Is it cheaper to buy cookies or bake them?

It is generally cheaper to bake cookies at home than to buy them from a store, as you can purchase the ingredients in bulk and make a large batch of cookies at once. Here's a cost comparison based on the average cost of ingredients (prices may vary depending on your location and the specific brand of ingredients you choose):

Cost of baking cookies at home:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Approximately $0.50

- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Approximately $0.10

- 1 teaspoon salt: Approximately $0.05

- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Approximately $1.50

- 1 cup granulated sugar: Approximately $0.50

- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Approximately $0.75

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Approximately $0.50

- 2 large eggs: Approximately $0.50

- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional): Approximately $1.00

Total cost of ingredients to make approximately 24 cookies: Approximately $6.40

Cost of buying cookies from a store:

- A pack of 24 cookies from a grocery store: Approximately $3.00

- A box of 24 gourmet cookies from a bakery: Approximately $10.00

As you can see, if you bake cookies at home, the cost of ingredients is lower, and you can customize the recipe and add your preferred ingredients. However, the convenience and time saved in purchasing cookies from a store may be worth the additional cost for some people.