Ranking Every Girl Scout Cookie from Least to Most Delicious

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Reflecting on my Girl Scout days, it’s not the memories of selling cookies that stand out, but rather the sheer enjoyment of eating them. My parents often stocked up, ensuring our pantry overflowed with favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas throughout the year.

Whether you were a Girl Scout or just someone eager to support a friend’s relative during cookie season, chances are you have strong feelings about these treats. It might surprise you to learn that the cookies are produced by two licensed bakers, ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers, resulting in regional variations of names and flavors. To gauge preferences, I turned to my colleagues at Food & Wine, who shared their favorite cookies, leading to a lively discussion and differing opinions.

To explore these differing viewpoints further, my coworkers and I tasted every variety available in the office, resulting in this subjective ranking of all 12 Girl Scout cookies from least to most favored.

Caramel Chocolate Chip

The Girl Scout website labels these cookies as “chewy cookies with rich caramel, semisweet chocolate chips, and a hint of sea salt.” Regrettably, they fell flat with several staff members, described as dry and lacking flavor. Even the chocolate chips were criticized for being bland, leading to a less than satisfying experience.

Girl Scout S’mores

Marketed as “crunchy graham sandwich cookies with chocolate and marshmallow filling,” these cookies drew comparisons to commercial cream-filled options. While they might suffice as substitutes, they certainly do not evoke the authentic taste of a traditional s’more. Notably, they are set to be discontinued by 2026.

Toffee-tastic

These shortbread-style cookies are filled with butter toffee bits and present a solid gluten-free choice. However, while they offer a rich toffee flavor, some found them gritty in texture, which detracted from the overall enjoyment.

Lemon-Ups

Although we couldn’t sample these “crispy lemon cookies” adorned with motivational messages, I learned from a former scout that they resemble the discontinued Savannah Smiles. From her description and past experiences, I place this cookie in the middle of our ranking.

Adventurefuls

Marketed as “indulgent brownie-inspired cookies,” these relatively new treats launched in 2022 fell short of expectations. Instead of the expected chewy texture, they were harder and thicker. While enjoyable, they didn’t quite match the satisfaction offered by other cookies in the lineup.

Trefoils

My adult palate found the nostalgic buttery shortbread of Trefoils somewhat disappointing, instead likening them to standard vanilla wafers. My colleague pointed out their basic nature, suggesting that they lack uniqueness as there are many similar cookie options available outside the Girl Scout brand.

Lemonades

Described as “savory, refreshing shortbread cookies topped with a tangy lemon-flavored icing,” these cookies seemed aimed at adult tastes, departing from the sweetness typically favored by children. While they were pleasantly crumbly, there was a desire for a stronger lemon flavor to enhance the experience.

Toast-Yay!

These innovative cookies, shaped like French toast and glazed with icing, emerged in 2021. With flavors reminiscent of pancakes and maple syrup, they stand out as one of the more enjoyable varieties, though they too will face discontinuation in 2026.

Do-Si-Dos / Peanut Butter Sandwich

These oatmeal sandwich cookies filled with peanut butter are a favored choice among our staff. They effectively capture the authentic taste of peanut butter, making them suitable for pairing with coffee or milk, despite a slightly crumbly texture.

Tagalongs / Peanut Butter Patties

For many, Tagalongs represent a high point, blending the experiences of peanut butter and chocolate seamlessly. They have garnered a reputation as a favorite among our staff, regarded as an exemplary treat that delights cookie lovers.

Thin Mints

Thin Mints are celebrated for their crisp, chocolatey texture combined with a refreshing mint flavor, striking a balance without becoming overly sweet. A popular consensus among fans in the office is that these cookies achieve their full potential when served frozen, enhancing their delightful crunch.

Samoas / Caramel deLites

In a close contest, Samoas have garnered a wealth of admiration, standing out for their blend of gooey caramel, coconut, and chocolate flavors. Their unique combination positions them as a timeless favorite, though opinions remain divided between these and Thin Mints. Notably, the debate continues as staff members delve into their preferred ways to enjoy these cookies.

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