For over a century, Girl Scout Cookies have been more than just a sweet treat—they’re a gateway to empowerment, entrepreneurship, and endless exploration. This week, as the leaves turn and the air crisps, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is stirring up excitement with the announcement of their latest innovation: Exploremores™, a decadent sandwich cookie inspired by the timeless allure of rocky road ice cream. Set to debut in the 2026 cookie season, this new addition promises to blend nostalgic flavors with the organization’s core mission of inspiring young girls to discover their potential.
Imagine the satisfying crunch of a chocolate wafer sandwiching a luscious crème filling that evokes the gooey, nutty bliss of rocky road ice cream. Exploremores™ delivers exactly that: a harmonious mix of rich chocolate, fluffy marshmallow, and toasted almond-flavored crème nestled between two crisp chocolate cookies. It’s not just a cookie; it’s a bite-sized adventure on a plate, designed to capture the “limitless spirit of exploration” that defines every Girl Scout.
GSUSA describes the cookie as a reflection of the organization’s “Find Adventure” value, encouraging girls to step outside their comfort zones and embrace new challenges. As one early taster from Allrecipes put it after sampling a preview, “It’s like scooping into a pint of rocky road, but with the perfect cookie crunch—gone in seconds.” This isn’t hyperbole; the cookie’s layered textures and flavors aim to delight both longtime fans and curious newcomers, making it a standout in a lineup that’s evolved alongside America’s sweet tooth.
The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season officially kicks off in January and runs through April, though local troops may adjust based on community schedules. Exploremores™ will be available nationwide, both at beloved in-person cookie booths—those festive street-side stands manned by eager Scouts—and through the convenient online platform launched in recent years. Whether you’re supporting a neighborhood troop or ordering a bulk shipment for your office, accessibility is key.
To stay ahead of the rush, GSUSA recommends texting “Cookies” to 59618 or signing up on their website for real-time alerts. With nearly 700,000 girls participating annually, demand is high, and these cookies sell out fast.
At its heart, every box of Girl Scout Cookies is a vote for the future. Proceeds from Exploremores™ and the full lineup stay local, funding life-changing programs like troop travel, STEM workshops, and leadership retreats. Girls earn badges such as My First Cookie Business and My Cookie Team, honing skills in goal-setting, financial literacy, and ethical decision-making—tools that propel them toward brighter tomorrows.
This launch comes at a pivotal moment for GSUSA, following a challenging 2025 season marked by rising prices, softer sales, and the retirement of two flavors: the beloved S’mores (graham cracker sandwiches with chocolate and marshmallow) and Toast-Yay! (a French toast-inspired shortbread). Despite these hurdles, classics like Thin Mints®, Samoas®/Caramel deLites®, and Tagalongs®/Peanut Butter Patties remain fixtures, now joined by Exploremores™ alongside options like Adventurefuls and gluten-free varieties. The move signals a strategic refresh, aiming to reignite enthusiasm and support the nearly $3 million in recent operating losses.
In a world that often feels unpredictable, treats like Exploremores™ offer a delicious reminder of joy’s simple ingredients: curiosity, community, and a dash of indulgence. For Girl Scouts, it’s about more than sales—it’s about unboxing possibilities, one cookie at a time. As GSUSA puts it, “Right now, Girl Scouts all over the world are exploring who they are, what they can do, and all they can become.”
So, mark your calendars for January 2026. Whether you’re a Thin Mints traditionalist or a flavor adventurer, Exploremores™ invites you to explore more—of the cookie, of the cause, and of the incredible impact one box can make. After all, in the words of the Scouts themselves, adventure tastes pretty sweet.
Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.
