The annual Girl Scout cookie season is a beloved American tradition. This year, it’s making headlines with a sweet revolution: the introduction of the new Exploremores cookie and the retirement of two fan favorites, S’mores and Toast-Yay! after the 2025 season (KSL, TODAY).
But the real story isn’t just about changing flavors. It’s about resilience, business savvy, and a deep commitment to building the next generation of strong female leaders. This is the deeper meaning behind every box you buy.
Meet the New Cookie: What Are Exploremores?
Say hello to Exploremores, the newest member of the Girl Scout cookie family. Inspired by the classic Rocky Road ice cream, this sandwich cookie is packed with flavor:
- Chocolatey Cookies: The sandwich base.
- Marshmallow Creme: A sweet and fluffy filling.
- Chocolate Chips & Almonds: Added for a delicious crunch (9news).
This exciting new option will hit the market for the 2026 season, giving cookie lovers something fresh to look forward to.
Why Are S’mores and Toast-Yay! Leaving?
It’s always hard to say goodbye to favorites. The decision to phase out S’mores and Toast-Yay! is a strategic business move. Like any smart company, Girl Scouts of the USA regularly reviews its product line based on sales performance, customer feedback, and operational efficiency. Retiring older products makes room for innovation and ensures the cookie program remains profitable—and those profits are what fund amazing experiences for girls.
The Real Cost of a Box: More Than Just Ingredients
You may have noticed a small price increase in some areas, with boxes moving from $6 to $7. This isn’t arbitrary. Like all organizations, Girl Scouts faces rising costs for ingredients, supplies, and transportation.
More importantly, it’s crucial to understand that 100% of the net revenue from cookie sales stays with the local council and troop (9news). This money isn’t going to a corporation; it’s directly funding adventures, educational programs, and community projects for nearly 700,000 Girl Scouts across the country.
The True Recipe: What Girls Really Learn Selling Cookies
The cookies are delicious, but they are simply the tool. The real product is confidence. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program in the world. Here’s what a girl learns when she asks, “Would you like to buy a box of cookies?”
- Goal Setting: She sets her sales targets and plans how to achieve them.
- Money Management: She handles transactions, makes change, and learns about profit.
- Business Ethics: She learns to be honest and transparent with customers.
- People Skills: She looks adults in the eye, speaks clearly, and handles rejection with grace.
- Teamwork: She works with her troop to achieve a common goal.
These are the skills that build resumes, college applications, and future CEOs. The cookie program is a practical, hands-on business school.
How to Buy Cookies and Make a Real Difference
Want to support this incredible mission? Here’s how you can buy your cookies and empower a future leader:
- Find a Local Troop: The best way! Look for cookie booths at your local grocery store or community center starting in February.
- Use the Official Cookie Locator: Enter your zip code on the Official Girl Scout Cookie Finder to find sales near you.
- Buy Online for Direct Shipping: Starting February 21st, you can order cookies online to be shipped directly to your door. You’ll need to enter a specific scout’s URL or a zip code to support a local troop.
Conclusion: You’re Buying More Than a Cookie
The introduction of Exploremores and the retirement of old favorites are signs of an organization adapting for the future. When you buy a box of Girl Scout cookies, you are doing so much more than satisfying a sweet tooth.
You are investing in a girl. You are funding her camping trip, her science project, her community service initiative, and her first lessons in running a business. You are helping her explore more—hence the perfect name for the new cookie.
So this season, buy a box (or three!). Enjoy the delicious, time-tested flavors and celebrate the exciting new addition. But most importantly, take pride in knowing that your simple purchase is helping to build the courageous, strong, and capable leaders of tomorrow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes and is not an official publication of Girl Scouts of the USA. Cookie availability, prices, and participating bakeries may vary by region.
Last modified: September 9, 2025
