As millions of dollars get shelled out across America to girls in little green vests, the age-old question arises: What makes Girl Scout cookies so irresistible? When the selling season hits, self-proclaimed “broke” college students find themselves stocking up on three boxes of Thin Mints for over $4 each. Luckily, there’s a way to break the cycle. Duke already gave you 5 DIY Girl Scout Cookies Made with Quest Bars, but here are energy bar-less (and, admittedly, more indulgent) recipes for each cookie variety.
Samoas (Caramel Delites)
Photo courtesy of justataste.com
Ah, the trifecta of decadence: chocolate, coconut and caramel. Kelly, at Just a Taste, has a recipe for cookies that look just like the originals, only more alluring because you know they’re homemade.
Thin Mints
Photo courtesy of deliciouslyyum.com
The cool crunch of chocolate and mint is a big fan-favorite in the Girl Scout cookie nation. People are so eager to recreate them that we’ve actually found two 3-ingredient recipes, each of which so easy that there’s no excuse not to try both. Check out Meghan’s Ritzy recipe with Spoon Georgetown and Kathi’s Oreo-based version at Deliciously Yum, and feel free to mix the two. Bonus: both recipes, like the original cookies, are vegan.
Tagalongs (Peanut Butter Patties)
Photo by Rae Steinbach
What makes Tagalongs so magical is the combination of the base’s crunchiness with the creaminess of the peanut butter topping, all encased in chocolate. Is your mouth watering yet? Spoon Nationals has got you covered, thanks to Rae’s recipe.
Lemonades
Photo courtesy of The Heritage Cook
Lemon enthusiasts are in for a treat with these lemon icing-topped rounds of lemon shortbread. Jane, aka the Heritage Cook, cut hers into glazed stars, but her recipe will help you make the cookies “slice and bake” style.
Trefoils (Shortbread)
Photo by Mimi Takano
Shortbread is perfect for those who appreciate the simple things in life. There are dozens of recipes for this culinary staple, but most boil down to butter, sugar and flour. Spoon National’s Mimi shared 5 cookie variations on one dough, and that initial dough is for good old-fashioned shortbread.
Do-si-dos
Photo courtesy of savorysweetlife.com
Peanut butter cookie sandwiches are something everyone needs in their life. Alice, at Savory Sweet Life, has some peanut butter oatmeal cookies with peanut butter cream that will leave you reeling.
Savannah Smiles
Photo courtesy of yourlighterside.com
Shortbread-like lemon wedges coated in powdered sugar – the Scouts sure do like their shortbread and lemon. Your Lighter Side provides a low-carb take that retains the tastiness of the original with half the guilt.
Thanks-A-Lot
Photo courtesy of thedailymeal.com
A modest shortbread cookie topped with chocolate really shouldn’t be charged Girl Scout prices. Victoria’s recipe from the Daily Meal tells you how to make these guys for yourself, but, for extra ease, you could just use the Trefoil recipe and Nutella.
Toffee-tastic
Photo courtesy of hersheys.com
I’m surprised that these aren’t more popular. What’s not to love about butter cookies infused with toffee bits? Even if the originals don’t wow you, these Hershey’s versions should.
Rah-Rah Raisins
Photo courtesy of cookingontheweekends.com
Oatmeal raisin cookies with Greek yogurt chunks sound healthy enough to justify eating half a dozen in one sitting, right? Just swap the Greek yogurt chips in Steph’s recipe from Okie Dokie Artichokie for chocolate chips in Valentina’s oatmeal raisin chocolate chip cookies.
Trios
Photo courtesy of ambitiouskitchen.com
Peanut butter chocolate chip oatmeal cookies lead the Girl Scouts’ foray into the gluten-free realm. Ambitious Kitchen’s Monique meets the Gluten Free challenge with her flourless recipe, although whether or not you use GF oats is really your call.
Cranberry Citrus Crisps
Photo courtesy of landolakes.com
These new whole grain cookies with cranberry bits and orange zest haven’t been around long enough for exact mimic recipes to be available, but Land O’ Lakes comes pretty close. If macadamia nuts aren’t your thing, just substitute them with more cranberries. As for healthifying the cookies, experiment with oat and whole wheat flours instead of all-purpose white.
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