Nutrition Diet: How many calories are in a Costco shortbread?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

While the specific number varies by product, a Kirkland Signature Walkers Premium Shortbread cookie from Costco contains approximately 95 calories per biscuit. Knowing exactly how many calories are in a Costco shortbread is key for anyone monitoring their intake or practicing mindful eating.

Quick Summary

Calorie counts for Costco shortbread depend on the specific brand and cookie type. The Kirkland Signature Walkers variety averages around 95 calories per biscuit, while Mary Macleod's classic shortbread contains 100 calories per cookie. The nutritional breakdown highlights their dense, high-fat, and sugar content.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a Costco shortbread depends on the brand; Kirkland Signature Walkers contain ~95 calories per biscuit, while Mary Macleod's contains 100 calories per cookie.
High in Fat and Sugar: Shortbread is calorie-dense, primarily from fat (butter) and sugar, with minimal fiber or protein.
Mindful Moderation: Enjoying shortbread in moderation is key to balancing your diet, such as having one or two cookies instead of a larger portion.
Check Labels: Always verify the nutritional information on the packaging, as different Costco shortbread varieties will have slightly different caloric and nutritional values.
Balance Your Snack: Pair a small serving of shortbread with a healthier snack like fruit or nuts to add nutrients and manage portion size.
Understand the Ingredients: Traditional shortbread's simple recipe of butter, flour, and sugar explains its high-calorie density.

Demystifying the Calories in Costco Shortbread

Costco is known for its oversized and delicious food products, and their shortbread is no exception. However, with multiple brands and varieties available in-store, the calorie count can differ significantly. Understanding the nutritional information is crucial for those watching their calorie intake or seeking to balance their diet. The iconic Kirkland Signature Walkers Premium Shortbread Selection is one of the most popular choices, but other gourmet options like Mary Macleod's also make an appearance, each with its own calorie profile.

At its core, shortbread is a rich, dense cookie made with just three simple ingredients: butter, sugar, and flour. The high proportion of butter gives it its characteristic crumbly texture and contributes significantly to its calorie and fat content. Unlike many other cookies, traditional shortbread contains no leavening agents, which results in a very different texture and nutritional density.

Kirkland Signature Walkers Premium Shortbread

The Kirkland Signature Walkers Premium Shortbread is a common sight in Costco stores. According to the product's nutritional information, a serving of 2 biscuits contains about 190 calories. This breaks down to approximately 95 calories per biscuit, making them a dense treat. The primary source of these calories is fat and carbohydrates, with saturated fat being particularly high due to the generous use of butter. While these cookies offer little in the way of protein or fiber, they deliver on taste, which is why they are often considered an indulgent snack rather than a healthy one.

Here is a more detailed look at the nutrients per serving (2 biscuits):

Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 115mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: <1g
Total Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g

Mary Macleod's All Butter Shortbread

Costco also carries other brands, such as Mary Macleod's shortbread. These cookies are also made with high-quality, buttery ingredients. Based on nutritional information available on Costco's website, Mary Macleod's Classic Shortbread cookies contain 100 calories per cookie, a slightly higher density than the Walkers variety. This is an important distinction for those tracking calories precisely. The fat and sugar content for these cookies are also notable given their small size.

Mary Macleod's offers various flavors, such as Chocolate Crunch and Maple Crunch, which can slightly alter the calorie and sugar counts. It's always best to check the specific package you are purchasing, as formulations can vary.

Nutritional Comparison: Kirkland vs. Mary Macleod's

To better understand the differences, here is a comparative table of the standard varieties available at Costco.


Nutritional Aspect	Kirkland Signature Walkers (Per 2 Biscuits)	Mary Macleod's Classic (Per Cookie)
Calories	~190 kcal	~100 kcal
Serving Size	37g	20g
Total Fat	11g	6g
Saturated Fat	7g	4g
Total Carbohydrates	22g	10g
Total Sugars	7g	3g
Protein	2g	1g

It is important to note that the serving sizes differ, which accounts for some of the disparity in the total nutritional values. When comparing them on a per-cookie basis, the calorie density is quite similar, though Mary Macleod's is slightly higher. This means both are high in calories, particularly from fat and sugar, relative to their size.

Incorporating Shortbread into a Balanced Diet

Just because a snack is high in calories and sugar doesn't mean it should be completely off-limits. The key is moderation. Including treats like shortbread in a healthy diet requires mindfulness and planning. Instead of eating a handful, consider having just one or two biscuits as a small treat.

To balance out a treat, you could also pair it with a more nutritious option. For instance, enjoy a single shortbread cookie alongside a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to add fiber and protein to your snack. This approach can help manage portion sizes and prevent overconsumption.

Here are some tips for enjoying shortbread mindfully:

Portion Control: Serve a predetermined number of cookies onto a plate instead of eating directly from the tin or jar. This helps visualize and limit your intake.
Savor Each Bite: Take your time to enjoy the rich, buttery flavor and texture. This can increase satisfaction and reduce the desire for more.
Pair Wisely: Enjoy your shortbread with a low-calorie beverage like tea or coffee, or with a healthier food item, as suggested above.
Plan Ahead: Decide in advance when you will have your treat to prevent impulsive snacking.

For more general information on incorporating treats into a healthy lifestyle, consider resources like the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the specific calorie count of a Costco shortbread cookie depends on the brand, with popular options like Kirkland Signature Walkers and Mary Macleod's containing approximately 95-100 calories per cookie, respectively. While these treats are high in fat and sugar, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. By practicing portion control and mindful eating, you can satisfy your craving for this classic, buttery treat without derailing your nutritional goals. Always remember to check the nutritional label of the specific product you're buying, as varieties can differ.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a Costco shortbread varies by brand. The Kirkland Signature Walkers shortbread has about 95 calories per biscuit, while Mary Macleod's classic shortbread has 100 calories per cookie.

No, shortbread is not considered a healthy snack. It is high in calories, fat (especially saturated fat from butter), and sugar, offering little nutritional value like fiber, vitamins, or minerals.

On a per-cookie basis, the calorie density is very similar, with Mary Macleod's classic shortbread having 100 calories per cookie versus Kirkland Signature Walkers at around 95 calories per biscuit. However, serving sizes differ, so it's important to compare based on the size of the piece you eat.

The high calorie count in shortbread comes primarily from its high content of butter and sugar. A high fat content is characteristic of traditional shortbread recipes.

Yes, shortbread can be part of a weight loss diet if consumed in strict moderation. Since it is calorie-dense, you must account for its calories and balance them with nutrient-dense foods in the rest of your diet.

Yes, Costco carries different shortbread brands and varieties, including Kirkland Signature Walkers and Mary Macleod's, and the calorie counts vary depending on the specific product. Even within brands, different flavors may have slightly different nutritional information.

To reduce calorie intake, practice portion control by limiting yourself to one or two cookies. Savor each bite to feel more satisfied, and consider sharing with others to avoid overindulging.