Rising Butter Prices Drive Up Cost of Christmas Cookies in 2024

Despite falling prices for sugar and flour, a 40% increase in butter costs is making holiday baking more expensive this year.

Butter prices have surged 40% compared to October 2023, driven by reduced milk supplies and lower fat content in raw milk.
Key ingredients like sugar and flour have seen price drops of 20% and 10%, respectively, but these savings are insufficient to offset the higher cost of butter.
Milk and chocolate prices have also risen slightly, adding to the overall expense of baking traditional Christmas cookies.
Experts suggest using margarine as a cost-effective butter substitute, though bakers warn it may compromise flavor and texture.
The increased demand for other dairy products, such as cheese, has further limited the production of butter, intensifying its price hike.