The Secret’s Out: Why Costco’s New Bakery Items Are Selling Out Faster Than You Can Say ‘More, Please’

Food & Drink
The Secret’s Out: Why Costco’s New Bakery Items Are Selling Out Faster Than You Can Say ‘More, Please’
baked pastry on bowl
Photo by Kirsten Drew on Unsplash

Step into any Costco warehouse, and you’re immediately greeted by the tempting aroma of freshly baked goods. It’s more than just a section; it’s an experience, a true “ever-changing wonderland of sweet and savory treats,” as many devoted shoppers would attest. This isn’t merely a place to pick up bulk essentials; for many, the bakery aisle is the primary destination, a treasure trove of affordable, high-quality delights that continuously evolve and surprise.

What makes Costco’s bakery so undeniably captivating? It’s a masterful blend of consistency and innovation. While beloved classics hold their ground, the warehouse club is renowned for its relentless pursuit of newness. Throughout the year, Costco doesn’t just stick to the script; it introduces fresh, exciting items, often resurrecting popular limited-time offerings like the much-anticipated springtime mini carrot cakes or the comforting autumnal pumpkin cheesecake. This dynamic approach keeps customers engaged, always on the lookout for what new deliciousness might appear next.

The year 2024, in particular, was an absolute feast for the senses, a testament to Costco’s commitment to tantalizing our taste buds. The big-box retailer didn’t just dabble in new releases; it debuted “over a dozen baked goods,” spanning everything from grand cakes and delectable cookies to essential breads and versatile bagels. And, as you might expect, these fresh arrivals ignited a fervor among shoppers, sparking a wave of “glowing reviews on social media” that spread like wildfire, turning casual treats into viral sensations.

SSF Costco bakery pastry packaging line” by BrokenSphere is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

It’s truly fascinating to observe how quickly a new Costco bakery item can go from an unannounced debut to a full-blown internet phenomenon. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Reddit, act as immediate echo chambers, transforming first impressions into widespread cravings. A single post from a keen-eyed shopper can trigger a stampede, leading to shelves being cleared as everyone rushes to get their hands on the latest must-try treat. This collective excitement and shared discovery are a huge part of the obsession, creating a community of passionate foodies eager to share their finds and opinions.

As 2024 drew to a close, it became clear that the year had delivered some truly unforgettable moments in the Costco bakery. Let’s take a deliciously deep dive into some of the absolute best new bakery items that graced the aisles of the warehouse club, each one a testament to the innovation and quality that keeps members coming back for more.

Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake | bakeologie, Photo by thebakeologie.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

We must talk about the **Cinnamon Coffee Cake**. Priced at a wallet-friendly $9.99, this dessert proved to be the ideal companion for any hot beverage, transforming a simple coffee break into a luxurious experience. Crafted with a rich cocoa and cinnamon batter, and then generously topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel, it was a textural and flavor masterpiece. Upon its initial launch, the shopper reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with one fan hailing it as “outstanding,” while another went so far as to declare it “arguably one of the best items in the bakery.” Such high praise speaks volumes about its comforting, irresistible charm.

As the holiday season approached, Costco unveiled a true showstopper, destined to be the centerpiece of any festive gathering: the **White Chocolate Raspberry Round Cake**. This elegant, nine-inch circular dessert is a masterclass in flavor and presentation. It’s meticulously layered with moist vanilla cake, vibrant raspberry jam, rich white chocolate ganache, and a delicate mascarpone mousse. The buzz was immediate. The popular Costco fan account @costcohotfinds, always on the pulse of new releases, spotted this beauty for $22.99 and declared it “one of the best cakes I have ever had from Costco.” Not to be outdone, a fan on Reddit echoed the sentiment, asserting that the cake is “100% worth the money” and even admitting they “went back for slices three times.” This level of dedication is a clear indicator of its undeniable allure.

But the innovation wasn’t limited to elaborate cakes. Costco also surprised shoppers with more everyday delights, elevating humble staples to extraordinary heights. Take, for instance, the **French Toast Bagels**. These aren’t just any bagels; they’re designed to be the perfect foundation for a morning indulgence. Break out the butter and turn on your toaster,” one fan urged, perfectly capturing the immediate desire these bagels inspire. Multiple shoppers enthusiastically shared their positive feedback, with one Redditor proclaiming them “delicious! Highly recommend,” and another on Instagram exclaiming, “Just got the bagels today and immediately tried one, super good!!” The convenience of purchasing “any two packages of bagels for $7.99” made them an instant hit for breakfast lovers looking for a delightful twist on a classic.

Cheese danish at #tuttlela” by Al Pavangkanan is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Expanding their pastry repertoire even further, Costco rolled out the **Mixed Berry & Cheese Danishes** over the summer. These pastries were an immediate sensation, featuring a luxurious buttery, flaky dough encasing a dual filling of creamy cream cheese and a vibrant mixed berry medley, which included cherries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The news of their arrival quickly ignited a flurry of excitement across social media, with one enraptured shopper succinctly capturing the collective sentiment: “Just take my money.” This response underscores the potent combination of beloved flavors and exceptional value that Costco consistently delivers.

While sweet treats often dominate the Costco bakery narrative, the club proved its savory prowess with the **Rosemary Parmesan Cheese Loaf**. Debuting in July, shoppers eagerly spotted single packages of this hearth-baked bread, distinguished by its hand-scored crust. It was crafted with aged parmesan cheese, a touch of sea salt, and aromatic rosemary, building on the warehouse club’s prior offering of rosemary parmesan bread in two-packs. This loaf quickly became a staple for sandwiches, but its versatility truly shone when one ingenious shopper transformed it into a savory French toast, demonstrating the endless culinary possibilities these bakery items inspire.

Summertime brought its own wave of sweet sensations, none more buzz-worthy than the **Orange Dreamsicle Cheesecake**. Tapping into the nostalgic charm of classic creamsicles, this nearly five-pound dessert was a seasonal marvel. It featured a crisp graham cracker crust providing a perfect base for the vibrant orange vanilla cheesecake batter, all finished with a light, creamy whipped topping. This ice cream bar-inspired creation garnered widespread praise on social media. “I really enjoyed this!! I bought it on a whim and am glad I did so,” one Reddit user recounted, adding, “The orange taste is strong enough to balance out the richness of the cheesecake. I’m not even a big sweets person, but I’m quite pleased with this one lol.” This review perfectly encapsulates the unexpected delight and perfectly balanced flavors that make a Costco bakery item a runaway hit.

Costco’s muffins are, of course, legendary, and 2024 saw the expansion of this beloved category with two enticing new flavors: **Lemon Raspberry and Butter Pecan Muffins**. The lemon raspberry variety featured a bright lemon batter studded with fresh raspberries and topped with a delicate lemon streusel, while the butter pecan muffins boasted a rich pecan sugar batter crowned with a crunchy pecan sugar topping. Notably, these new muffins were introduced in smaller, eight-count boxes, a shift from the previous larger, six-count packages. This change was a subtle nod to changing consumer preferences, offering more variety and slightly smaller portions without sacrificing the signature Costco muffin experience.

Banana Cream Pie
Fluffy Banana Cream Pie Recipe (Video) – A Spicy Perspective, Photo by aspicyperspective.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The **Banana Cream Pie** caught the attention of banana aficionados in the spring. This substantial bakery item, weighing over three pounds, was built on a buttery graham cracker crust, layered generously with a banana cream filling made from real bananas, and then sumptuously covered in a caramel whipped topping, drizzled with extra caramel. News of its release generated considerable buzz, with some creative shoppers even experimenting with transforming it into ice cream. While widely praised, it wasn’t entirely without its critics; some customers found it a touch too sweet, and others expressed a longing for actual banana slices within the pie. This feedback, even when critical, highlights the passionate engagement of Costco’s customer base.

Dried cranberries, a versatile addition to countless recipes, found a new home in Costco’s bakery with the introduction of the **White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies**. These cookies quickly charmed shoppers, with @costcohotfinds describing them as “soft, buttery, and delicious.” What truly resonated with many was their balanced sweetness. One fan noted in a separate Instagram post that they weren’t “overly sweet,” as might be expected, concluding, “All in all, very happy with them.” This perfectly balanced flavor profile, combining the tartness of cranberries with the richness of white chocolate, contributed to their widespread appeal, making them a delightful and not-too-guilty pleasure.

Costco also continued its tradition of rotating miniature cakes throughout the year, dropping a new flavor in January: **Cookies ‘N Cream Mini Cakes**. These delightful treats, essentially generously sized cupcakes, featured a moist chocolate cake base topped with a decadent cookies and cream frosting, all finished with a scattering of cookie crumbles. One discerning shopper offered a particularly insightful review, noting that the flavor was “pretty sweet, but not annoyingly or cloyingly sweet.” They further praised the cakes for having “good chocolate flavor in almost a pound cake consistency,” a testament to their rich texture and balanced sweetness. These mini cakes offered a convenient, individual indulgence without compromising on flavor or quality.

Vegan vanilla-chocolate cream pie (6875641302)” by Suzette – www.suzette.nu from Arnhem, Netherlands is licensed under CC BY 2.0

And what’s better than one type of chocolate? Three types, of course! At the beginning of 2024, Costco introduced its **Triple Chocolate Cream Pie**, a dessert that truly lived up to its name by delivering a powerful triple chocolate punch. This almost four-pound pie featured a classic graham cracker crust, a velvety fudge brown chocolate custard, and a generous whipped topping blanketed in delicate chocolate shavings. The excitement was palpable from day one. @costcohotfinds recounted, “When I was at the checkout, the employees were raving about it, and they weren’t wrong.” This insider endorsement from the very people handling the products daily is perhaps the strongest testament to a new item’s immediate success and deliciousness.

To round out our 2024 retrospective, let’s revisit a seasonal sensation that brought joy to cherry dessert fans at the year’s outset and has since made a triumphant return: the **Cherry Topped Cheesecake**. This nearly six-pound monumental dessert, priced at $22.99, is a masterclass in indulgence. It starts with a sweet graham cracker crust, followed by a layer of refreshing sour cream, then a rich cheesecake filling, all generously crowned with a sweet cherry topping. For that extra touch of elegance and visual appeal, it’s adorned with a pristine white buttercream border. The fact that this seasonal treat has been spotted again in the bakery is a clear sign of its enduring popularity and the immense demand from customers who simply can’t get enough of its rich, fruity decadence.

The constant influx of new and exciting bakery items, coupled with the passionate community of shoppers who eagerly review and recommend them, creates a powerful feedback loop. This cycle of anticipation, discovery, and shared delight is precisely why everyone is so obsessed with Costco’s bakery. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the thrill of the find, the joy of sharing, and the satisfaction of indulging in something truly special, all at an unbeatable value. Costco doesn’t just sell baked goods; it sells happiness, one delicious new item at a time.

As we move beyond the electrifying buzz of 2024’s viral sensations, Costco’s bakery continues its impressive evolution, consistently redefining what it means to be a go-to destination for delectable treats. It’s not just about replicating past successes; it’s about a relentless pursuit of innovation, introducing new flavors, reimagining classics, and perfecting beloved staples to keep shoppers eagerly anticipating what’s next. The year 2025 is no exception, proving that the warehouse club’s bakery is truly an “ever-changing wonderland of sweet and savory treats.”

Upside Down Blackberry Peach Pecan Cake with Pecan Kreme” by Vegan Feast Catering is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Summer 2025, in particular, has ushered in a fresh wave of delightful additions and cherished returns that are already flying off the shelves. Among the standout new offerings is the **Kirkland Signature Peaches and Cream Bar Cake**, a fresh contender that brings light, fluffy texture and a vibrant peach flavor, perfectly complemented by a creamy whipped frosting. Shoppers are already singing its praises, with one exclaiming, “Half is gone already! The peach gives it a nice sour punch.” This new arrival showcases Costco’s ability to tap into seasonal freshness with a gourmet touch.

Another showstopper for 2025 is the **Kirkland Signature Caramel Tres Leches Cake**. This rich dessert, featuring sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk and crowned with luscious caramel frosting, has quickly earned a reputation as “the best thing in the store right now.” While some purists note it’s “not as authentic as traditional tres leches,” its undeniable taste and generous serving size for up to 12 people make it an irresistible choice for any gathering, proving that a little twist on a classic can go a long way.

The summer lineup further delights with the **Kirkland Signature Strawberries and Cream Cake**, a light and airy option ideal for warm-weather celebrations, blending fresh strawberry flavor with creamy frosting. Many discerning fans advise freezing portions for longer enjoyment, showcasing its versatility. Accolades like “Approved by Asian taste buds – not too sweet!” affirm its broad appeal. Complementing these indulgent cakes is the **Kirkland Signature Cherry Pie**, a returning seasonal favorite that balances tart cherries with a perfectly flaky, buttery crust, weighing in at nearly four pounds—perfect for family gatherings and highly recommended with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

a group of cookies with frosting
Photo by TSI on Unsplash

Adding a festive touch to summer events, particularly around July 4th, are the **Kirkland Signature Sugar Cookies with Sprinkles**. This seasonal iteration of their classic butter sugar cookies now comes adorned with vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles. Available in a convenient 24-count package for $9.99, these cookies boast a respectable shelf life of “5-7 days at room temperature” and freeze exceptionally well, making them an ideal, fuss-free option for parties and kids’ events.

Beyond the sweet confections, Costco’s bakery continues to impress with its savory offerings, providing versatile staples for everyday meals. The **Costco Pita Bread**, freshly baked, soft, and doughy, comes in handy 9-piece packs. These pitas are lauded for freezing exceptionally well, making them a practical pantry staple that pairs beautifully with grilled meats and an array of dips, with shoppers praising them as “Soft, fluffy, and finally a great pita option at Costco.”

Similarly, the **Kirkland Signature Artisan Rolls** are a must-try for those seeking a superior bread experience. These square, rustic-style rolls are incredibly versatile, serving as an excellent foundation for gourmet sandwiches, burgers, or sliders. They toast beautifully, developing a wonderfully crispy, chewy crust, with one fan affectionately calling them the “Best kept secret from the bakery!” These savory selections underscore the bakery’s commitment to quality beyond just desserts.

swiss roll” by liladobbs is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

In a thrilling recent development, Costco has once again captured the attention of shoppers by introducing **Quinn’s Baking Co. Chocolate Vanilla Swiss Rolls**. These treats, priced at $7.99 for a 12-pack, are a direct nostalgic nod to childhood lunchbox favorites. Made with rich chocolate cake and a creamy vanilla filling, they evoke a pure sense of nostalgia, drawing comparisons to beloved Hostess Ho Hos. While some reviewers noted them as “too dry and sweet,” many passionately disagreed, finding them “so good and soft and fluffy.”

Adding to the recent wave of exciting new drops are **Stan’s Strawberry Raspberry Jelly Donuts**. While these appear to be a regional limited-time offering, available at Midwest locations, their discovery sparked significant interest among keen-eyed shoppers who spotted the white box in the background of other social media posts. The buzz generated by such regionally specific items further highlights the nationwide enthusiasm and ongoing treasure hunt for new bakery delights.

Perhaps one of the most significant and highly anticipated bakery developments has been the arrival of **new cupcakes** in traditional dozen-pack formats. Spotted on shelves since mid-June, these come in classic chocolate with chocolate buttercream and white cake with white buttercream. This marks a notable shift from Costco’s previous “mini cakes,” which were essentially oversized cupcakes. These new cupcakes are celebrated for being “soft and buttery,” offering a scrumptious, perfectly portioned alternative to a large cake without the full commitment.

The introduction of these traditional cupcakes has ignited a fervent discussion among Costco loyalists. While many are absolutely thrilled with the convenience and classic appeal—with one user exclaiming, “The Costco bakery never disappoints!!”—some longer-term fans have voiced opinions about the size and price. Comments like, “The former size was an indulgent treat. These are just a mockery,” reflecting a longing for the larger mini cakes. Yet, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with taste winning out: “We got the chocolate ones and fell in love! So good!” At $8.99 for a pack of a dozen, it’s still seen as a “pretty sweet deal.”

Oreo Cookies, Marshmallow Crispy Rice” by JeepersMedia is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Another recent viral sensation that has captured widespread attention is the **Kirkland Signature Marshmallow Crispy Cookies**. These innovative cookies offer a playful twist on classic sugary treats, incorporating “fresh chunks of marshmallow” and seemingly drawing inspiration from nostalgic Rice Krispies treats and s’mores. Customers are unequivocally calling them “dangerously good” and “out of this world,” praising their chewy texture with “a little crunch” and buttery, not-too-sweet flavor. This hybrid creation perfectly embodies the bakery’s dynamic approach to reinvention.

The bakery also continues to expand its pastry repertoire with refined additions like the **Almond Croissant Pastry**, a new offering for 2025. This buttery, flaky croissant is generously filled with rich almond cream and topped with slivered almonds and a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Best served warm, it offers a gourmet experience perfect with morning coffee. Similarly, the classic **Almond Danishes**, with their flaky pastry and almond paste filling, remain a staple for almond flavor enthusiasts.

While new items consistently draw headlines, Costco’s bakery maintains a strong foundation of perennial favorites that keep members coming back. The **Tuxedo Chocolate Mousse Cake** continues to impress with its layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy mousse, and glossy ganache, ideal for any special occasion. Their **Butter Croissants** remain a classic staple – buttery, flaky, and perfect for sandwiches or breakfast, with a clever tip to freeze them for freshness anytime. And of course, the oversized, moist **Blueberry Muffins** and crumb-topped **Coffee Cake Muffins** continue to be popular choices for quick breakfasts or indulgent snacks.

New York Style Cheesecake
The Best New York-Style Cheesecake – Baker by Nature, Photo by bakerbynature.com, is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

The **New York Style Cheesecake** stands as a testament to consistent quality, dense, creamy, and rich, serving up to 16 people. It’s a versatile dessert, perfect for topping with fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate drizzle. Looking ahead, the anticipation for the **Pumpkin Pie** (upcoming for Fall 2025) is already building, a beloved seasonal favorite that returns in September, underscoring the bakery’s cyclical nature and continuous delivery of comfort. And for everyday indulgence, the **Chocolate Chunk Cookies**, soft, chewy, and loaded with chocolate, remain a beloved choice that freezes well for up to two months.

The dynamic evolution of Costco’s bakery, consistently introducing innovative items while maintaining beloved classics and responding to consumer desires, is precisely why the obsession endures. It’s a place where novelty meets nostalgia, where quality meets value, and where every visit promises a delicious discovery. Whether it’s a seasonal treat, a viral sensation, or a timeless classic, Costco’s bakery truly offers something for everyone, making it an undeniable highlight of any shopping trip.

Leave a Reply

Scroll top