaining a waffle's crisp exterior. The early intent behind the croffle was to create an innovative bakery product that merged two beloved pastries for novelty and enhanced texture, appealing to consumers seeking familiar yet exciting treats. Initially, it saw limited availability in select bakeries, primarily through Cuisine de France outlets , before gaining broader attention.

Popularization and Global Spread

The croffle debuted in November 2018 at the café Aufglet in , , where it quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant café scene and marked the beginning of its popularization across . By early 2019, the treat had spread to numerous cafés throughout , appealing to patrons with its visually striking texture and versatility for both sweet and savory toppings. This initial buzz was amplified by 's Instagram-centric café culture, where the croffle's photogenic layers encouraged widespread sharing on social platforms. The croffle's popularity surged in 2020 amid the , as lockdowns prompted a global boom in home that made the simple preparation—requiring just a and store-bought croissants—highly accessible to amateurs. sales increased by 300% from May 2019 to May 2020, reflecting heightened interest in easy projects like the croffle. played a pivotal role in this acceleration, with tutorials demonstrating the technique garnering millions of views and an April 2020 Instagram post by South singer further boosting its visibility. Platforms like and turned into trends, transforming the croffle from a novelty into a worldwide home experiment. By late 2020, the croffle had begun its international expansion, with the first dedicated spot, Croffle House, opening in , , in August of that year, followed by appearances in cafés such as Mumu Bakery Cafe and Bumsan Organic Milk Bar in November. The trend extended to , , , , and between 2021 and 2022, often arriving via specialty bakeries and pop-ups that capitalized on its hybrid appeal and social media hype. The croffle's momentum persisted into 2023–2025, integrating deeply into café culture as a staple offering with innovative twists like and regional flavors, while global adopted it for its adaptability. In 2023–2024, it expanded to mainstream cafés across the U.S., , and , driven by ongoing virality and sales growth of 10–30% reported by participating venues. By 2025, trends pointed to sustained popularity through home-baking kits and flavor fusions, such as in North American markets, solidifying its place in international innovations.

Culinary Preparation

Basic Preparation Method

The basic preparation of a croffle utilizes pre-made , which is laminated with layers of to create its characteristic flakiness, along with optional granulated for coating the exterior. This can be store-bought in sheet or roll form, typically containing , , , , , and as core components. To prepare, first thaw the dough if it is frozen, following package instructions, which may include proofing for raw frozen croissants to allow rising; this usually takes 20-30 minutes for basic thawing to reach for pliability or longer (up to several hours) if proofing is required. Portion the into triangles or balls, approximately 2-3 ounces each, depending on the size. If using sugar, gently roll each portion in granulated sugar to coat both sides, preserving the 's layered structure without compressing it. Preheat the to medium-high heat and lightly grease the plates if necessary to prevent sticking. Place the portions into the , close the lid, and cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the exterior is and crisp, with escaping indicating internal cooking. Remove the croffles and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack for 1-2 minutes to firm up before serving. The primary equipment required is a standard , with a Belgian-style model preferred for its deeper pockets that accommodate the dough's expansion and enhance texture. Unlike traditional croissant baking, no oven proofing or extended rising is needed for pre-proofed or sheet doughs, as the waffle iron's heat and pressure handle the cooking process directly; for raw frozen dough, follow package guidelines which may require proofing. Preparation involves 10-15 minutes of active time per batch, with no additional resting periods beyond initial thawing or any required proofing. A standard sheet of croissant dough typically yields 4-6 croffles, depending on portion size and iron capacity.

Variations and Toppings

Croffles lend themselves to a wide array of sweet variations that enhance their flaky, crispy texture, allowing toppings to adhere well without sogginess. Common sweet toppings include spread, fresh berries such as strawberries or blueberries, , scoops, and drizzles of , which provide contrasting creaminess and tartness against the buttery base. Additional presentations feature sugar-dusted surfaces for a simple finish or chocolate-filled interiors that melt during pressing, creating a gooey center. Savory adaptations position croffles as versatile or items, incorporating toppings like sliced for creaminess, fried or poached eggs for protein, melted cheese for richness, and crispy strips for smokiness. These combinations transform the neutral into a hearty sandwich base, often layered post-cooking to preserve the waffle-like indentations. During preparation, fillings can be incorporated directly into the dough before pressing to infuse flavors throughout. Sweet jams like or , soft cheeses such as or , and diced fruits including bananas or apples are rolled into the croissant dough triangles, resulting in pockets of concentrated taste upon cooking. Dietary adaptations enable broader accessibility, with vegan versions substituting traditional butter-based croissant dough for plant-based alternatives like those made from vegan puff pastry or coconut oil-infused recipes, often topped with coconut whipped cream or fruit compotes. Gluten-free approximations use alternative flours in dough formulations, such as those from or bases, to mimic the original structure while supporting toppings like butters or fresh produce.

Cultural and Commercial Impact

Regional Adaptations

In , the croffle emerged as a staple in trendy café culture, where it is frequently customized with sweeter elements to suit local dessert preferences, such as toppings of , cream, or , often presented in visually appealing ways for sharing. American interpretations of the croffle emphasize abundance and indulgence, featuring larger servings topped with rich additions like spreads or s'mores-inspired components including , graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows, which have integrated it into offerings at casual eateries. European versions maintain a closer connection to the croissant's savory heritage, opting for straightforward preparations with ingredients like and melted cheese, as seen in French-inspired cafés where the focus remains on simplicity and balanced flavors. Across , including and , the croffle has fused with regional culinary traditions, incorporating local sweet-savory elements such as salted egg yolk or red bean in , while in it draws from artisanal influences like sauces alongside emerging trends in pairings to complement the hybrid pastry's .

Trends and Market Influence

The croffle's market growth accelerated following the 2020 , as home baking trends drove a 300% spike in sales from May 2019 to May 2020, facilitating widespread experimentation with the hybrid . By 2023, the trend had expanded into commercial settings, with cafés in the U.S., , and reporting 10-30% increases in sales and new customer traffic attributed to croffle offerings. From 2023 to 2025, croffles became staples on café menus, often customized with toppings like , ube, or seasonal fruits to appeal to diverse preferences, as seen in chains such as Croffle House and independent spots like CALMO Coffee in . Retail innovation followed, with frozen croissant dough products and pre-made baking kits entering supermarkets, enabling at-home replication and boosting accessibility for consumers. Social media played a pivotal role in amplifying the croffle's popularity, particularly through viral TikTok recipes and demonstrations that garnered millions of views, driven by influencers highlighting its photogenic textures and Korean-inspired variations. This digital hype, concentrated in among trends, translated to real-world demand, with platforms like and encouraging that further embedded croffles in youth-oriented cafe culture. Commercialization expanded with branded products, including Sephra's croffle-making and kits for professional use, alongside limited appearances on major chains' menus, such as the Pumpkin Spice Croffle at select locations in 2024. These developments underscore the croffle's shift from niche novelty to viable profit driver in the sector. Looking ahead, croffles are positioned as a sustained trend through 2025, aligning with broader growth where Circana reports strong on indulgent baked despite economic pressures. Hybrids like croffles exemplify ongoing innovation in formats and flavors, with new offerings such as and Pearl Salt Croffles introduced in in October 2025.

References

  1. [1]
    The Croffle Lands in NYC, Seeking Cronut-Level Fame - Eater NY
    Aug 24, 2021 · At the time, the pastry was a rare sighting in the capital of South Korea. The market was “very small,” explains Croffle House co-founder ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  2. [2]
    Is The Croffle Pastry Perfection? Chef Louise Lennox Thinks So
    Jul 12, 2017 · Is The Croffle Pastry Perfection? Chef Louise Lennox Thinks So. If you can't go past midday without your croissant fix and weekend brunch isn't ...
  3. [3]
    Croffles: 2-Ingredient Croissant Waffles Recipe and Instructions
    Jul 18, 2024 · While pastry chef Louise Lennox is credited with inventing croffles in 2017, they remain popular, especially on social media, for good reason.
  4. [4]
    If You Love Breakfast and Dessert Crossovers, You Have to Try a ...
    Aug 30, 2023 · First popularized in cafés in Seoul, Korea, the croffle is about as thick as a regular waffle but much lighter and airier. With many different ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin<|control11|><|separator|>
  5. [5]
    The Croffle, a croissant waffle hybrid, has arrived - Time Out
    Aug 26, 2021 · The waffle-shaped croissant hails from South Korea, where it was a pre-pandemic fad in Seoul, and is now available at the new bakery, Croffle ...
  6. [6]
    Bay Area bakeries cooking the croffle, a croissant-like pastry
    Aug 19, 2022 · Layers upon layers of flaky pastry can be seen inside a freshly cooked croffle, a croissant-waffle hybrid, at East Bay Bakery in Danville.<|control11|><|separator|>
  7. [7]
    Easy Croffle Recipe (Croissant Waffle) - Modern Honey
    Rating 5.0 (5) · 10 minAug 31, 2024 · A croffle is a croissant dough baked in a waffle iron, creating a fusion of a buttery, flaky croissant and a crispy waffle.
  8. [8]
    How to Make Croffles — Croissant Waffles - Food & Wine
    Jun 22, 2017 · A croffle is the marriage of two of my favorite breakfast items: the croissant and the waffle.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  9. [9]
    Croffle (Croissant Waffle) Recipe - Tasting Table
    Rating 4.9 (20) · 3 minJul 29, 2022 · While "croffle" may sound like an obscure British dessert, it's actually a portmanteau of "croissant" and "waffle," similar to (and surely ...Missing: etymology | Show results with:etymology
  10. [10]
    The croffle: a croissant that becomes a successful waffle | Ampi.be
    A croffle is a croissant baked in a waffle iron, making it very crispy. It is often topped with sweet or savory fillings.
  11. [11]
    Easy Croffle (Croissant Waffles) - Momsdish
    Rating 4.8 (22) · 8 minMay 10, 2023 · A croffle is a mix between a croissant and a waffle. Defrosted, unbaked croissants are coated in sugar, then placed in a waffle iron to cook ...
  12. [12]
    Croffles - How to make Croissant Waffles | Mimi Ju's Kitchen
    Rating 3.9 (192) · 15 minJan 16, 2021 · Croffles, also known as croissant waffles, are a popular Korean street food! They are crispy, flakey and delicious served with maple syrup.
  13. [13]
    What is a Croffle? A Closer Look at Geláre's Croffle Options - Gelare
    This hybrid delicacy combines the buttery richness of a French croissant with the crispy texture of a waffle which is baked to perfection in a waffle iron.Missing: size | Show results with:size<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Meet the Croffle, the Croissant-Waffle Crossbreed Hoping to Be the ...
    Aug 27, 2021 · The bakery is the brainchild of William Ham and pastry chef Kooksu Kim, who first tried his hand at croffle-making during a 2019 trip to Seoul.
  15. [15]
    Dublin pastry chef introduces food hybrid known as the croffle
    Oct 7, 2017 · This new take comes from pastry chef Louise Lennox. It combines croissants and waffles by placing rich buttery croissant pastries into a waffle iron.Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  16. [16]
    Goodbye Cronut. Hello Croffle! - The Kraze
    Mar 14, 2021 · The croffle was originally created in 2017 by Irish pastry chef Louise Lennox. Normal croissant dough is rolled and placed into a waffle maker ...Missing: reputable | Show results with:reputable
  17. [17]
    Croffle Trend 2025: How Cafés & Retailers Can Capitalize ... - Accio
    Jan 1, 2025 · The croffle, a hybrid of croissant and waffle, originated in Ireland in 2017 but gained global traction through South Korea's café culture and ...Missing: reputable | Show results with:reputable
  18. [18]
    The Croffle, A Croissant Waffle Hybrid, Has Arrived: Symrise In-Sight
    The waffle-shaped croissant hails from South Korea, where it was a pre-pandemic fad in Seoul, and is now available at the new bakery, Croffle House, in Queens. ...
  19. [19]
    Croffles Recipe (Croissant Waffles, 2 Ingredients)
    Aug 26, 2025 · Croffles are a sweet, buttery mashup between croissants and waffles. In this 2-ingredient recipe, store-bought croissant dough is cooked in ...Missing: pastry definition
  20. [20]
    Croffles (2-Ingredient Waffles) - Sweet As Honey
    Rating 4.8 (4) · 11 minMar 28, 2023 · Another method to make croffle is to buy a ready-made frozen croissant. Thaw the croissants at room temperature, then roll them into ...Missing: credible | Show results with:credible
  21. [21]
    Easy Croffles (Croissant Waffle) - I Heart Naptime
    Rating 5.0 (6) · 8 minJan 17, 2025 · These easy croffles are a croissant waffle with flaky, buttery layers and a crisp exterior from a waffle iron! All you need are crescent roll dough, sugar and ...
  22. [22]
    Easy Croffle Hack From Grocery Store Frozen Croissants
    24 hr 6 minAug 8, 2024 · Make Korean cafe style croffles at home with this easy hack! Defrost frozen mini croissants and stick in a Belgian waffle maker.<|control11|><|separator|>
  23. [23]
    Croffles {3 ingredients} - Belly Full
    13 minDec 8, 2023 · Toppings – Pure maple syrup, whipped cream, and/or fresh fruit. ... Some suggested fillings include bananas and Nutella, cream cheese and ...
  24. [24]
    Nutella Croffles - The BakerMama
    13 minMar 6, 2024 · Serve with maple syrup for dipping. They're also great served with fresh fruit, whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup or Nutella on top.
  25. [25]
    Croissant Waffles (Easy Croffles) - Soulfully Made
    15 minSep 20, 2025 · Croffle Topping Ideas: ; Chocolate & Banana: Nutella, banana slices, and chopped hazelnuts. ; Decadent Dessert: Caramel sauce, whipped cream, and ...
  26. [26]
    How to Make a Savory Croffle - The Quick Journey
    20 minNov 7, 2022 · Learn how to make a savory croffle that pairs a flaky pastry and all of the best, savory ingredients like salami, eggs, and cheese!Missing: options | Show results with:options
  27. [27]
    BLT & Egg Croffle Recipe - Schulstad Bakery Solutions
    45 minSavory croffle with bacon, egg, tomato, avocado, and arugula—perfect for all-day breakfast menus.Missing: cheese | Show results with:cheese
  28. [28]
    Easy Croffle (Croissant Waffles - 14 Ways!) - The Picky Eater
    Rating 5.0 (4) · 10 minAug 1, 2023 · This easy croissant waffle recipe is perfect for a busy morning, yet looks hand crafted from a local bakery. You can enjoy these croffles 14 different ways.<|control11|><|separator|>
  29. [29]
    Easy Croffle (Croissant Waffle) - MJ and Hungryman
    Rating 5.0 (28) · 10 minJul 11, 2024 · Croffles are croissant rolls cooked in a waffle maker. To make, roll out dough, add fillings, roll, and cook in a waffle iron.What is a Croffle? · Croffle Fillings and Toppings · Step-by-Step Instructions
  30. [30]
    Stuffed Croffles (Croissant Waffles) - Feeding Tiny Bellies
    Rating 5.0 (4) · 8 minDec 19, 2021 · Stuffed croffles are a fusion of croissants and waffles, made by filling croissant dough, rolling it, and cooking it in a waffle iron.
  31. [31]
    How to Make Korean Croffles Recipe (Croissant Waffles)
    35 minApr 10, 2024 · Croffles (croissant waffles), your new favorite brunch staple. This recipe is gluten-free, vegan, quick, easy, and best of all delicious.
  32. [32]
    Vegan Croissant Waffles
    35 minSep 16, 2021 · It's like a funnel cake dessert but without the hassle of deep frying! Vegan croissant waffle topped with coconut whip and blueberry chia jam.
  33. [33]
    Trending in Korea 【Croffle】$268 8 Flavours in 1 Box - TapNow
    ... 【Croffle Gift Set】package lowest at $258, including 8 flavours: Yuzu Honey, Peanut Butter & Condensed Milk, Matcha Red Beans and Strawberry Cream Cheese...etc.Missing: south | Show results with:south
  34. [34]
    I'm obsessed with this crazy NJ breakfast food: Have you tried it
    Feb 26, 2024 · Allow me to introduce you to the Croffle: basically the love child of a croissant and a waffle with elaborate toppings.
  35. [35]
    https://toulousesecret.com/en/croffle-toulouse-en/
  36. [36]
    Croffle: this half-croissant, half-waffle pastry is devoured in Toulouse
    Mar 12, 2025 · On the menu: savoury or sweet French toast-style brioches, fluffy pancakes and, of course, Croffles! With tiramisu or red berries, there's ...
  37. [37]
    Salted Egg and Red Bean Croffles | Chinatown Bangkok ... - YouTube
    Sep 10, 2022 · Croffles are waffle-shaped croissants that originated from South Korea. Salted egg and Red Bean croffles at Chinatown Street Food- Bangkok ...Missing: Indonesia variations<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    New Croffle craze from Baker Time - Asia Food Beverages
    Sep 24, 2021 · Baker Time is Indonesia's artisanal croffles inspired by Japanese desserts and snacks, such as matcha dipping sauce, cheese brûlée, karaage ...Missing: variations | Show results with:variations
  39. [39]
    From frozen Milo, waffle-shaped croissants, to macaroni kebabs
    Dec 15, 2021 · From frozen Milo, waffle-shaped croissants, to macaroni kebabs: Indonesia's ever changing 'trending food' - Food - The Jakarta Post.
  40. [40]
    A new style of cafe! The appeal of Crouffle and innovation in ...
    Jan 30, 2024 · This new sweet treat is an exquisite fusion of a croissant and a waffle, and its appeal is bringing innovation to the cafe industry.
  41. [41]
    https://www.instagram.com/p/C_OPJdpTVf4/
  42. [42]
    https://www.fooddive.com/news/bakery-grocery-sales-strong-snacking-decline/758135/
  43. [43]
    Behind the croissant craze: Why baked goods shine even as ...
    Aug 20, 2025 · “Bakery is showing the greatest increase in spending, driven by both an increase in trips as well as spend per trip versus same time last ...Missing: 2020 | Show results with:2020
  44. [44]
    Bonuts, crookies & duffins: The bakery hybrid trend that keeps evolving
    Jun 9, 2025 · They reinvent the classics. Hybrids give familiar flavours a new twist – like using croissant dough in a muffin shape (cruffins) or ...