Costco Pastries, Ranked Worst To Best

8. Kirkland Signature cinnamon chip bisconie bites

The cinnamon chip bisconie bites might not have been our top pick among the pastries we sampled, but they still make for a decent option, particularly if you're looking for smaller treats. These are among the few bite-sized pastry choices available at Costco, and they have a delightful flavor. They fall somewhere between a biscotti and a brownie, which is how they got their name.

We anticipated a more pronounced biscotti flavor, but they resembled tiny cakes or muffins and were surprisingly soft. The outside was adorned with large sugar crystals, along with a few cinnamon chips mixed into the batter. We would have preferred a stronger cinnamon taste, either through additional cinnamon chips or spices in the mix. Overall, they were enjoyable, but we might choose to skip them if other options were on the table.

The large tub is bulk-sized, as you would expect from a warehouse store, containing 42 bites. These provide a nice alternative to the larger pastries that Costco typically offers, but the flavor and texture didn't particularly stand out to us. That said, they could be a great addition to a breakfast buffet, allowing guests to easily grab one or two without confronting a sugary pastry the size of their plate.

7. Kirkland Signature morning buns

Another beloved breakfast treat from Costco is the morning bun. Each package includes nine buns, generously filled with cinnamon and sugar, all encased in a light pastry. Morning buns feature a flakier dough compared to traditional cinnamon rolls, though they are still denser and less airy than Kirkland Signature croissants.

These buns are a timeless choice for brunch or office breakfasts, but they lack the depth of flavor and texture found in some other options. On their own, they are decent, but with a few enhancements, they could rank higher on the list. Warming them in the oven for a few minutes can make them softer, but our preferred way to enjoy them is by adding toppings.

Consider drizzling a glaze or sprinkling a crumble on top to elevate the buns into something more memorable. They also pair well with savory ingredients like bacon or ham, allowing you to create a delicious Monte Cristo sandwich. The morning buns score high for versatility if you're willing to get a bit creative with presentation and ingredients, although this may require extra effort and expense. They freeze well, too, making it easy to grab one the night before, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and savor it with coffee to kickstart your day.

6. Wiley Road donut muffins

While they may not be produced by Kirkland Signature, a box of Wiley Road donut muffins is definitely worth adding to your shopping list. These pumpkin spice delights feature a wonderfully soft exterior, glazed lightly with sweetness and dusted with cinnamon sugar. Each bite offers a moist outer layer, while the inside has a firmer texture reminiscent of a cake donut.

Each muffin is perfectly bite-sized, and the package includes two sets. They make an excellent host gift or a delightful addition to a potluck brunch, but we also enjoyed having a few with our morning coffee. They’re also a fun treat to share or pack as a little two-bite surprise in lunches, bringing a touch of fall flavor to the day. The flavor leans towards the sweeter side, primarily due to the glaze and sugar, but pairing them with coffee helps to balance the sweetness. Just be sure to keep a napkin handy, as the sugar coating can easily transfer to your fingers.

At just over $8.50 for 18 donut muffins, this option is on the pricier side for baked goods. Given that Kirkland Signature muffins offer nearly four times the quantity for just a few dollars more, it’s tough to justify making these smaller, more expensive treats a regular purchase. Luckily, these are a seasonal item available in the fall, so indulging when you spot them won’t likely strain your budget.

5. Kirkland Signature lemon blueberry loaf

The lemon blueberry loaf is among the bakery department's top sellers, primarily because of its delectable flavor. It features a refreshing lemon taste that is perfectly balanced, complemented by blueberries both mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top. The loaf is also topped with a sweet crumbly exterior and a generous drizzle. Additionally, there's the Kirkland Signature cinnamon coffee cake loaf, which serves as a fantastic alternative (or addition) and is similarly sized and priced. True to Costco's reputation, both loaves are quite large and ideal for sharing. While leftovers can dry out quickly, you can expect to enjoy a slice for several days after purchase.

Despite its deliciousness, the main drawback of frequently choosing this baked treat is its nutritional value. The first ingredient is sugar, which is reflected in its sweet flavor, with a single serving containing 24 grams, or 44% of the recommended daily intake. Referring to it as a loaf instead of a cake might be somewhat misleading. When considering how often we would indulge in the lemon blueberry loaf, we would classify it as an occasional treat rather than a regular choice. However, if you're in search of a cake that isn't as sweet as a typical sheet cake, this is a great option that could easily find a spot on our list of favorite Costco desserts.

4. Kirkland Signature danish

Another great mix-and-match choice from Costco is the popular giant Danish. As with most Danishes, the filling was the highlight, while the outer shell served as a convenient handle as we enjoyed the delicious center. The filling was sturdy enough to allow us to slice the pastry in half without it crumbling on our plate. A sweet drizzle added an extra touch of sweetness, and the flaky pastry was far more enjoyable than many other Danishes. If you're looking for a Danish that excels in both flavor and texture, not to mention size, this one is our top pick. While it may not be as versatile as some other bakery items from Costco, it's still a reliable option we would definitely choose again, especially for sharing pastries at the office.

We decided to go with the cream cheese and cherry variety to compare it with similar pastries we've tried, although the almond option also caught our eye when we saw it on the shelves. The almond Danish had a bit more drizzle on top and appeared to have a richer texture, thanks to the nuts. We've also heard about a mixed berry and cheese version, which sounds enticing, but we didn't come across it during our visit to Costco.

3. La Boulangère pain au chocolat

Translated as "bread with chocolate," these small, portable pain au chocolat pastries are ideal for quick breakfasts on the go. You can find them in the bakery section of Costco, but they are not produced by Kirkland Signature. Instead, the warehouse store sources them from La Boulangère, a French baked goods company. Knowing that these French pastries come from an authentic brand gave us added confidence in their genuine flavor, even before we opened the packaging.

While they aren't the sweetest option in the bakery, traditional pain au chocolat isn't overly sweet, which suited our taste. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea, especially if you prefer to avoid a sugar rush in the morning. We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed these pastries, especially since our previous favorites have often been more sugary. Ultimately, we found ourselves favoring them for their soft texture and just the right amount of chocolate.

Each of the 16 pieces is individually wrapped, making them convenient for packing or ensuring maximum freshness. Unlike other bulk pastries from Costco that can become stale before you finish them, these pain au chocolat can last quite a while if stored properly.

2. Kirkland Signature muffins

Looking to indulge in one of the biggest muffins around? Visit the warehouse and select from options like chocolate, blueberry, and seasonal flavors such as poppyseed or lemon raspberry. Baking such large muffins can be a challenge, but Costco has mastered the technique, ensuring they always turn out moist and delicious. These muffins are our go-to choice whenever we need to bring treats to share, as we can slice them into smaller portions to serve a large group at an affordable price.

You can mix and match two flavors in this muffin pack, which is an important detail to remember. Be sure to grab two separate packs from the bakery before heading to checkout; otherwise, you'll end up scanning just one pack, paying full price, and leaving with only half of what you intended (trust us, we’ve made that mistake). Each pack contains six muffins, totaling 12, but given their size, each giant muffin is sufficient for two people. You can also freeze any leftovers or turn them into charming birthday cakes. With their fantastic taste and texture, along with their versatility and ability to be frozen, Costco muffins rank high on our list of favorite pastries.

1. Kirkland Signature croissants

The Kirkland Signature croissants have been a beloved staple in our home for years and are among the first items we suggest to newcomers at warehouse stores. These flaky delights can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes, featuring a light, airy interior and a buttery exterior that flakes perfectly without being overly dry. Each croissant showcases the signature layered appearance that distinguishes authentically crafted croissants from lesser imitations. They are larger than your typical croissant, making them ideal for lunch sandwiches or as a classic breakfast option alongside eggs, bacon, and cheese. In fact, elevating any sandwich with a croissant is a superb way to transform a mundane meal into something truly delicious. The adaptability of these pastries places them high on our favorites list, while their delightful texture secures their position as our top choice.

These croissants are among the Kirkland Signature pastries that are freshly baked in-store every day. They come in boxes of 12 and are one of the few bulk bakery items that we actually finish as a family without any leftovers. We usually enjoy a few for breakfast or brunch on the weekends, then use the rest for sandwiches throughout the week. On the rare occasions when we don’t finish a dozen croissants in a few days, we simply wrap them in cling film and freeze them for later use. A quick reheat in the oven is a great trick to make them taste fresh and just-baked again.

Methodology

With our favorite pastries already in mind, we eagerly sampled the bakery selections from Costco side-by-side. To our surprise, some of the pastries that received the highest ratings for taste and texture were not ones we typically included in our shopping cart, allowing us to discover new favorites. Additionally, we found great value in items that could be enjoyed across multiple meals or dishes, enabling us to savor them over several days before they went stale. Versatility was also a key consideration, particularly when buying in bulk, which helped us distinguish between options we would occasionally purchase and those that deserved a regular place in our menu. We paid special attention to items that could be frozen or stored for longer periods, as this helped us minimize food waste and save money.

We reviewed customer feedback, especially for those pastries with a variety of flavor options, alongside our own experiences of bringing Costco pastries to work and social events. Recognizing that some pastries have a classic appeal while others are more suited for seasonal or themed gatherings, we made sure to highlight those that excelled in both areas. While some overly sweet treats were delightful as occasional indulgences, the pastries that consistently scored high were those suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert. We also preferred flaky and delicate textures over heavier options. Lastly, freshness played a significant role, particularly for the pastries that Costco bakers prepare and bake in-house daily.