‘We’ve started a movement,’ Lungi Mhlanga says proudly.
Out of context, you might think the 33-year-old is talking about something political, but what she’s actually referring to is cookies. The internet’s favourite cookies, to be precise.
The London-based recipe developer has become an online sensation after revealing her recipe for jam and buttered toast cookies.
You’ve probably seen the tempting treats all over social media, as quite literally everyone has been making them – singer Jessie Ware even whipped up a batch for Hilary Duff to try during a recent Table Manners episode.
Brands like Tesco, TikTok and Dr Oetker have recreated the cookies, while cafes and bakeries all around the world have added versions to their menus.
‘I’ve counted more than 60 countries that they’re in so far, including Paris, Mexico, Amsterdam and Australia, plus hundreds of cities,’ Lungi tells Metro. ‘It feels pretty wild.’
But it’s not surprising the cookies have captured attention, as Lungi is no stranger to creating brilliant bakes.
She’s spent nine years honing her craft and previously ran her own bakery, Treats Club, which was known for its decadent doughnuts.
The business initially began as a market stall in 2018, with Lungi later opening a physical store in Hackney.
After closing up shop in 2024, she embarked on a new role as the head of food innovation for Blank Street Coffee, and it was there that she first started getting serious about cookies.
As her skills developed, she started sharing her work on social media, where she’s known as @lungisalwaysbaking. So far, her jam and buttered toast cookie recipe has racked up more than three million views on TikTok.
Since posting the initial video in January, dozens of people have had one crucial question for the baker: Where did she get the idea to combine toast and a cookie?!
For Lungi, the answer is simple.
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‘It was a mix of years of working with textures and flavours, as well as intrigue and timing,’ she explains.
‘I spend a lot of time studying why we gravitate towards certain flavours when we’re ordering a dessert, so when I’m thinking of my own ideas, I’m often bridging the gap between familiarity and nostalgia and seeing how I can deliver it in a different form.
‘My first thought when making these cookies was – everyone I know loves the comfort of a slice of toast with butter and jam, it makes so much sense to try and combine that with a cookie. Very simple. Wildly familiar. It translates really well everywhere in the world.’
And while Lungi was expecting the recipe to resonate with people, she wasn’t prepared for the global response.
Underneath the recipe post on TikTok, Warburtons hailed the cookies ‘life-changing’, while the official YouTube account branded them ‘stupendous confectionery’. Others claimed they were ‘amazing’, ‘unreal’, ‘banging’ and ‘heaven’.
‘It’s been insane,’ she admits. ‘I genuinely can’t get my head around it. I could never have predicted it would go this crazy.
‘I feel really humbled seeing a cookie I created being loved by so many people, it’s magical being able to shift the conversation around cookies.
‘And to hear Hilary Duff talk about them when I am such a huge fan of hers – teenage me is screaming right now.’
Have you tried the viral toast cookies?
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Yes, I'm obsessed!
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I wasn't a fan…
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Not yet
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Brb, going to buy ingredients!
Many might be anxious about following up such a successful bake, but Lungi isn’t stressing about what’s coming next; she just wants to make things she’s proud of.
‘Chasing virality is a dangerous game. It’s all about being authentic with your content, and then if it does go viral, that’s just a happy accident.’
That said, she does have a few underrated bakes that she thinks deserve a little more love from the good people of the internet.
‘Justice for my plantain bread and butter pudding recipe,’ she jokes.
And if you’re wondering if she’s ever going to sell her own cookies, the answer is YES.
The star baker is currently working on putting together a pop-up where you’ll be able to buy the jam and buttered toast cookies, miso buttered toast cookies and more, all made by the pro herself.
‘I’m just trying to secure the perfect venues as I’d like to do more than one,’ she adds. ‘Fingers crossed by May/June this will be sorted.’
The cookies are coming, folks, so keep your eyes peeled!
In the meantime, if you don’t want to wait, the recipe is on Lungi’s social media pages, so you can always hop on the bandwagon and give the cookies a go yourself.
Have you heard about London's most viral cake?
With thousands of cafés, restaurants and bakeries, there’s so much food to be eaten in London.
And yet, online, there’s always one dish that seems to be capturing the most attention, one that people will queue for hours to get their hands on.
Right now, the item that’s stirring up a social media frenzy is a chocolate and whipped salted caramel cake.
The decadent treat was created by Edd Kimber, known online as @theboywhobakes, with the recipe featuring in his new cookbook, Chocolate Baking.
To celebrate the book’s launch, Populations Bakery at Corner Shop 180 has been making and selling the cake, and it’s proved such a hit that slices keep selling out in mere minutes.
The tempting treat is made with 72% Madagascan chocolate from Pump Street, as well as Marris Widgeon stoneground high extraction flour from Bruern Farms, and cultured butter by The Estate Dairy.
Because of the use of such high-quality ingredients, a slice doesn’t come cheap, costing £5.50.
Currently, it has had to be taken off the menu, as the bakery struggles to meet demand. But the plan is to bring it back in a few weeks, so stay tuned!
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