Girl Scout Cookie Season is officially underway in Queens, featuring a brand-new cookie flavor for 2026. Exploremores™, a rocky road ice cream–inspired sandwich cookie, joins the lineup this season, filled with rich flavors of chocolate, marshmallow, and toasted almond–flavored crème. The new cookie reflects the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout and will be available from troops across the city alongside beloved classics such as Thin Mints and Samoas.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world and as Girl Scout Cookie season begins, the iconic program is more relevant than ever. In an age dominated by technology and social media, where many girls experience isolation, comparison, and screen fatigue, selling Girl Scout Cookies gets girls out into their neighborhoods, connecting face-to-face with neighbors, local businesses, and their community. Through the Cookie Program, girls build real-world skills families are seeking today, including financial literacy, money management, communication, teamwork, and confidence. Girls learn how to set goals, solve problems, and advocate for themselves, all while working together and having fun. More than a fundraiser, the Cookie Program is a powerful, hands-on leadership experience that helps girls grow into capable, resilient, and community-minded leaders.
“Families today are looking for experiences that help their children feel confident, connected, and supported, and Girl Scouts of Greater New York continues to listen and respond,” said Shari Krull, CEO of GSGNY. “Cookie Season is one of the many ways we create welcoming opportunities for girls across New York City to belong, explore their interests, and grow in ways that feel meaningful to them and their families. I’m consistently inspired by the creativity, determination, and confidence that our Girl Scouts display as they set ambitious goals and achieve them.”
All proceeds from the Girl Scout Cookie Program remain within the five boroughs, funding the Girl Scout Leadership Experience across New York City. A portion of every sale goes directly to local troops, supporting their activities and helping girls make the most of their Girl Scout experience. Cookie proceeds also support Troop 6000, a first-of-its-kind program launched in 2017 to serve girls living in temporary housing in the New York City shelter system, as well as girls from asylum-seeking families across the city. Girls in Troop 6000 participate in both digital cookie sales and in-person booth sales throughout March and April. More information about Troop 6000 is available at https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/troop6000.
Girl Scouts who achieve top cookie sales earn the opportunity to become members of Girl Scouts of Greater New York’s Cookie Executive Committee. As “Cookie Executives,” girls participate in exclusive professional development workshops, help inform and shape the Girl Scout Cookie Program across New York City, select the incentives girls can earn, and gain hands-on experience in leadership, decision making, and entrepreneurship.
“Selling cookies is about more than just making a sale—it’s about building confidence, staying focused, and working as a team. I’ve learned to set goals, handle challenges, and celebrate my achievements. Being a Girl Scout cookie seller has shown me what I’m capable of,” said Julia L., local Queens Girl Scout and a top seller.
For those who want to support Girl Scouts while also giving back, cookie purchasers can donate boxes through the Gift of Caring program, in partnership with New York City food rescue nonprofit City Harvest. This year, for the first time ever, 100 percent of all donated cookies will stay right here in New York City, where City Harvest will distribute them to New Yorkers in need across the five boroughs. Supporters can participate by purchasing cookies online and selecting the Gift of Caring option at checkout.
Throughout the season, Girl Scouts will take cookie orders through their Digital Cookie online storefronts, where customers can purchase cookies for direct shipment. Customers can visit https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/findcookies to find troops in Queens to support. For those who prefer to pick out their Girl Scout Cookies in person, Girl Scouts across the city will host their in-person booth sales beginning February 11.
For more information about Girl Scout Cookie Season, visit https://www.girlscoutsnyc.org/.

Photo: 2026 Cookie Rally (Credit: Girl Scouts of Greater NY)