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  1. Cookies
  2. Cookie History

Cookie History

More Than a Century of Girl Scout Cookie History

Most people have a special place in their heart for Girl Scout Cookies. Not only because they’re spectacularly delicious but also because the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls fulfill their dreams, follow their passions, and change the world!

The program, which is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program for girls in the world, helps Girl Scouts fund unique adventures for themselves and their troops all year long. It also allows them to give back to the causes they’re most passionate about—it’s the Girl Scout way! As Girl Scout Cookie entrepreneurs learning essential life skills every step of the way, girls are also transformed into the bold and brave leaders that will make the world a better place today and in the future. 

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has used cookie earnings to build everyday leaders who make positive changes in our world. And there’s no doubt: U.S. society today is better because of the girls who have taken part in the program! But how did it all begin?

Hey, Let’s Sell Cookies!
It all started in 1917, when Girl Scouts in Muskogee, Oklahoma, did what Girl Scouts everywhere always do: they had a great idea, got together, and took action to make it a reality. The girls of Mistletoe Troop hit on the clever idea to fund their projects by selling cookies they made at home in their own kitchens. So simple—and so smart! Other troops took note, and the idea of Girl Scouts selling cookies took off.

cookie timeline

Fast forward to today, when more than a million amazing girls will sell hundreds of millions of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to support their mission of making the world a better place. But there’s more work to be done—and more amazing experiences to be had—and we need everyone’s involvement!

You can help the next generation of girls fulfill their dreams and change the world by finding cookies near you now. With every box of Girl Scout Cookies you buy this year, you help support tomorrow's courage-boosting, confidence-inspiring, character-building, make-the-world-a-better-place experiences.

How will the Girl Scout Cookie Program power the next century of girl entrepreneurs toward greatness? Let’s find out!

old photo of GS cookie sales
Find Out More!

Take an inside look at the Girl Scout Cookie Program—from a grassroots project in 1917 to an icon of American culture today.

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