How to Safely Get Your Girl Scout Cookies This Spring

Last year, among various other annual events, the pandemic shut down the classic Girl Scout cookie stand, forcing the organization to scramble as it shifted to find safe ways to sell cookies. This spring they’re more prepared. Thanks to a smart, new collaboration, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) can ensure that nobody has to miss out on the tradition, and that the members can still raise money for their troops. Get your virtual cart ready for all the Thin Mints!

The annual fundraiser, designed to teach entrepreneurship to girls while helping them to finance their own activities, saw its participants use the same type of innovative thinking to sell cookies last year that other small businesses had to do: They set up drive-thru cookie sales and sold from virtual cookie booths. This year, troops will continue with these methods, but they’ll also have an added option for customers: online delivery through restaurant delivery app Grubhub. (Thankfully the app will be waiving all fees, so the money still all goes directly to the Girl Scouts.) The GSUSA also has a “Cookie Finder” app for people who don’t know a Scout to buy their cookies from directly. Simply enter your zip code and it will point you toward a local troop to buy from — either online or directly.

Not everything new from the Girl Scouts is tech-related, though: This spring marks the arrival of the Toast-Yay!, a small, toast-shaped cookie, iced on one side, inspired by the flavors of French toast. It’s light, and crisp, and perfectly cinnamon-y. These cookies are only available in select locations, according to the organization, so make sure to grab a box or two if you see them in your area.

Girl Scout cookie season generally runs approximately January through April, but varies locally, and the online ordering won’t open until February 1. Connecting with your local troop remains the best way to get your cookies fast.