Girl Scout Cookie Program provides sweet support
For more than a century, sale of the cookies has enriched lives of kids across the U.S.
The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a big part of my history. From the time I joined the organization as a Brownie in second grade to well into my high school years, I proudly donned the uniform, attended meetings, went to camp, learned a lot, and had a blast. During Girl Scout Cookie season, I sold more boxes than I could possibly count. I should point out that’s not a brag—while I did go door to door in my neighborhood with the order sheet, hoping to convince neighbors to buy a box or 10, most of the cookies I sold were purchased by my mom and dad, and most of those likely eaten by me.
Now, as a grown-up, I continue supporting the cookie program by buying way more boxes than I should every year. My favorites are the peanut butter and chocolate Tagalongs, though the new Exploremores cookies are also amazing, and I wouldn’t say no to a box of any of the other flavors available. In addition to providing me with a delicious sweet treat, proceeds from the sale of the treats support the GSUSA mission of enriching the lives of girls across the country.
To learn more about the cookies and the organization behind them, I spoke with Wendy Lou, GSUSA chief revenue officer, who oversees the cookie program.
Jenni Spinner: Please tell us a bit about Girl Scouts—how it got started, the programs it offers, and how it benefits kids in the U.S. and around the world.
Wendy Lou: Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouts of the USA was created at a time when girls and women had few rights and opportunities—when women couldn’t vote or hold bank accounts, and social norms sharply limited their independence. What began as one troop of 18 girls grew into a groundbreaking movement built on the belief that girls could accomplish anything.
Today, Girl Scouts serves girls of all backgrounds through year-round programming rooted in four pillars—STEM, outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship—tailored to each grade level. Supported by volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts reaches girls in every zip code and around the world, inspiring leadership, meaningful connection, and purpose through hands-on experiences. Our programs are tailored to each grade level: Daisies (grades K-1), Brownies (grades 2-3), Juniors (grades 4-5), Cadettes (grades 6-8), Seniors (grades 9-10), and Ambassadors (grades 11-12), in order to best fit girls’ needs and interests at that stage in their life.
Courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USAJS: Could you please share a bit about the Girl Scout Cookies program—how does it work, and how it supports all the good stuff that Girl Scouts does?
WL: The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business program in the world. It gives Girl Scouts the chance to learn real-world skills, including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. The money they earn helps fund all kinds of activities, from community projects to travel and summer camp. And the best part? All the proceeds stay with the local councils and troops.
Girls sell cookies at booths in their communities and through the Digital Cookie platform, which allows for shipping, donations, or local delivery. The national cookie season usually runs from January to April, but exact dates depend on where you live. When you buy Girl Scout Cookies, you’re getting more than a tasty treat—you’re helping girls build confidence, learn new skills, and explore new opportunities.
JS: What can you tell us about the history of the Girl Scout Cookies program?
WL: Our first cookie started it all! From the first simple sugar cookie recipe to rocky road-inspired newcomer Exploremores, Girl Scouts cookies have captivated neighbors' hearts internationally. Our cookie lineup has grown to include a range of delicious flavors, creating so many fan favorites throughout history, like the iconic Thin Mints, making The Girl Scout Cookie Program the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world.
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, created the Girl Scout Cookie Program in 1917 to help girls build entrepreneurial skills and fund troop activities. The program continues to thrive today, giving Girl Scouts real world life changing opportunities.
JS: How has the cookie program evolved over the years? When I was a Brownie, then a Girl Scout, all the ordering was done door-to-door on a physical form. Feel free to talk about growth (in terms of number of boxes sold, geographic reach, etc), how you work with bakers across the country—whatever you’d like to speak about.
WL: The Girl Scout Cookie Program has grown from homemade sales in the 1910s to a nationwide operation. Over time, it expanded beyond fundraising to help girls build leadership and business skills. Today, Digital Cookie, Girl Scouts’ official online platform, delivers more ways to participate, sell, buy, and learn. In addition, studies show girls who use Digital Cookie in combination with traditional sales often sell more cookies and reach their goals faster. Innovative Girl Scouts have also gotten creative in promoting Cookie Season on social media, with some even going viral!
GSUSA works closely with two licensed bakers to develop new flavors—like the rocky road-inspired Exploremores cookie—using market research, trend insights, and collaborative recipe and packaging development.
JS: Then, please tell us about this new flavor, Exploremores. What’s the inspiration behind the new cookie, and what are the flavors and ingredients in the new treat?
WL: Exploremores are rocky road ice cream-inspired sandwich cookies filled with natural and artificial flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond-flavored crème. They reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout. You can look at this page for the ingredients.
JS: Would you like to share about the other flavors? I know they vary by region and there’s quite a diverse list, so if you’d like to maybe share some of the most popular, that would be great.
WL: In addition to Exploremores, the 2026 cookie lineup includes iconic fan favorites like Thin Mints, Samoas/Caramel deLites, Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs, Adventurefuls, and more, which can be found at this page.
JS: If people would like to buy a box or 12, could you please tell them how to do that—online, in their neighborhood, etc.?
WL: If you know a Girl Scout, reach out to her! If you don’t know a Girl Scout, check with your local council or use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder by entering your ZIP code.
JS: Finally, do you have a favorite among the cookie lineup?
WL: Do-Si-Dos/Peanut Butter Sandwiches are my personal favorite!
