By Emily Frisan
It’s that time of the year again! From the tried-and-true Thin Mint to the new Raspberry Rally cookie, Girl Scout cookie sales help our friends and communities across the country provide grants to local Girl Scouts and troops with financial barriers, maintain camps and properties, and pay for program supplies, activities, and group travel. Using Google Trends, Taste of Home posted the map above of the most searched Girl Scout cookies across the country.
Although a variety is typically sought out, besides a few states, the entire country agrees on one specific cookie as their top tier choice: Thin Mints. Only three out of the eight varieties were featured in states’ favorite choices. Even with all the new Girl Scout flavors, it seems you can’t go wrong with the classics. According to Girl Scouts of the USA, the most popular flavors are the iconic Thin Mints, Caramel deLites (Samoas), Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs), Adventurefuls and the Do-si-dos (Peanut Butter Sandwich). Prices and availability vary by region due to the council structure and the limited commercial bakers licensed to produce Girl Scout Cookies.
Cookie sales helping finance troop activities began as early as 1917, five years after Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in the United States. The first cookies were baked and sold as a service project by the Mistletoe Troop in its Muskogee, Oklahoma high school. Throughout the early-1900s, enthusiasm for Girl Scout Cookies spread, and by 1937, more than 125 Girl Scout councils reported holding cookie sales. By 1966, America’s favorites were available, including Chocolate Mint, Shortbread, and Peanut Butter Sandwich cookies.
Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April, however local timing varies. Visit the Girl Scouts’ website and sign up to be notified as soon as your local troop begins selling in your area. Can’t find your favorite cookie near you? Beginning February 27th, you can finally purchase these tasty treats online. Now more than ever, when it comes to Girl Scout Cookies, you can taste the adventure in every delicious bite!