Cookies are a beloved snack for many people. With their sweet taste and variety of flavors, it’s easy to see why they are so popular. However, cookies are often high in calories, especially chocolate chip varieties. For people watching their calorie intake or managing their weight, understanding how many calories are in a cookie can be helpful.
One popular chocolate chip cookie sold at Costco is the Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie. Kirkland is Costco’s signature brand, known for providing quality items at a good value. But how many calories are in one of these chocolate chip cookies from the bulk pallets sold at Costco warehouses? Let’s take a closer look.
Calories in a Chocolate Chip Cookie
In general, the number of calories in a chocolate chip cookie can vary widely depending on the brand, size, and recipe. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a typical chocolate chip cookie contains around 140 calories per 2-inch diameter cookie.[1] However, cookies from bakeries or gourmet brands often contain even more calories.
Factors that affect the calorie count include:
- Flour – More flour means more calories from carbohydrates.
- Sugar – Sugar supplies significant calories, especially when chocolate chips are also added.
- Fat – Most cookie recipes call for a good amount of butter or oil, adding calories from fat.
- Size – Larger cookies mean more calories.
- Add-ins – Chocolate chips, nuts, and other mix-ins increase calories.
So a good benchmark is around 140 calories per average-sized chocolate chip cookie. But for a more definitive answer on Kirkland’s version, we need to look at the nutrition information.
Nutrition Facts for Kirkland Chocolate Chip Cookies
Luckily, the product packaging for Kirkland Signature Chocolate Chip Cookies provides detailed nutrition information.[2]
Here are the key stats per 1 cookie (31g):
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 105mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 11g
- Added Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 1g
So according to the nutritional information from Costco, each Kirkland Signature chocolate chip cookie contains 140 calories. This is right in line with the average chocolate chip cookie.
Serving Size Matters
It’s important to note that the 140 calorie count is for one cookie at a serving size of 31g. Depending on how many cookies you eat, the calories can add up quickly.
Here are the calorie counts for different serving sizes:
| Number of Cookies | Serving Size | Total Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cookie | 31g | 140 calories |
| 2 cookies | 62g | 280 calories |
| 4 cookies | 124g | 560 calories |
| 6 cookies | 186g | 840 calories |
As you can see, downing a whole row of 4 cookies would add over 500 calories to your daily intake. So portion control is key if watching your calorie consumption.
Costco Cookie Nutrition Compared to Other Popular Brands
How does the Kirkland chocolate chip cookie nutrition stack up against other popular cookie brands?
Here is a calorie and nutrient comparison of a similar 1 cookie (30-35g) serving:[3]
| Cookie Brand (1 cookie serving) | Calories | Total Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirkland (31g) | 140 | 7g | 19g | 1g |
| Chips Ahoy! (33g) | 160 | 9g | 18g | 1g |
| Oreo (35g) | 160 | 7g | 21g | 1g |
| Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers (33g) | 140 | 7g | 18g | 1g |
As you can see, Kirkland cookies are very similar in calories and macros to other leading brands when comparing approximately 1 cookie servings. They are a good balance of taste and value while delivering comparable nutrition stats.
Ingredients in Kirkland Chocolate Chip Cookies
What goes into a Kirkland chocolate chip cookie that adds up to 140 calories per serving?
Here is the ingredient list from the packaging:[2]
Unbleached enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), semi-sweet chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla), sugar, palm oil, eggs, butter (cream [milk], salt), contains 2% or less of: molasses, baking soda, salt, natural flavor (contains milk), soy lecithin.
The main sources of calories are:
- Flour – Provides carbohydrate calories and some protein.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness and carbohydrate calories.
- Chocolate chips – Contribute more sugar and fat calories.
- Palm oil, eggs, and butter – Primary sources of fat calories.
- Molasses – Extra source of sugar calories.
There are no unusual ingredients compared to a typical chocolate chip cookie recipe. The ingredients like real butter and pure cane sugar contribute to the cookies’ great taste and texture.
Costco Cookie Health Benefits
Although chocolate chip cookies are high in calories, sugar, and fat, Kirkland’s version does provide some health benefits:
- No trans fat – The cookies contain no artificial trans fat, which is considered the most unhealthy type of fat.
- Some cholesterol-free options – Costco carries a trans fat free and cholesterol free Kirkland chocolate chip cookie variation.
- Lower sodium – With 105mg per cookie, the sodium is lower than many other snack options.
- Milk ingredients – The milk provides a source of bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D.
While still a treat that should be enjoyed in moderation, Kirkland chocolate chip cookies have slightly better nutrition than typical grocery store cookies. The serving size is also reasonable at just 1 cookie compared to some brands’ 2-3 cookie servings.
Tips for Enjoying Kirkland Cookies in a Healthy Lifestyle
Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can enjoy your Costco chocolate chip cookie while maintaining healthy eating habits:
- Stick to the recommended 1 cookie serving size.
- Pair your cookie with fruits, veggies, or protein for more balanced nutrition.
- Enjoy cookies occasionally as a dessert, rather than a daily snack.
- Select the trans fat free and cholesterol free variety if available.
- Drink water or milk with your cookie instead of sugary soda.
- Share your cookies – split a box to control portions.
- Substitute with a comparable lower calorie snack on some days.
- Account for cookie calories in your daily calorie budget.
While it’s fine to enjoy your favorite cookies like Kirkland’s chocolate chip variety on occasion, be sure to keep portions, frequency, and nutritional balance in mind.
Baking Kirkland Cookie Dough at Home
In addition to pre-baked Kirkland chocolate chip cookies, you can also purchase refrigerated Kirkland cookie dough to bake fresh cookies at home.
The nutrition information has slight differences when baking the dough yourself:[4]
Per 1 cookie (28g) from refrigerated dough:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein: 1g
The calorie count is slightly lower at 120 per cookie when baking the dough yourself. This is likely due to differences in moisture loss during at-home baking compared to commercial baking. But the calorie count is still very comparable.
When baking Kirkland cookie dough at home, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use baking sheets with low sides to allow air circulation and even browning.
- Set oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 350°F.
- Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons for each cookie.
- Space dough balls evenly apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown.
- Cool cookies on baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
- Check internal temperature with thermometer for food safety.
Freshly baked cookies from refrigerator dough can be a fun weekend activity with family. Just be sure to stick to the serving sizes and enjoy in moderation.
Costco Kirkland Cookie Calorie Count for Other Flavors
In addition to chocolate chip, Costco also sells Kirkland Signature cookies in a variety of flavors. Here are the calorie counts for other popular Kirkland cookie choices:[5]
| Cookie Flavor | Calories per 1 Cookie |
|---|---|
| Sugar Cookie | 120 calories |
| Shortbread | 140 calories |
| Peanut Butter | 170 calories |
| Oatmeal Raisin | 140 calories |
| M&M’s | 150 calories |
| Double Chocolate Chip | 150 calories |
As you can see, calories vary by flavor based on the different ingredients but are in a similar range for a comparable 1 cookie portion. So no matter what type of Kirkland cookie you enjoy, be mindful of portions for your calorie goals.
Conclusion
Kirkland Signature chocolate chip cookies contain 140 calories per 1 cookie (31g) serving. This calorie count is on par with other popular chocolate chip cookie brands like Chips Ahoy and Oreos. The main sources of calories come from flour, sugar, chocolate chips, palm oil, eggs, and butter.
While Kirkland cookies are high in calories, fat, and sugar, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Be mindful of portion sizes, and pair cookies with nutritious foods and beverages. Other flavors of Kirkland cookies range from 120-170 calories per cookie, so all provide a delicious treat when consumed responsibly. Enjoy your cookies, but maintain your overall calorie budget too!
