I tasted 12 varieties of Girl Scout cookies available this year and ranked them from worst to best

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Rachel AskinasiJan 28, 2023, 18:23 IST
I tasted 12 varieties of Girl Scout cookies available this year and ranked them from worst to best

I ranked 12 varieties of Girl Scout cookies available this year.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

  • Girl Scout cookies are beloved by many who look forward to purchasing them each year.
  • To prepare for cookie season, I tasted and ranked 12 varieties available this year.
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I put my taste buds to the test to determine the ultimate ranking, from worst to best, of Girl Scout cookies.

I put my taste buds to the test to determine the ultimate ranking, from worst to best, of Girl Scout cookies.
I tried 12 flavors that are all available this year.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Yes, I was once part of the Girl Scouts organization myself. When I was a child, I was part of my local Brownies troop, which accepts kids in second and third grade, according to the website. While it was a short-lived scouting career for me, my love for the cookies I sold still lives on today.

Representatives from the organization told me that the cookie season generally takes place from January to April, depending on the local market and Girl Scout council decisions (some start in December).

So in order to taste and rank as many as possible at the start of the season, Girl Scouts sent me 12 boxes of cookies (the 13th cookie, Caramel Chocolate Chip, was not received in time).

I reviewed the cookies to help you decide which ones are worth buying and which are worth skipping. Since we don't all have the same flavor preferences, I ranked the varieties based on how well I thought the tastes matched up with the descriptions on their boxes, and how well I thought the flavors worked together.

Typically, if someone offers me a Thin Mint, Samoa, or Tagalong, I'm not going to turn it down. But after tasting these 12 flavors available this year, I might have a tougher time deciding which cookie to reach for.

I thought the Girl Scout S'mores sandwich cookies were worthy of last place in this ranking.

I thought the Girl Scout S'mores sandwich cookies were worthy of last place in this ranking.
A Girl Scout S'mores cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These are "graham sandwich cookies with chocolatey and marshmallowy flavored filling," according to the package.

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I thought the flavor profile was a miss here in both the cookie and the filling.

I thought the flavor profile was a miss here in both the cookie and the filling.
I didn't love the flavors here.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

In my opinion, the cookie component itself tasted like a bland graham cracker, and I don't know that I would have picked up on any hints of that classic s'mores vehicle if "S'mores" wasn't the name of the cookie.

Similarly, I didn't think the white creme tasted like marshmallows, and the brown creme didn't give me any hints of chocolate. Instead, it just tasted like sugar to me.

The texture of the cookie also threw me off. It felt like there were bits of something inside, like the oatmeal cookie that's part of the Peanut Butter Sandwiches (which ranked No. 10), but it didn't make sense to me since this was supposed to be a graham-flavored cookie. I did enjoy the texture of the filling, though, since it was soft like an Oreo.

Adventurefuls are crunchy, chocolatey cookies that landed in 11th place.

Adventurefuls are crunchy, chocolatey cookies that landed in 11th place.
An Adventurefuls cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Adventurefuls are "indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème and a hint of sea salt," according to the package.

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While I thought the flavors reminded me of a brownie, the texture was off to me and other components were missing.

While I thought the flavors reminded me of a brownie, the texture was off to me and other components were missing.
This cookie was extremely hard.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These cookies are supposed to be inspired by brownies, so I expected them to be somewhat soft and chewy. Instead, they were hard (I couldn't break them with my hands) and crunchy. Flavor-wise, though, I thought the cookie component reminded me of the crispier edges of a brownie, which I liked.

The saltiness hit me at the end, which felt like a nice finish here. However, I didn't pick up on the caramel at all, and I thought the caramel-colored circle tasted more like white chocolate that had been dyed with food coloring.

The Peanut Butter Sandwich is a combination of the iconic spread and oatmeal, and it ranks at No. 10 on my list.

The Peanut Butter Sandwich is a combination of the iconic spread and oatmeal, and it ranks at No. 10 on my list.
A Peanut Butter Sandwich cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These little sandwiches are "crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with creamy peanut butter filling," according to the box.

In certain areas around the country, these are called Do-si-dos.

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I love oatmeal cookies and peanut butter, but the flavor profile here was too faint to enjoy, in my opinion.

I love oatmeal cookies and peanut butter, but the flavor profile here was too faint to enjoy, in my opinion.
The filling was dry rather than creamy, in my experience.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

I didn't really pick up on the peanut butter until I opened up the cookie and scraped off the filling with my teeth. The double cookie was a bit overwhelming to me, as it was thick, dry, and crunchy.

The filling wasn't soft and creamy like I thought it would be after reading the box. Instead, it was firm and dry, in my experience.

The entire eating experience reminded me a bit of eating Ritz peanut butter sandwich crackers, but without that iconic cracker flavor.

Raspberry Rally is a new cookie on offer this year, and I ranked it at No. 9.

Raspberry Rally is a new cookie on offer this year, and I ranked it at No. 9.
A Raspberry Rally cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These Thin Mint look-alikes are "thin, crispy cookies infused with raspberry flavor, dipped in chocolatey coating," according to the box.

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Don't expect the tart, bright flavors of real raspberries from this cookie.

Don't expect the tart, bright flavors of real raspberries from this cookie.
I thought these tasted like raspberry-flavored gummy candies.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

I was hit with the scent of artificial raspberries as soon as I opened the box. After giving these cookies a try, I thought they tasted more like a raspberry-flavored lollipop or mixed-berry fruit snacks gummies than actual berries you get from the produce department. But, that's not necessarily a bad thing as long as you like that flavor profile. Personally, I didn't love it.

The chocolate coating didn't really add much by way of flavor, in my opinion, as I couldn't really taste it.

However, the cookie was definitely thin and super crunchy, which made it texturally satisfying and true to its description.

Coming in at No. 8 in this ranking are Tagalongs.

Coming in at No. 8 in this ranking are Tagalongs.
A Tagalongs cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

According to the box, these are "crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolatey coating."

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While I loved the texture of these cookies, I thought the chocolate flavor was missing.

While I loved the texture of these cookies, I thought the chocolate flavor was missing.
The creamy texture of these was so satisfying.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

On my first bite, I was able to pick up on the peanut butter. It was definitely the main flavor of this cookie, which I personally loved. The texture of it was much creamier and silkier than the layer of peanut butter in the sandwich cookies.

The cookie itself was simple and tasted like a regular biscuit. It had a nice crunch to it, but it wasn't too thick and overpowering. I think this biscuit acts as a great vehicle for the peanut butter.

I love a peanut butter and chocolate flavor profile. Unfortunately, the chocolate on this cookie didn't taste like anything to me. Its texture is creamy and that adds value, but there was no flavor, in my opinion.

I really enjoy these cookies for the peanut buttery flavor and silky texture, but I thought the miss on the chocolate had to push Tagalongs down to No. 8.

This large bread-shaped cookie, Toast-Yay, took the No. 7 spot.

This large bread-shaped cookie, Toast-Yay, took the No. 7 spot.
A Toast-Yay cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

They're "French Toast-inspired cookies dipped in delicious icing," according to the package.

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These cookies were good, in my opinion, but they tasted more like cereal than french toast.

These cookies were good, in my opinion, but they tasted more like cereal than french toast.
I could smell the cinnamon and syrup flavors as soon as I opened the package.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

I opened the package and, much like when I opened the Raspberry Rallys, the scent of cinnamon and sweetness hit me instantly.

After taking just one bite, I was transported to a kitchen table with a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch in front of me. I used to eat the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal bars growing up (they had this layer of "milk" icing on the bottom) and that's exactly what this cookie tasted like to me. A colleague said he thought it tasted like the Eggo cinnamon toast waffles. So, if you like the cinnamon toast flavor profile, you'll enjoy these cookies.

The biscuit itself was crunchy but not dry or crumbly, which I thought was a good thing.

I ranked these at No. 7 because, while I think they're delicious, they taste less like the advertised french toast and more like cinnamon toast.

The Toffee-Tastic cookies earned sixth place in this ranking.

The Toffee-Tastic cookies earned sixth place in this ranking.
A Toffee-Tastic cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These are "rich, buttery cookies with sweet, crunchy toffee bits," according to the box. They're also gluten-free.

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While I thought the flavors were spot on, the texture knocked these down to No. 6.

While I thought the flavors were spot on, the texture knocked these down to No. 6.
The toffee got stuck in my teeth and the cookie was sandy in texture.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

I smelled these cookies and thought they were pleasantly plain with a hint of toffee scent, which was spot on for their description.

I thought the toffee flavor was pretty consistent throughout, even though the sticky substance itself got stuck in my teeth.

My only hangup on this cookie was its texture. I hoped it would be crumbly when I took a bite, but instead it was more of a dusty texture, which was dry and felt unpleasant, in my opinion. Other than the texture, this was a fairly straightforward snack, which I appreciated.

Samoas, a childhood favorite of mine, take fifth place in this ranking.

Samoas, a childhood favorite of mine, take fifth place in this ranking.
A Samoas or Caramel deLites cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Samoas are "crisp cookies with caramel, coconut, and dark chocolatey stripes," according to the box.

In certain areas around the country, these are called Caramel deLites.

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Nearly all components on this cookie were a home run, with the exception of the chocolate.

Nearly all components on this cookie were a home run, with the exception of the chocolate.
I love the flavor of toasted coconut, so I liked this cookie a lot.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Much like some of the other cookies, I smelled the familiar toasted coconut once I opened the interior packaging.

These cookies are chewy on the top and crunchy on the bottom, and I thought both textures complemented each other well. Some of the toasted coconut pieces were a little hard, but it wasn't enough to ruin the eating experience, in my opinion.

In terms of the flavor profile, it was almost entirely toasted coconut and caramel. While I could see and feel the chocolate, I could barely taste it.

I decided that the two lemon-flavored cookies available this year tied for third place.

I decided that the two lemon-flavored cookies available this year tied for third place.
A Lemon-Ups cookie from Girl ScoutsAlexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Lemon-Ups are one of two lemon-themed cookies in this year's collection.

According to the packaging, they are "crispy lemon-flavored cookies with inspiring messages to lift your spirits."

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I appreciated the true citrus zing coming from the Lemon-Ups.

I appreciated the true citrus zing coming from the Lemon-Ups.
These were very citrus-forward.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

After tasting this cookie several times, I was able to tell that the lemon flavor — which really tasted like citrus rather than just artificial lemon flavoring — was coming from the actual biscuit rather than the ultra-thin layer of icing underneath it.

That icing is kind of sugary and shell-like, and reminded me of a glaze on top of a lemon loaf. Unlike a loaf, though, the texture of the cookie was hard and crunchy, but not in an unpleasant way — I thought it worked well here.

While they don't add to or detract from the flavor or eating experience, I thought the uplifting messages like, "I am a leader," and, "I am strong," felt very in line with the Girl Scouts brand to me and were a nice touch.

Lemonades were the other No. 3 cookie, in my opinion.

Lemonades were the other No. 3 cookie, in my opinion.
A Lemonades cookie from Girl ScoutsAlexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

According to the packaging, these cookies are "savory slices of shortbread with a refreshingly tangy lemon-flavored icing."

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While offering a different take on lemon than its third-place partner, I thought these were equally as well-executed.

While offering a different take on lemon than its third-place partner, I thought these were equally as well-executed.
I thought these tasted like sweet lemons.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

The first thing I noticed was that these cookies were super tangy and bright in flavor. I also definitely got a shortbread flavor and texture profile from the cookie as well, though I thought the flavor mostly came from the icing.

These made my glands pucker like biting into a lemon would. And while the flavor was coming from the sweet icing, it wasn't overwhelming. It was a super thin layer that gives a lot in terms of flavor, and it was soft like the chocolate on the Tagalongs.

I thought the Lemonades were much sweeter than Lemon-Ups, but both tasted great.

The classic, plain Trefoils ranked as my pick for the No. 2 best Girl Scout cookie.

The classic, plain Trefoils ranked as my pick for the No. 2 best Girl Scout cookie.
A Trefoils cookie from Girl ScoutsAlexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

Trefoils are "iconic shortbread cookies inspired by the original Girl Scout recipe," according to the box.

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I've tasted these many times over the years, and I think they're still a classic.

I've tasted these many times over the years, and I think they're still a classic.
This cookie is a classic.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

I think Trefoils have a similar flavor profile to a sugar cookie with the consistency and texture of a shortbread cookie.

They're plain but buttery in flavor, and crumbly but not sandy like the Toffee-Tastics.

As someone who loves shortbread cookies, I think these would be great to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or milk.

Thin Mints land the No. 1 spot in this ultimate ranking.

Thin Mints land the No. 1 spot in this ultimate ranking.
A Thin Mints cookie from Girl Scouts.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

These classics are "crisp, chocolatey cookies made with natural oil of peppermint," according to the box.

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While they're super simple, I also think these cookies are perfectly executed.

While they're super simple, I also think these cookies are perfectly executed.
I think these cookies are perfectly executed.Alexander Calbi/Insider Media Studios

If you read the description of these cookies, that's exactly what you get when you eat them. They are spot on in both flavor and texture, in my opinion, with just a hint of minty flavor and a thin, crispy, crumbly cookie that's light and easy to consume.

I think the chocolate cookie adds to the flavor profile, while the chocolate coating adds to the textural experience, which kind of reminds me of eating mint chip ice cream.

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