The tiny 20m² Zagreb shop that’s a big hit with American cookies

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

By Paulina Mlinarić

A shop measuring just 20 square metres in Zagreb is proving that size is no barrier to success. Keks Point, tucked away in Papova Street on the city’s Knežija district, has become a favourite destination for dessert lovers, thanks to its exclusive focus on freshly baked American style cookies.

Behind the business is 25 year old entrepreneur Marija Petrović, who first started baking while studying at university.

“I began making cakes at home while I was a student. Among everything I baked were American cookies. My friends loved them, so I started posting photos on social media to see how people would react. I created a dedicated page, people started following us, and before long we were looking for a shop. Everything happened quite naturally,” Marija recalls.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Today, Keks Point bakes 10 different varieties of large American cookies every day. Each weighs between 130 and 140 grams and costs between €3 and €3.30.

While many bakeries offer a wide range of desserts, Keks Point has chosen a different approach.

“That is what makes us different. We specialise in one product and stick to it. We don’t sell cakes or other desserts, only cookies.”

According to Marija, the cookies were always the most popular item she made.

“At first I posted photos of different cakes and desserts, but people were always asking about the American cookies. At the time, you could hardly find them anywhere.”

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Over time, the recipes have been adapted to suit Croatian tastes.

“Traditional American cookies are often very sweet, so we reduced the amount of sugar to create a flavour that better suits our customers.”

The shop’s biggest bestseller remains the Bueno Cookie.

“It is definitely our most popular. Children love it as soon as they spot the Bueno chocolate, and we are also close to two schools, including an international school.”

Most customers are aged between 25 and 35, although students, Erasmus visitors, children and families also make up a large part of the customer base.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Marija believes the appeal of American cookies is easy to understand.

“They offer something a little different. We also package them beautifully in gift boxes with ribbons, so many people buy them as presents for friends, colleagues and even doctors. They stay fresh longer than many baked goods and can be enjoyed straight away or later with a coffee.”

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Customers are advised to eat the cookies within three days when stored at room temperature, although they remain fresh for longer.

This summer, Keks Point introduced another new product by pairing its cookies with soft serve ice cream.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

“I wanted to offer ice cream from the very beginning, but the machine was a major investment. After a year in business, I decided the time was right. The response was fantastic and we had a large number of customers on the very first day. We only sell the ice cream together with our cookies because they are the perfect combination.”

The menu changes throughout the year with the seasons.

“For Valentine’s Day we offered pistachio and raspberry flavours. Spring brought lemon and fruit flavours, while winter is all about cinnamon and festive spices.”

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

One of the biggest surprises was the success of the pistachio and raspberry cookie.

“We weren’t sure how customers would react, but it turned out to be one of our biggest hits.”

Keks Point has also recently introduced personalised giant cookies for birthdays and celebrations. Weighing around one kilogram, each cookie is equivalent to seven or eight standard cookies and can feature a personalised message of up to eight characters.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Despite operating from a compact shop, the business employs 11 staff members, including two full time employees and a team of students who work around their university schedules.

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

Looking ahead, Marija says expansion is on the horizon, but only at the right pace.

“We would love to open new locations, but we don’t want to expand at any cost. We are also exploring ways for even more people to try our cookies, wherever they are.”

(Photo: Paulina Mlinarić)

With queues regularly forming outside the shop, Keks Point shows that sometimes success comes from doing one thing exceptionally well and remaining true to it.