Johns Hopkins Student Launches Cookie Business
A Baltimore student is gaining viral popularity by selling massive, handcrafted cookies online.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Baking
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Johns Hopkins student Claude Strnad officially launched his New York-style cookie business in Baltimore on September 27, 2026. The venture has quickly gained traction, with his most recent batch selling out in just two minutes.
Why it matters
Strnad started the business as a personal tribute to his late father while balancing his academic life. He aims to scale production to meet the high demand generated by his social media presence.
Strnad’s cookies weigh between 170 and 200 grams, significantly larger than the standard 45 to 55-gram cookie. He currently produces 30 cookies weekly across six varieties, following a viral TikTok video that garnered 37,000 views.
The players
Claude Strnad
He is a Johns Hopkins University student who founded a cookie business as a tribute to his late father.
Johns Hopkins University
It is a private research university in Baltimore that serves as the home institution for the student founder.
The details
Operating from Baltimore, Strnad manages the entire process by testing flavors on Mondays, preparing dough on Thursdays, and baking every Sunday morning. The cookies are available in boxes of two or four through his website and Instagram account.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Strnad sold his first batch of cookies.
October 13, 2026: The fourth cookie drop sold out in two minutes.
Mondays: Strnad tests new cookie flavor varieties.
Tuesdays: Customers are able to place pre-orders.
Sundays: Baking begins at 5 a.m.
Culture Shift
This venture follows the broader trend of D2C micro-bakery businesses on social media that utilize scarcity and viral content to build rapid brand loyalty. It reflects how modern creators bypass traditional retail to turn personal hobbies into scalable, community-focused operations.
Baltimore customers can participate in weekly drops by following the shop's Instagram account for pre-order announcements. Because production is currently limited to 30 cookies per week, fans must act quickly on Tuesdays to secure an order.
The takeaway
Small-batch entrepreneurs can quickly build a following by maintaining a consistent production schedule and using social media for direct marketing. Aspiring bakers should focus on balancing their personal capacity with customer demand to ensure sustainable growth.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, check out the latest updates in Baking.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Baltimore Banner.
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