Users of TikTok are familiar with its many branches and subdivisions that focus on just about every niche interest in the book—from WoodTok (the wood-carving side of TikTok), to KnitTok (TikTok’s knitters club), to WildTok (where stuntmen and parkour athletes show off their crazy tricks), there is something for quite literally everyone.

Recently, the side of TikTok I found myself spending an embarrassing amount of time on was CrumblTok, where users purchase, sample, and review the new cookie flavors released weekly by popular cookie shop Crumbl Cookie. Seeing new, fun, and colorful cookies every week is something I continue to look forward to, and I love hearing people’s honest reviews of the cookies’ flavors and textures, especially when they contradict my expectations.

Considering my love of Crumbl culture, I was so excited to find out that a few of my fellow Royals (fellow journalists for the Royal Reporter, in fact!) are currently employees at the chocolate chip chateau and could answer a few of my burning questions. Julianna Ortiz ’23, Allison Lillestol ’23, and Trista Verne ’23 are all cookie artisans ready to share how the cookie really crumbles behind the scenes.

To begin, I asked Allison if she has a favorite cookie to whip together and if there are any cookies with a crumby creation process. As her favorite, Alison named the very tasty S’mores Brownie Cookie: “We get to mix two cookies doughs together to make the most delicious cookie ever!” However, not every cookie is created equal… Alison shared, “My least favorite, although it’s one of my favorites to eat, is the Pop-Tart Cookie. It was such a mess.”

Next, I turned to Julianna for a real and brutal look at Crumbl’s seemingly cozy work environment. When asked about the cons of working in this dessert oasis, Julianna revealed, “I do have to slick my hair back so anyone in passing think I am bald. We also cannot have any sort of nail polish extra nail length, earrings, or any other piercings.” Despite these negatives, Julianna was clear the pros outweigh the cons: “One of the pros of working at Crumbl is meeting a variety of people. There are so many employees that you get to work with someone new every shift. I also enjoy the paychecks!”

Lastly, I went to Trista for an employee’s perspective on which cookies are actually the tastiest. To my surprise, Trista stated, “My personal favorite cookie to eat is either the Fruit Pizza or the Chocolate Silk Pie. They’re both delicious!” In my experience on CrumblTok, those flavors are not often listed as peoples’ favorites, so Trista’s answer intrigued me and might inspire me to step out of my comfort zone the next time those flavors are in rotation!

Post-Crumbl-Investigation, I am grateful to our wonderful cookie-making Royals for their insight into the whimsical cookie wonderland that is Crumbl Cookie, and after all this cookie-talk, I can’t wait to order a dozen or two!