The Evolution of Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout cookies started in 1917, when a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked cookies to fund their activities. Initially, these treats were homemade by the scouts and their parents.

From simple home-baked goods, the cookie range expanded. Now, it includes classics like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, with new varieties like Adventurefuls introduced to keep the tradition exciting.

Selling cookies is educational, teaching scouts valuable skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics through practical experience.

In recent years, Girl Scouts have shifted to more eco-friendly packaging, reducing waste and environmental impact. This move reflects the organization's commitment to conservation and sustainability.

Only two commercial bakeries in the United States are authorized to produce Girl Scout cookies, ensuring consistency in quality and taste across the nation.

The Digital Cookie platform, introduced in 2014, revolutionized cookie sales by allowing scouts to sell online, broadening their customer reach and modernizing the program.

Proceeds from the cookie sales primarily benefit local troops and councils, funding camps, community projects, and travel. These activities empower girls through experiential learning and growth opportunities.

In 2019, Girl Scout cookies were baked in space aboard the International Space Station, making them the first cookies baked in microgravity.