Girl Scouts across the United States are preparing to sell a familiar assortment of cookies, and a brand-new treat, in the upcoming season.
While some communities already have order forms available, others may need to wait weeks, or even almost two months, before a box of Thin Mints, Tagalongs, or the new Exploremores reaches local shelves.
The variation in timing reflects the autonomy of each local council, which sets its own calendar for the annual cookie season.
This staggered approach means that the exact start date can differ dramatically from one zip code to the next.
For many fans, the question is simply: when can I order my favorite cookie?
According to the official Cookie Finder from the Girl Scouts of the USA, the cookie season has already begun in several regions across the country.
An analysis by Nexstar identified active sales in Chicago, central Illinois, Washington, D.C., parts of North Carolina, along South Carolina’s coast, western portions of New York and Virginia, southern Kansas, Massachusetts, central Michigan, and Alabama.
In Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee, the season will officially kick off on a Wednesday.
Providence, Rhode Island sees sales starting on Saturday, with some troops already scheduling booth locations.
These early starts illustrate the wide geographic spread of the cookie season.
The lineup for this year includes a new cookie called Exploremores, adding fresh variety to the traditional assortment of Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and others.
No flavor or ingredient details are provided in the announcement, but the addition signals the Girl Scouts’ ongoing effort to refresh the cookie menu each year.
Fans of the program can look forward to sampling the new treat once local councils begin accepting orders.
The inclusion of Exploremores follows the tradition of introducing a new cookie annually to keep the product line dynamic.
Its availability will align with the local council’s chosen start date for the season.
Regional variations in start dates are evident even within a single state.
For example, while the season has already begun in parts of Illinois, the city of Madison will not receive Thin Mints or Tagalongs until February 21, more than 60 days from now.
In contrast, sales in Rockford, Illinois, began some 70 miles away earlier in the year.
This illustrates how local council decisions can create significant differences in when specific cookies become available to consumers.
The variation is a result of logistical planning, inventory management, and local demand assessments carried out by each council.
As a result, customers may experience a delay of several weeks between neighboring towns.
During the initial phase of the cookie season, sales are limited to online transactions.
This online-only window allows councils to process orders efficiently and manage inventory before moving to in-person sales.
Once the online period concludes, Girl Scouts are permitted to sell cookies in person at booths, events, and community gatherings.
This staged approach ensures a smooth transition between online and in-person sales channels.
It also provides local councils with the opportunity to prepare staffing and booth logistics for the in-person phase.
Elsewhere in the country, the cookie season does not begin until the calendars flip to 2026.
Troops in northern Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; McAllen, Texas; and Burlington, Vermont will wait until that year to start selling cookies.
In Richmond, Virginia; much of Georgia; and Panama City, Florida, sales begin on January 2.
Troops in Las Vegas must wait until January 3.
These later start dates reflect the scheduling preferences and operational constraints of each local council.
Customers in these regions should plan accordingly and check the Cookie Finder for exact dates.
Across multiple metros, the Girl Scout cookie season starts during the second week of January.
This schedule applies to Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Colorado Springs, Grand Rapids, and Sacramento, according to Nexstar’s analysis.
If you live in New York City, Philadelphia, or Columbus, Ohio, you can start buying cookies on January 15.
These dates provide a clear framework for consumers in major metropolitan areas.
The variation in start dates continues to underscore the decentralized nature of the cookie season.
In Madison, Wisconsin, Thin Mints and Tagalongs will not be available until February 21, more than 60 days from now and well after sales begin in Rockford, Illinois, some 70 miles away.
In North Dakota and South Dakota, troops will start offering cookies slightly earlier on February 9.
These dates highlight the geographic spread of the cookie season across the Midwest and the Upper Great Plains.
Customers in these areas should use the Cookie Finder to confirm the exact start date for their zip code.
The staggered schedule may affect the availability of specific cookie varieties.
You can find out when your local Girl Scouts will be selling cookies using the Cookie Finder.
The tool requires only your zip code, and it will display the exact start date and whether sales are online or in person for your area.
By entering your zip code, you can see whether the first sales are online or if in-person booths are already scheduled.
The Cookie Finder is a convenient resource for consumers who want to plan their orders in advance.
It also helps councils coordinate with local vendors and event organizers.
The price of the cookies will also vary by area.
As the GSUSA explains, the 111 Girl Scout councils in the country set their own prices, which “reflect the current cost of cookies and the cost of providing quality Girl Scout programming and experiences in an ever-changing economic environment.”
This pricing policy allows councils to adjust for local economic conditions and program needs.
The quote from GSUSA emphasizes the link between cookie sales and funding for Girl Scout activities.
Consumers should expect some price differences between regions.
All funds raised through cookie sales stay with local councils and troops, supporting the programs and experiences that Girl Scouts offer to their members.
The revenue from cookie sales is used to fund activities such as camps, leadership training, and community service projects.
By keeping the proceeds local, councils can tailor programs to the needs of their troops.
This financial structure is a core component of the Girl Scout organization’s mission to empower young girls.
The cookie program remains a vital source of funding for many councils.
Ordering typically begins with an online form that local councils provide through their website or the Cookie Finder.
Once the online period ends, Girl Scouts will set up booths at community events, schools, and other venues to accept in-person orders.
Some councils may also use mobile payment systems or third-party platforms to facilitate transactions.
The ordering process is designed to be straightforward, allowing families to purchase cookies quickly and securely.
The availability of both online and in-person options ensures that most customers can find a convenient method to order.
The cookie season has a significant impact on local communities.
In addition to providing a popular treat, the sales generate revenue that supports a wide range of Girl Scout activities, from educational workshops to outdoor adventures.
Local councils often collaborate with community partners, such as schools and civic groups, to host cookie-selling events.
These partnerships strengthen community ties and raise awareness about the Girl Scouts’ mission.
The cookie program also offers young scouts valuable business and customer-service experience.
Key Takeaways
- Cookie season start dates vary widely, from early January to late February, depending on local council decisions.
- Prices differ by council, reflecting local costs and program funding.
- All proceeds remain with the local Girl Scout councils and troops, supporting their programs.
With a new cookie on the menu and a season that stretches across the nation, there’s plenty of time to plan your cookie orders.
Whether you’re ready to buy online or wait for in-person booths, the Cookie Finder will guide you to the right date and location for your zip code.
Enjoy the treats and support the Girl Scouts’ local programs.
