13 Baking Staples To Stock Up On At Costco

1. Kirkland Signature organic unbleached all purpose flour

At approximately $1 per pound, this 20-pound flour bundle is a must-have for baking enthusiasts. In comparison, a bag of organic all-purpose flour at other retailers usually costs double per pound and is sold in much smaller quantities. A single purchase at Costco provides enough flour for several batches of cookies or bread. While it’s an all-purpose flour and may not be ideal for recipes requiring finely milled flour, such as delicate cakes and pastries, it performs exceptionally well for pizza dough, bread, most cookies, cakes, and various other dishes. It truly serves as a reliable staple in your baking arsenal, making bulk buying a smart choice.

This flour is part of the organic Kirkland Signature line and is made from hard red wheat and malted barley. The purchase includes two separate 10-pound bags, which can be somewhat cumbersome. Transferring a smaller portion into an airtight container not only simplifies handling in the kitchen but also prevents the flour from absorbing moisture.

2. Kirkland Signature organic sugar

Costco offers a variety of sugar options, but our top pick strikes an excellent balance between quality and value. This organic choice from Kirkland Signature is definitely worth considering. The 10-pound bag contains unrefined cane sugar, perfect for sweetening your baked treats. The entire production process is meticulously monitored and documented, from extracting the juice from the cane to crystallizing it into sugar—all completed within a single day. The result is a delicious, unrefined sweetener with a fine grain that’s suitable for both baking and finishing touches.

You may notice that this sugar has a slightly darker shade compared to regular refined white sugar, so the off-white color is to be expected. Since it comes in a sizable 10-pound bag, it’s advisable to have a separate storage container to keep moisture at bay, as this can lead to clumping. Priced at just $11 for the 10-pound bag, this organic sugar is a fantastic deal. Plus, you can also find kitchen storage solutions at Costco!

3. U.S. light brown sugar

Brown sugar is a key ingredient when you're preparing cookies, bread, or cakes that require a richer flavor or added moisture. In comparison to white sugar, it can impart a luxurious taste to baked goods, while also enhancing the sweetness of sauces and meat rubs. This sugar retains more molasses, which not only contributes to its color but also provides a deeper flavor profile. The difference in your final dish may be subtle, but you might detect hints of caramel due to the extra molasses.

It is available in a 7-pound bag for just over $9. This is one of the few essential baking items at Costco that isn't from the Kirkland Signature brand, but given the versatility of brown sugar in baking, we certainly prefer to purchase it in bulk. The brown sugar sold in the U.S. is derived from non-GMO pure cane and undergoes a process that extracts the sugar crystals from the cane juice.

4. Pure vanilla extract

To enhance the flavor of baked treats, many bakers opt for vanilla beans. While the extract is often more convenient to use and blends seamlessly into batters and doughs, providing that extra depth of flavor, it is traditionally crafted with vodka and vanilla beans, requiring ample time for infusion. Store-bought options can vary in quality and may sometimes contain artificial flavorings. However, the pure vanilla extract available at Costco is authentic and made from genuine imported vanilla beans.

Vanilla is a crucial component in baking, and this generous 16-ounce bottle makes it easy to stock up. Each bottle is priced around $14, but at Costco, you need to buy two. The good news is that you can keep the second bottle sealed and unopened, simplifying storage. Vanilla has a long shelf life, so feel free to stock up on this beloved ingredient to add that special touch to your dishes. While it’s commonly found in recipes for cookies, cakes, and other baked goods, it can also be used in smoothies for added complexity or in tomato sauce to balance acidity.

5. Kirkland Signature organic ground cinnamon

While you may not use all the bulk spices purchased from Costco, cinnamon stands out as a significant exception. It's perfect for enhancing a variety of baked goods as well as savory dishes like chili and spaghetti sauce, offering a distinctive flavor profile. If you frequently bake with cinnamon, it's wise to stock up to ensure you always have it on hand in your spice cabinet.

This particular option is from Kirkland Signature and features organic Saigon cinnamon, sourced from cassia cinnamon found in Vietnam. The spice is derived from the bark of the tree and boasts several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects. It has a stronger flavor and aroma compared to some of the more subtle cinnamon varieties.

The product comes in two containers, each weighing 10.7 ounces, totaling over 21 ounces for just $20. True to Costco's style, these containers are larger than most standard spice jars, so be sure to have extra storage space available. In comparison, the same organic cinnamon at other grocery stores typically costs around $9 for less than 2 ounces, making the bulk purchase from Costco a smart choice for anyone who regularly uses this spice in their cooking and baking.

6. Rodelle gourmet baking cocoa

Rodelle gourmet baking cocoa is an essential purchase at Costco for anyone looking to create indulgent, chocolatey desserts. This ultra-smooth powder is crafted from pure cocoa, delivering a richer flavor in your baked goods. Being Dutch-processed, it avoids the bitterness often found in natural cocoa from other brands and boasts a deeper brown hue. The Dutch processing method enhances the cocoa's smoothness by treating it with a special alkaline solution, resulting in a luxurious chocolate flavor that complements a variety of ingredients and tastes. If your recipe involves chocolate paired with peanut butter or berries, Dutch cocoa is likely the ideal choice.

The 25-ounce bag is priced at approximately $11, making it an incredible deal for such a generous quantity of premium cocoa. In comparison, an 8-ounce bag of Dutch-processed cocoa powder typically retails for over $5 at other grocery stores. Additionally, the resealable packaging helps prolong the cocoa powder's freshness.

7. Butter

Butter is an essential ingredient in many baking recipes, and Costco offers a variety of excellent choices in its dairy section. Like other products at the warehouse, these are available in bulk. The good news is that butter freezes well, allowing you to store extra in the freezer and transfer it to the fridge for defrosting when needed.

Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter is an outstanding choice that balances quality and affordability, priced at under $12 for four 8-ounce sticks. Grass-fed butter typically has a more robust flavor than regular butter, thanks to the cows' diet. Sourced from New Zealand, Kirkland Signature grass-fed butter is often likened to Kerrygold, which is produced in Ireland. Both brands are available at Costco in packs of four, but Kirkland Signature is generally a few dollars less expensive. Additionally, both unsalted and salted versions of the same brand are high-quality and represent the most cost-effective butter options at Costco, packaged in four packs with four 4-ounce sticks each.

8. Kirkland Signature almond flour

For gluten-free baking, consider using Kirkland Signature almond flour. It serves as an excellent substitute for regular flour and can be swapped in at a 1-to-1 ratio in most recipes. Almond flour is essential for certain treats, such as French macarons and opera cake. Whether you're going gluten-free or simply want to add a subtle nutty flavor to your baked goods, almond flour is worth trying. You may find it quickly becomes a kitchen staple, making it wise to purchase in bulk, as this flour tends to be more expensive than standard all-purpose flour.

The 3-pound bag is priced at under $12. When you compare it to smaller bags at grocery stores, which can cost around $11 for just 1 pound, the Costco option is even more attractive. This flour is made from blanched almonds, which have had their tougher brown skins removed, resulting in a superfine powdery flour with a more refined taste.

9. Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chip morsels

Are you in search of a sweet addition to your baking creations? Grab a 4.5-pound bag of chocolate chips for approximately $16, perfect for all your baking needs. If you're planning to make holiday cookies, stocking up on a large bag of chocolate chips can simplify the process and enhance the flavor. Costco offers Nestlé semisweet chocolate morsels, free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors. Plus, the bag includes handy recipes for chocolate chip cookies and classic chocolate fudge on the back.

This bag can be stored in your pantry or fridge, but its resealable feature makes it an even more appealing option. Unlike smaller chocolate chip bags that often require additional closures or airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent spills, the seal on this bulk bag makes it much more convenient. This is especially important since it's unlikely you'll use up all the chocolate chips in a single baking session unless you're operating a commercial kitchen.

10. Kirkland Signature pecans

For some beloved baking essentials, take a stroll down the nut aisle at Costco. While these products may sometimes be found alongside other pantry staples, they are frequently located in the snack section near the front of the store. Pecans, in particular, are a fantastic addition to cookies, breads, and pies, providing a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor. Plus, you can't whip up a holiday pumpkin pie without a generous helping of pecans. At Costco, you can grab a 2-pound bag for under $14, which is about half the price compared to other grocery stores. These nuts come halved and are ready to enhance your favorite desserts.

Pecans are also versatile enough to be used in various recipes, making them a great addition to your kitchen. Packed with nutrients and protein, they serve as a healthy snack option. However, keep in mind that nuts are generally high in fat, so it's wise to enjoy them in moderation. It can be tempting to indulge with a bulk bag of these deliciously rich pecans from Costco, but you can always store them away. The only improvement to this purchase would be a resealable top, but it's still a pantry staple we always have on hand.

11. Kirkland Signature dry roasted macadamia nuts

Another fantastic find from Kirkland Signature for your baking needs is the large bag of dry roasted whole macadamia nuts. Incorporate them into cookies for a delightful combination of tenderness and crunch, along with a rich flavor. They also serve as a delicious topping for salads or can be enjoyed by the handful as a snack. Costco sources its macadamia nuts from various regions, including Australia, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Guatemala, and the U.S.

These luxurious nuts are difficult to find at such a great price elsewhere. Costco offers a 1.5-pound bag of whole macadamia nuts, lightly dusted with sea salt, for under $18, while other retailers typically sell smaller 1-pound bags for about $15. The only drawback is that the bag isn’t resealable, so you’ll need to find an alternative storage solution for any leftover nuts after baking. To extend their shelf life, store them in an airtight container in the pantry, fridge, or freezer, as their high oil content can lead to quicker spoilage compared to other nuts.

12. Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes flapjack and waffle mix

One surprising item you might find on a list of baking essentials is pancake mix. It can serve as a flour substitute in a pinch and even enhance the nutritional value of your baked goods. The Kodiak Cakes pancake mix from Costco comes in a box containing two individually sealed bags, totaling 4.5 pounds of mix. Priced around $15, it offers 39 servings, with each serving providing 15 grams of protein—significantly more than standard all-purpose flour. Consider using it as a flour alternative in cookies and cakes, but be prepared to adjust other ingredients like baking soda or sugar, as these are already included in the Kodiak mix.

If you're looking to add some extra protein to your baked treats, try substituting Kodiak Cakes protein pancake mix for flour. The box includes serving suggestions for pancakes and waffles, but it can also be used for muffins, cookies, and even savory sandwiches. Kodiak Cakes offers a variety of recipes for everything from cookies to cupcakes, all delicious and packed with extra protein.

13. Berries

Incorporating fresh berries into your baked treats can become pricey. However, Costco offers excellent prices on large quantities of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. You’ll typically find these in a refrigerated section near the produce rather than alongside baking supplies. It’s definitely worth a visit to grab some tasty additions for your muffins, cakes, and pies.

Additionally, these berries can be used in a variety of other culinary applications, reducing the likelihood of them going to waste before you can enjoy them. While most berries at Costco provide great value, the quality can vary. For instance, a 12-ounce clamshell of raspberries is priced just under $9 at Costco, which is slightly higher than some other grocery stores. On the other hand, a 2-pound pack of strawberries at Costco is about $12, whereas a 1-pound container at other stores can exceed $6. To secure the best deals, it’s important to pay attention and compare prices, but Costco often excels in bulk sizes and produce quality.