January marks not only the beginning of a new year, but the start of a new season — Girl Scout cookie season, that is. It’s the time of year when you can buy dozens of boxes of delicious cookies and feel good about your purchase going towards a good cause. The tradition dates back to 1917 and is meant to help Girl Scouts develop life skills like goal setting and money management.
Despite that, the topic always seems to bring about lots of opinions. Everybody has very strong thoughts on what Girl Scout cookies are the best, which names reign supreme (is it Peanut Butter Patties or Tagalongs? Caramel deLites or Samoas?). But, in my humble opinion, these are the wrong things to be talking about. Instead, you should be wondering when you can start buying Girl Scout cookies.
When can I start buying Girl Scout cookies this year?
I’m so glad you asked! I have some great news. Girl Scout cookies are actually already available for purchase. You might not be spotting your local troops posted up outside the grocery store just yet, but you can order cookies for online shipping. Here’s how to do it.
How can I order Girl Scout cookies online?
First, head on over to girlscouts.org/en/cookies/how-to-buy-cookies. Then, enter in your zip code. From there, the website will list out the closest Girl Scout troops to your area. You select the one you want to order from, and you will be taken to an online ordering form. Select how many boxes of Thin Mints, Trefoils, and Samoas you want and place your order for shipping. You can even donate boxes to the local community and try 2026’s new cookie, Exploremores (a sandwich cookies with chocolate, marshmallow, and almond flavored creme). Keep in mind shipping can take up to 15 business days, so you might not receive your Girl Scout cookies for a few weeks.
When can I buy Girl Scout cookies in person?
Every troop and area is different, so keep your eyes peeled. But most of the country can expect to see Girl Scout troops selling cookies in person as early as late January and as late as early April. And if you are looking to buy cookies from a specific Girl Scout, you can ask them for their purchase link and buy the cookies online. You can also text ‘Cookies’ to 59618 to get updates about when cookies are available.
How much do Girl Scout cookies cost in 2026?
They vary by area. Most of the country can expect to pay between $6 to $7 per box of cookies. And each type of cookie contains a different amount. For example, a box of Adventurefuls only comes with 15 cookies. But a box of Trefoils comes with 40.