By the end of January, you begin to notice them—the troop tables appear by the grocery store exits, manned by girls wearing green vests with pride, grinning like businesswomen preparing to make their first big pitch. “These are the Exploremores,” one of them says, extending a brand-new box. They are the newest cookies we have.
It’s charming that the name doesn’t tell you what it is right away. It suggests more than just flavor. It speaks to movement, curiosity, and perhaps even adventure. Indeed, the concept becomes edible when the box is opened: a filling that combines marshmallow and toasted almond into a remarkably smooth swirl is sandwiched between two soft, slightly crumbly chocolate wafers.
| Cookie Name | Exploremores™ |
|---|---|
| Debut Season | 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season (January to April) |
| Flavor Inspiration | Rocky road ice cream – chocolate, marshmallow, toasted almond crème |
| Cookie Type | Soft chocolate sandwich with flavored crème filling |
| Replaces | Toast-Yay! and S’mores cookies |
| Availability | Local booths and online ordering through Girl Scout troops |
| Price Range | Approximately $6 per box (varies by region) |
| Notable Ingredients | No high-fructose corn syrup, RSPO certified palm oil, no PHOs |
| Produced By | Little Brownie Bakers |
| Official Info | www.girlscouts.org |
In order to replace Toast-Yay! and S’mores, two cookies that had decent runs but never quite earned permanent shelf space, the Girl Scouts created Exploremores. By doing this, they also hinted at a subtle shift away from sentimental campfire themes and toward something more modern, vibrant, and, to be honest, a little more forward-looking.
Exploremores alludes to a flavor that people already identify with decadence and texture by mentioning rocky road ice cream. These cookies hold, travel, and share easily, but they don’t melt or stick like the ice cream does. The rich cocoa of the wafers and the nutty undertone of almond crème balance the purposefully light marshmallow note. Those who prefer layered sweets over sugar bombs will especially benefit from it.
One troop had almost sold out by midday at a cookie booth outside a library last weekend. A mother informed me that her daughter had insisted on trying it before any other flavor. The girl proudly held up the box, as though she had found something no one else had yet to notice, and said, “It just sounded fun.” I was struck by the idea that even a cookie could represent initiative.
Exploremores avoids copying the formula of other brands. They’re not a peanut butter twist or a cousin of Thin Mint. Because they are unique, they pose a risk and make a statement. The texture appears to be intended for slower bites, as it is noticeably softer than the typical crunchy fare. They encourage slowness rather than hurry.
The packaging makes extensive use of symbolism, including trees, trail paths, and binoculars. It’s a subtle visual language that invites customers to connect the cookie with action as well as flavor. According to one troop leader, the name is associated with new badge themes that emphasize innovation, travel, and exploration. It feels like deliberate alignment rather than just clever branding.
Girl Scout cookies have always stood for something more than just a snack. They are educational resources, small platforms for public speaking and financial literacy. Scouts have the opportunity to discuss pricing, supply, and cause with each sale. Exploremores give those discussions a new angle that feels a little more creative, like going beyond the obvious.
By launching this cookie at a time when the company is focusing more on STEM and entrepreneurship, the message is remarkably similar to the cookie’s name: move forward, try new things, and explore more. This cookie subtly exemplifies those principles.
I had a glass of milk and a skeptical attitude when I tried my first Exploremores at home. For years, I had been a devoted Samoan fan. However, the cookie’s texture and somewhat nostalgic flavor had a decidedly reassuring quality. It brought back memories of lunchbox snacks from a slower era. Unthinking, I found myself reaching for a second, then a third, which says more than I anticipated.
Prices may average about $6 per box during this season, which accounts for both inflation and rising production costs. Although some buyers are initially hesitant, it’s important to remember that the proceeds remain within local councils. Every dollar is used to fund troop experiences, such as summer vacations and coding workshops. When you think about the impact of supporting that process, it feels surprisingly affordable.
The Girl Scouts have progressively revised the lessons taught in their cookie program over the last ten years. Selling candy is no longer the only thing involved; now, team decision-making, goal-tracking, spreadsheet navigation, and sales apps are all part of the job. The cookies’ function has significantly changed, but they are still delicious.
The Girl Scouts decided to launch something new without sacrificing their heritage in a year when many legacy products are being rebranded, repackaged, or quietly retired. Indeed, exploremores are cookies, but they also represent hope for the future.
The buzz is real for now. Scouts are eager to present a cookie that they can explain using vibrant metaphors and animated hand gestures. Not just because it’s new, but also because it’s different in a positive way, customers are interested. Some troops have already reordered inventory more quickly than anticipated as a result of that early momentum.
It’s still unclear if Exploremores will stick around after this season. It must earn its position, just like many new additions. However, it is evident—quite evident, in fact—that it provides more than just taste. It gives you an excuse to pause, approach the girl standing proudly behind the table, and say “yes.”
