There are two ways to tell if spring is on the way: Punxsutawney Phil is plucked from his hollow to the delight of an adoring crowd and Girl Scouts Cookies are finally available for mass consumption.
If you’re like me, you look forward to this every year. If you’re also like me, you probably know very little about the program itself. If you didn’t know it already, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest entrepreneurial program for girls in the world. “The program helps girls not only learn essential skills, but is a tool for teaching girls to empower themselves,” says Stewart Goodbody, Director of Communications, Girl Scouts of the USA.
On average, Girl Scouts sell roughly 200 million boxes of the delicious cookies every year. That equals to about $800 million dollars. “One hundred percent of the cookie proceeds stays with the local council and troops, benefiting girls through programmatic experiences,” says Goodbody. Girl Scout troops then decide how those funds are then invested in educational experiences and Take Action projects that benefit their local communities.
Why can’t I just buy the cookies at a store?
“When you buy cookies from a Girl Scout, you are investing in so much more than a box of treats—you are investing in a girl’s future, and the future leadership of our country,” says Goodbody. Girl Scouts aren’t just selling tasty tasty cookies, they are learning how to manage money, set goals and make decisions. All while preparing themselves to be independent in the future. “So, while you might see just a box of cookies, the reality is Girl Scout Cookies are an investment in the power of girls to be leaders and identify and address world problems.” The fact that they get life skills from the experience doesn’t make the cookies taste any less delicious.
Not All Girl Scout Cookies Are Created Equal
It’s true, not all cookies are equal. Some appeal to a wider range of consumers and some just seem downright strange. If coconut isn’t for you, you won’t like Caramel Delites and if you have an aversion to lemon, Cranberry Citrus Crisps and Lemonades aren’t going to be high on your list. But, since I am a fairly open-minded eater who has no dislike for coconut, lemon or any other flavor associated with Girl Scout Cookies, I am the perfect person to rank these seasonal treats. Keep in mind this is just one man’s opinion. My rankings should not dissuade you from purchasing a low ranking cookie if it contains the flavors you crave most in a cookie. My list goes from worst to first.
Photos courtesy Girl Scouts of the USA
Ranking Girl Scout Cookies From Worst to Best
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12. Cranberry Citrus Crisp
Here’s one word I’m not looking for when I grab for a cookie: whole grain. Also, I am not a fan of crispy cookies. I love a cookie that has at least a little bit of chew to it. That being said, if you like a crispy cookie and whole grains, this is the cookie for you. On top of being crispy and crumbly, this cookie contains bits of cranberry and citrus flavoring. If you’re going for a healthy cookie that doesn’t contains high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, this is the perfect cookie. But, when I grabbing a handful of cookies, these aren’t things I’m concerned about.
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11. Rah-Rah Raisins
Rah-Rah is not something I would ever say (even if it does easily roll off the tongue). I’ve never cheered for raisins and I certainly won’t start now. This is just a healthy bowl of oatmeal masquerading as a cookie. It contains whole grain (there’s that phrase again) oats along with raisins and Greek yogurt-flavored chunks. Unless you are a giant fan of raisin bran, this cookie isn’t worth cheering about.
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10. Savannah Smiles
There’s no smiling about this lemon-flavored cookie that is dusted with powdered sugar. If I wanted a treat like this, I’d eat some of my grandma’s lemon squares. They are much better and grandma appreciates the company.
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9. Thanks-A-Lot
“No Thank You,” is what I say to this shortbread cookie that has fudge on one side. Who are you fooling by only putting fudge on one side? Oh, how you taunt us so. Why even bother with the fudge if you’re just going to tease us with that chocolate goodness?
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8. Lemonades
Girl Scouts really seem to like citrus-flavored cookies. Now, I don’t hate citrus, but I would assume they would be okay with one or event two citrus-inspired cookies. They have three and none of them are doing it for me. Lemonades are pretty much just Thanks-A-Lots with lemon icing instead of fudge.
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7. Shortbread
You might be wondering why this fairly bland cookie is so high on my list. Well, eating it on its own is like the equivalent of chewing up a whole box of saltine crackers without swallowing. But, magic happens if you dunk this cookie in a glass of milk. Just try it, I dare you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
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6. Trios
Gluten free products are all the rage. It’s no surprise that the Girl Scouts got on the bandwagon. For those with Celiac Disease or those who just want to cut out gluten for whatever reason, these cookies are for you. It might seem like they have too much going on, but these peanut butter oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips are actually mighty tasty.
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5. Toffee-Tastic
If you like toffee and you are on a gluten-free diet, these are the cookies for you. These buttery cookies contain crunchy bits of toffee. The only problem is that your odds of finding them are pretty slim, as they are only offered in select Girl Scout council markets.
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4. Peanut Butter Sandwich
For fans of sandwich cookies, these are perfect. Peanut butter rests between two crunchy oatmeal cookies to form a winning combination. This might be the best cookie to pair with milk on the whole list.
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3. Thin Mints
The number one best selling cookie is not the best tasting. Thin Mints are regularly the highest selling cookie; these mint-flavored, chocolate covered cookies have the perfect amount of mint to chocolate ratio to appease the most critical cookie fan.
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2. Peanut Butter Patties
It was difficult ranking the best Girl Scout Cookie. But, this peanut butter filled, chocolate-covered monstrosity was barely edged out.
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1. Caramel Delites
Caramel Delites are hands down the best cookie. That is, unless you don’t like coconut. If that’s the case, you’re no friend of mine. Well, actually, you can still be my friend because then I won’t have to share any of these caramel and toasted coconut covered cookies with you.
