The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season is officially here and if you’re already craving Thin Mints or plotting how many boxes of Adventurefuls you can fit in your pantry… same. Whether you’re a seasoned cookie connoisseur or you’re just here for the vibes, here are five things you
need to know before you stock up.
1. When does Girl Scout Cookie Season start?
National Girl Scout Cookie Season begins on January 6, and every council opens at its own time. The easiest way to check when sales begin near you is to enter your zip code into the
Cookie Finder box at the top of our website. You will see booth times, online ordering windows and everything you need in one place. If your local council is not yet selling cookies, the Cookie Finder will display a countdown to when their season begins so you can plan to support troops in your community. You may also see links for neighboring troops or booths from nearby councils that are already in season. This is helpful if you are interested in direct shipping or willing to travel. If you want to support a specific area, you can also type in a ZIP code to explore all available options.
2. Where can you buy cookies?
There are several easy ways to support your local Girl Scouts.
- Start with the Cookie Finder. Enter your zip code to see when your council’s sale begins, find local cookie booths, and learn how to get cookies delivered to your home.
- Visit cookie booths in your community once your council’s sale is live.
- Purchase directly from a Girl Scout you know through her Digital Cookie link.
- Text COOKIES to 59618 for updates and reminders.
Most councils run January through April, giving you plenty of chances to bring home your favorite flavors.
3. Meet the newest cookie, Exploremores™
Exploremores is the newest addition to the cookie lineup and it is and there's already great anticipation. Inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, these chocolate sandwich cookies are filled with the delicious flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond flavored creme and reflect the spirit of exploration in every Girl Scout. Local troops will have them at booths or can ship nationwide, so it is easy for anyone to try the newest cookie while still stocking up on Adventurefuls, Thin Mints, and Trefoils.
4. Cookie booth etiquette
Cookie booths are real world learning spaces where girls practice communication, teamwork and confidence. A little kindness can make every interaction memorable for them.
- Be kind and encouraging.
- Direct concerns to GSUSA rather than volunteers or girls.
- Avoid diet-related comments and keep the space positive.
- Recognize the effort behind each booth.
- If you are not buying today, a friendly smile or quick good luck still makes a difference.
5. Why buying Girl Scout Cookies from Girl Scouts matters
Every box supports the largest girl led entrepreneurial program in the world. Through the Cookie Program, Girl Scouts build skills in goal setting, money management, decision making and working with others. They earn badges tied to financial literacy and entrepreneurship and carry these lessons with them long after the season ends.
Your support also stays local. Cookie proceeds fund troop activities, outdoor adventures, service projects in your community, and more. Each purchase helps Girl Scouts learn, grow and try new things all year long.
Let’s make this season the sweetest one yet!
Cookie Season is more than a moment. It brings people together, powers big dreams and gives girls the chance to grow in so many ways. Whatever cookie flavors you pick up, you are helping create meaningful opportunities for Girl Scouts everywhere. Thanks for being part of that journey. You truly take the cake… or in this case, the cookie!
