Girl Scout Cookie Season 2026: New Flavors and Returning Favorites
It’s almost time for Girl Scout cookie season and, for many of us, it’s one of the most anticipated food moments of the year.
Beyond the familiar cravings for Thin Mints and Samoas, the season is also a reminder of what the program supports: hands-on learning, confidence building, and real-world skills for girls all across the country.
The Girl Scout cookie season of 2026 is shaping up to look familiar in the best way possible, including one new addition, several beloved classics, and a couple of favorites sitting it out this year.
Here’s what to know before you start planning your order.
When Is Girl Scout Cookie Season?
Cookie season doesn’t start on the same day everywhere. Most local councils begin sales sometime between January and April, though some areas start as early as late December.
Because timing varies by location, the easiest way to check your local schedule is through the Girl Scouts’ official cookie finder using your ZIP code. That tool will also help you locate nearby booths once in-person sales begin.
How to Buy Girl Scout Cookies
If you already know a Girl Scout, ordering is simple. Many troops offer personalized online links that allow you to place orders directly and choose shipping or local pickup.
If you don’t have a direct connection, cookie booths are still a big part of the season. You’ll often find them outside grocery stores, retail centers, and community events.
The cookie finder tool is the fastest way to locate booths near you and see which dates they’re operating.
What’s New (and What’s Not) for 2026
This season brings one new cookie into rotation, while two recent flavors have officially been retired.
What’s New for the 2026 Season
Exploremores: Chocolate sandwich cookies filled with marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème, inspired by classic campfire flavors
Returning Girl Scout Cookie Flavors
Adventurefuls: Brownie-inspired cookies topped with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt
Caramel Chocolate Chip: Chewy cookies packed with caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a touch of sea salt
Caramel deLites/Samoas: Crisp cookies layered with caramel, coconut, and chocolatey stripes
Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-si-dos: Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies filled with creamy peanut butter
Lemonades: Buttery shortbread cookies topped with tangy lemon-flavored icing
Lemon-Ups: Crisp lemon cookies baked with uplifting messages on each cookie
Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs: Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and coated in chocolatey goodness
Thin Mints: Crisp chocolate cookies dipped in a refreshing mint-chocolate coating
Toffee-tastic: Rich, buttery cookies studded with crunchy toffee bits and made gluten-free
Trefoils: Classic shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout recipe
Not Returning This Season
Girl Scout S’mores: Graham-flavored cookies layered with chocolate and marshmallow-style filling
Toast-Yay!: French toast-inspired cookies with a cinnamon-sugar flavor
Why the Cookie Program Still Matters
While the cookies themselves get most of the attention, the program’s purpose runs deeper. Selling cookies helps Girl Scouts learn budgeting, goal-setting, communication, and teamwork.
The proceeds support troop activities, community projects, and leadership development at the local level. For most of us, buying cookies is both a treat and a way to support something tangible and community-based.
Planning Your Cookie Order
If history is any guide, popular flavors sell quickly, especially once booth sales hit their stride. And, if you have any favorites, it’s smart to order early rather than assume they’ll be around later in the season.
Whether you’re curious about new Girl Scout cookies in 2026, tracking which favorites are returning, or confirming which Girl Scout cookies are discontinued, you’ll find that this year’s lineup is keeping things classic, with just enough novelty to hold the attention of longtime fans.
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