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Conventional wisdom asserts you can save money at Costco, the primary reason so many shoppers swear by the bulk retailer. Perhaps the fact that the bakery is wildly popular holds secondary appeal, though its prices are as competitive as the treats are delicious.
Fellow baked good aficionados know that Costco's ovens may not rival those found in a Parisian cafe, but sometimes, if you close your eyes, you could pretend you were there as you take a delicious bite.
Which treats, then, brought us the closest to that bucket list experience? Here are some of our favorites, along with one ultimate winner.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Plain & Everything Bagels
Price: $9.07
Yes, bagels fresh from a Brooklyn deli are sublime, but this 12-count bag is priced just right for quick weekday breakfasts.
I encourage spreads and toppings to counteract any less-than-heavenly dryness, such as cream cheese, lox, or nut butters for a protein kick.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Caramel Apple Strudel Bites
Price: $10.20
For those moments when you want a decadent nibble of pie with a rich, buttery crust, this 12-pack of generously-sized bites hits the mark.
I just wish that there was more fruit filling, as these treats are definitely crust-forward.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Streusel Muffins
Price: $7.93
I unashamedly love all things pumpkin and pumpkin spice, including this 8-pack of autumnal muffins loaded with streusel topping.
I'm not the only one who thinks there's not quite enough pumpkin flavor in these muffins, but for this price, I don't mind adding a dollop of flavored whipped cream to amp things up.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Price: $11.34
Coffee cake is a solid bakery staple, and Costco does a good job balancing the flavors and keeping the 30-ounce loaf moist throughout.
The topping is the standout winner, but I've found inconsistencies in the marbling at times. Overall, though, this cake is great for that morning dunk into your latte.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Rosemary Parmesan Bread
Price: $9.07
I'm already a fan of Costco's Rustic Italian bread, and this loaf takes it to the next level thanks to its savory, herbaceous flavor.
The texture is not unlike a sourdough, spongy enough for all of your favorite dipping and hearty enough to stand up to your favorite spread.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Blueberries & Cream Muffins
Price: $7.93
A moist muffin is a delicious muffin, one reason I'm a fan of these classic Costco confections. There's plenty of fruit inside and a delicious, sweet topping to round it all out.
Eight come in a package, meaning each muffin costs under a dollar, adding value to great texture and flavor.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Price: $11.34
I rank this high mainly because of the nostalgia factor, as these little treats remind me of the Entenmann's cookies that were so ubiquitous in decades past.
Sweet, perfectly chewy (especially for the first few days), and super affordable at 60 cookies per box, I'll always have a soft spot for these treats.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Danishes
Price: $13.61
These danishes have so much going for them, combining buttery pastry with sweet filling. This 4-pack comes with cherry, cream cheese, or almond flavors.
I'm partial to the cheese thanks to its creamy yet tangy flavor and perfect pastry-to-filling ratio. Each flavor has its merits, though.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Variety Dessert Bars
Price: $22.29
Yes, this may be the second most expensive item on this list, but you get 32 bars and they freeze well, so the value is legit.
The flavors are also everything you'd hope for: pecan caramel brownies, wildberry macaroons, chocolate chunk brookies, and macaroon madness bars.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Chocolate Cake Filled with Chocolate Mousse
Price: $20.42
As decadent as you could imagine, with fudge icing topping two layers of cake and mousse, any chocolate lover will fall for this 10-inch cake.
Some may find the icing cloying despite the fact that, somehow, there's a lightness to the cake. But overall, it's exactly the indulgence I expected.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Cheesecake
Price: $22.69
The classics often hold up in their perfectly executed simplicity, which is exactly how I feel about Costco's cheesecake. I'm not even mad that it's the priciest baked good on this list.
Smooth in texture, rich in flavor, and not too sweet, this cheesecake checks all of the boxes, right down to its perfectly crumbly graham cracker crust.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Butter Croissants
Price: $6.80
It's not just the great price on this 12-pack of pastries that makes it a standout to me. Rather, it's genuinely surprising how delicious these croissants are.
Light, flaky, buttery, and perfect with your beverage of choice, these pastries taste fresh from a mom-and-pop bakery. And as a bonus, they freeze beautifully.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Pumpkin Pie
Price: $6.80
Another homerun in the value category, this massive, 58-ounce pie is a Costco bakery juggernaut I look forward to every holiday season.
As nostalgic as it is consistent, this is also a win for well-executed simplicity. I like mine warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Runner Up: Kirkland Signature Variety Cookies
Price: $11.34
Eight chocolate chunk, eight oatmeal, and eight double nut cookies come in this wonderful box of chewy baked goodness. Each variety stands on its own with delicious flavors and pleasing chunks.
If I had to pick a favorite of the lot, it would be the chocolate chunk, but each cookie scores the high marks needed to nearly top this list.
Winner: Kirkland Signature Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake
Price: $21.55
Layers of creamy, chocolatey goodness? Check. A contrast in textures that highlights each ingredient? Check. Flavor intensity across the board? Check. This cake delivers the goods flawlessly.
Certified sweet tooths across the Internet agree that this cake is everything a dessert should be. I recommend it for your holiday tables; there will be no leftovers.
Bottom line
The best shopping hacks are those that seem obvious after the fact, like making sure you thoughtfully peruse every department at Costco. Each one, including (and especially) the bakery, has real gems that are as enjoyable as they are cost-effective.
Note that I didn't dig into the nutrition information on these decadent treats, but deploy moderation as you see fit for your lifestyle needs. Most of these are high in fat and calories, but isn't that what makes baked goods so delicious?
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
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