Glazed croissant donuts at Houston H-E-B stores are selling out within hours after going viral online, with demand up 20 times normal levels.

HOUSTON — You’ve probably seen them all over your social feed the glazed croissant donut at H-E-B Bunker Hill.

But what many may not know is this sweet treat has actually been around for years at select H-E-B bakeries. Now, after suddenly going viral, stores can’t keep them on the shelves.

Bakery manager Cory Cutz, who’s been with H-E-B for 28 years, gave KHOU 11’s Michelle Choi an exclusive access inside her bakery to show how the flaky, buttery pastry comes together.

“It’s a tiny space but we make it happen!” she said.

First, the croissant dough goes into the proofing station to rise and expand. Next, it’s fried until golden brown. Finally, the donuts are glazed warm, shiny and ready to devour.


“See how it stretches out, just like a donut!” said Cutz.

She says several H-E-B bakeries, including Bunker Hill, have carried these croissant donuts for years. But in the last few months, they’ve exploded online, creating a demand no one expected.

When asked if she had any idea the items would become such a viral sensation, “Honestly no I did not, because we’ve had it for the longest,” she replied.

She says the phones are ringing off the hook.

“Several calls daily, asking are you going to have it tomorrow, when is your next shipment, can you save me some, can I put up an order.”

When asked why she believes they’re a hit? “Well, it’s the dough, because you have croissant dough, and donut dough, so once you put those two together it’s just delicious,” Cutz said.

When asked if there’s a method to eating it, “just eat it and enjoy it, you’re going to love em.”


H-E-B says demand has skyrocketed, up 20 times since the pastries went viral. The croissant donut which sells for just $.98 each usually sells out within hours.

The grocery chain says it’s ramping up production, with more glazed croissants expected to hit shelves in the next month.

But until then, Cutz’s tip for getting your hands on the viral sensation, come early.

“Yes, as soon as doors open,” said Cutz. For now, the early bird gets the croissant donut.


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