Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida kick off the 2026 cookie season with fan favorites and a brand new Exploremores cookie for all to enjoy
Coral Springs, Florida – The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season officially kicks off on January 12, as Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida invite the public to support local troops while enjoying their favorite cookies and trying a brand-new addition to the lineup. This year, in addition to beloved classics like Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs, cookie lovers will get their first taste of Exploremores, a sandwich cookie inspired by rocky road ice cream, filled with chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond–flavored crème. The cookie’s name and playful design celebrate the curiosity and adventurous spirit that the Girl Scout program encourages in girls across the region.
The annual cookie season, which runs through February 15, is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a cornerstone of the nation’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program, giving girls hands-on opportunities to build business and leadership skills. The proceeds from every box sold remain in the local community, supporting Girl Scout programming across Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and surrounding counties. Funds generated from cookie sales help underwrite service projects, outdoor adventures, travel experiences, and hands-on activities designed to encourage girls to explore new interests while building confidence.
“Every cookie season reminds us of the limitless potential within every Girl Scout,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “The Cookie Program is a powerful, hands-on learning experience that builds confidence, leadership, and essential life skills. At a time when girls need strong support systems more than ever, we are proud to provide opportunities that help them grow into the leaders our communities and our world need.”
Beyond selling cookies, the program teaches essential life skills such as goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Organizers note that these skills are particularly important given ongoing academic challenges. The State of the Florida Girl Report revealed that 46% of female K–12 students in Florida are not performing at grade level in math, and 13% fewer girls met grade-level standards in math the year following the pandemic. By participating in the cookie program, Girl Scouts gain practical experience in a supportive, structured environment that reinforces responsibility, resilience, and problem-solving.
To further encourage goal setting, Girl Scouts who sell at least 100 boxes during the season will receive free membership for the following year, while high school seniors achieving the same milestone will earn a fully funded lifetime membership as they transition to Girl Scout alumnae.
Cookies are available for purchase directly from local Girl Scouts, at neighborhood cookie booths—details for which can be found using the Cookie Finder at gssef.org—or online starting January 12. Direct-to-home shipping is also offered for customers who may not know a Girl Scout personally but wish to support the program.
In addition to the regular cookie sales, community members can participate in the 18th annual Cookies for the Military program, which allows customers to donate cookies to service members at home and abroad. Last year alone, 44,947 boxes were donated through the initiative. Since its inception, more than 858,000 boxes have been shipped to military personnel with the help of partners like Forgotten Soldiers, Operation Homefront, the American Legion, and Soldiers’ Angels. Donations can be made by purchasing a single box for $6 or a case for $72, either through a Girl Scout or at cookiesforthemilitary.org.
The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie season represents more than just a yearly tradition. It is a celebration of skill-building, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, providing girls with the tools to grow into confident, capable leaders while giving local communities an opportunity to support their development. With the debut of the new Exploremores cookie, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida are adding excitement and adventure to a program that has shaped generations of young leaders.
For more information about the cookie season, cookie varieties, or how to find a Girl Scout near you, visit gssef.org.
