Restaurants

9 Most Expensive Desserts at Popular Fast-Food Chains

Fast-food is known for being affordable, but these desserts might make you think otherwise.

By Meghan De Maria

April 7, 2021

One of the biggest allures of fast-food restaurants is the price points. You can walk into McDonald's or Wendy's with a ten-dollar bill and expect to get a large, filling meal. But if you're not careful, sides, desserts, and drinks can make even fast-food meals expensive. With that in mind, we decided to see what the most expensive dessert is at popular fast-food chains.

These prices are based on a New York City market, so they might vary slightly depending on where you live. But the most expensive items should be the same across the board. So if you're on a budget, you might want to stay away from these options.

And for more, don't miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

MCDONALD'S: Milkshakes and Cinnamon Rolls

McDonalds chocolate shake — Courtesy of McDonald's

A McDonald's milkshake will cost you a whopping $3.99, no matter which flavor you get. That's more than the regular-size McFlurry options and all of the baked goods. As for the bakery treats, at McDonald's, you can get two pies for $1.99, which seems like a steal. But a cinnamon roll will set you back $2.69—you might be better off going to a bakery at that point.

BURGER KING: Milkshakes

burger king oreo cookie shake — Courtesy of Burger King

At $4.32 for a milkshake—with another 80-cent upcharge for whipped cream—Burger King has a higher price point on the frozen treat than McDonald's does. At least the chain's coffee is affordable!

CHICK-FIL-A: Frosted Drinks and Milkshakes

chickfila peppermint chocolate shake — Courtesy of Chick-Fil-A

At Chick-fil-A, the milkshakes, frosted lemonade, and frosted coffee are all the same price: $4.59 for a small and $5.29 for a large. A Chick-fil-A cookie, meanwhile, is just $1.69.

WENDY'S: Frosty

wendys chocolate frosty — Courtesy of Wendy's

At $2.19 for a large, the Wendy's Frosty is still pretty affordable. But the chain's cookies are only $1.39 each.

SHAKE SHACK: Specialty Shakes

shake shack holiday trio — Courtesy of Shake Shack

A limited-edition Shake Shack milkshake, like the currently offered Chocolate Pudding Shake and Strawberry Rhubarb shake, will cost you a hefty $6.09. A regular shake, meanwhile, is $5.59.

STARBUCKS: Almond Croissant

Starbucks has plenty of baked goods you can pair with your coffee. But the almond croissant is the most expensive one at $3.75.

DUNKIN: Gluten-Free Fudge Brownie

The baked goods at Dunkin' are all pretty affordable, with treats like the coffee roll and the apple fritter at the $1.99 price point. The gluten-free fudge brownie is $2, which is still pretty affordable for a gluten-free treat.

KRISPY KREME: Oreo Cookie Donuts

krispy kreme dark chocolate oreo kreme doughnut — Courtesy of Krispy Kreme

The Oreo Cookie Over-the-Top donut and Oreo Cookie Glazed donut from Krispy Kreme will set you back $2.19 each, while most other flavored donuts from the chain are just $1.79. The cake batter donut, though, is also $2.19.