The holidays are here cue the blinking lights, holiday playlists, and, yes, the season of giving. And that means it’s time to meet the annual challenge of coming up with great holiday gifts for practically everyone on your list: teachers, co-workers, neighbors, delivery people, party hosts, and friends. You want something personal, something tasty, something they will use and that’s where Costco enters the picture.
There’s something oddly comforting about stepping into a Costco during the holidays. Rows of neatly packaged, oversized goodies await, many of them gift-ready without the need for ribbons or wrapping. It’s a treasure trove of edible options, and when you’re not sure about someone’s favorite wine or hobby, food is a safe, delightful choice. It says, “I thought of you,” in a universally understood way. And in any case, no host party is ever likely to turn down a tin of cookies, especially at the busy season.
This year, I set out to discover which of Costco’s holiday cookies are actually worth giving and better yet, taking to every party on my list. I tried everything I could lay my hands on: cookies, cakes, chocolates, and more. My standards were high: flavor, texture, presentation, and uniqueness were all factors to consider. What I discovered was a sea of flashy tins and sweet wannabes but two particular cookies stood way above the pack.
1. Not Every Winner Is a Cookie
Let’s talk about some of the ones that did not make the list. Some were good. Some had great packaging. Some were just. so-so.
Stockmeyer Music Tin Shortbread Cookies
The idea? Adorable. A cookie tin that plays “Winter Wonderland”? Total holiday charm. But the cookies? Disappointing. Shortbread should taste like butter these leaned more toward shortening. Cute gift for the tin collector in your life, but not one I’d call a favorite.
- David’s Cranberry Pistachio Cookies
I had high hopes here. Cranberry and pistachio can be a fantastic combination, but these were just so-so. The holiday tin makes them look nice, but for superior taste, you’ll want to keep shopping. - Hammond’s Snowball Cookies
These come in a ceramic Christmas tree jar that’s too cute to resist and can be repurposed. Unfortunately, the cookies inside were dominated by fake almond flavor. And they leave you powdered like you’ve been snowed on. - Premium Select Fudge Mint Cookies
They’re just okay. Decent option for any chocolate-mint fan, but not the people-pleaser for everyone that I was expecting.
2. Festive but Forgettable
Some were better, but not the best.
- Madi Gran Panettone
As Italian American, panettone is part of my Christmas DNA. Costco’s isn’t terrible, but not outstanding. If you absolutely need to have the real deal, you’d likely be better off whipping one up yourself or indulging in an upscale bakery version. - Silver Crane Speculoos House and Nutcracker Truffles
Both of these have beautiful, collectible tins. The cookies and truffles are fine, and the presentation is gift-friendly. But in terms of flavor, they’re not the greatest. Fine to give as a gift, not so fine for party center-piece. - Stonemill Kitchen Baked Brie Kit
A nice surprise: puff pastry, brie, fig spread, and chopped walnuts all to bake. I devoured it. It’s great. But it’s not a cookie, and it requires assembly, so it did not meet the “ready to gift or serve” qualification.
3. Kirkland Signature European Cookies: The Chocolate Crowd-Pleaser
Here’s a perennial that turns up year after year and for all the right reasons. Kirkland Signature European Cookies come in that iconic, oversized blue tin that so many of us associate with the holidays. The cookies inside? A great variety of chocolate-covered biscuits, butter-flavored wafers, and other crowd-pleasing options.
It’s the kind of tin you can just plop right onto a party table, no muss required. The durable tin can be used over and over (hello, sewing kit or covert candy jar), and the cookies themselves are a pleasantly nostalgic note. The only negative, if one can even call it that, is that they might be a wee bit too chocolatey for those who prefer less-puny flavors. But seriously, is there truly such a thing as too much chocolate?
This is the cookie equivalent of a warm, soothing hug perfect to share, give away, or stash in your pantry.
4. La Trinitaine French Butter Cookies: Elegant Simplicity
If the Kirkland tin is the cozy, homey standard bearer, then the La Trinitaine French Butter Cookies are its upscale counterpart. Quality, not frugality, is what these cookies are all about. From the very first bite, you know they’re made with real butter not because the tin advertises it, but because you can feel it in your mouth. That golden, rich flavor and light texture are immediately recognizable.
They’re plain. No music-playin’ cans, no novelty forms. They’re not present to comment on themselves; they’re only there to be consumed. And yet, in all their humility, they’re thoroughly satisfying. Crisp outside, nicely balanced in sweetness (but not too sweet), and incredibly versatile. Serve them up with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or champagne and that moment becomes special.
Their subtle sweetness and flawless texture ensure they are enjoyed by all, whether presenting to a group or enjoying one alone. The tin itself is unadorned yet tasteful, so they make a great gift that speaks of consideration and excellent taste.
5. The Ultimate Cookie Pairing: Why These Two Are Party Favorites
So, why these two?
- They span the entire cookie spectrum
La Trinitaine adds buttery crisp simplicity. Kirkland adds complexity and chocolate depth. Together, they meet every expectation for every kind of visitor. - They’re grab-and-go ideal
No baking. No planning. Simply open up the tin, lay them out, and voilà. Or offer them to a host and bask in the warmth of thanks. - They are delivered in beautiful tins
Both are festive and reusable. Whether you’re gifting or contributing to a dessert table, presentation is handled. Bonus: they’re environmentally friendly compared to disposable packaging. - They’re giftable for everyone
Teachers, coworkers, neighbors, party hosts anyone would be thrilled to receive either of these. They’re not just edible treats; they’re experiences that feel thoughtful without being over-the-top. - They create moments
The Kirkland tin brings holiday nostalgia and vintage happiness. La Trinitaine cookies invite you to pause, savor, and indulge in a quiet moment of indulgence. One is bright and extroverted; the other, calm and refined. Either way, they’re the perfect holiday balance.
6. How to Serve Them at Your Next Party
Hosting or going to a party? Follow these instructions to maximize this winning combination:
- Mix and match
Stack both cookies on a holiday tray. The color contrast traditional French butter cookies and European assortments chocolate-coated is a beautiful presentation. - Let the tins shine
Don’t cover up the packaging. Leave the tins within easy reach so visitors can take a look over and know what they’re enjoying and even maybe ask where to get them. - Match with drinks
Serve coffee, tea, or hot chocolate with them. The La Trinitaine cookies pair well with a latte; the Kirkland cookies with tea or milk. - Make it easy
The best aspect of these cookies is that they require absolutely no additional effort. Let them shine at the party and you enjoy the activity.
In a holiday season of to-do lists, social commitments, and constant “what do I have to bring?” panics, these two Costco cookies are the answer. They’re thoughtful without being overly complicated, delicious without needing to be homemade, and festive without relying on a gimmick. They offer something that’s difficult to come by during the holidays: simplicity and joy in one easy package.
La Trinitaine brings elegant subtlety. Kirkland brings old-fashioned abundance. Coupled together, they bring the type of pleasure that has people murmuring, “Oh, these really are good where did you get them?”
So whether you’re heading out to a party, wrapping gifts for coworkers, or just treating yourself, trust this pair. They’re the finest of what’s out at Costco at the moment and they’re joining me to every holiday gathering.
