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Take your cookie business to the next level.
From downloads to guides, doorhangers to business cards, and beyond – try these handy resources.
Want to make this cookie season the best one yet? Check out some of the fun activities and materials for Girl Scouts and volunteers.
2026 Cookie Calendars
Click a button below to access the calendar you need.
2026 Key Dates 
| Jan 6 | Digital Cookie opens. Girl Scouts may start taking orders online and via phone/text or in person. |
Jan 7 |
Round 1 eBudde Booth Scheduler Opens 8:00pm (troops choose 1 slot -- Home SU onlu) |
Jan 8 |
Round 1 eBudde Booth Scheduler Closes 7:59pm |
Jan 9 |
Round 2 eBudde Booth Scheduler Opens 8:00pm (troops choose slots -- home SU only) |
Jan 9 |
Deadline for troops to enter in eBudde their Starting Inventory Order (SIO). Must be entered by 11:30pm. |
Jan 10 |
Round 2 eBudde Booth Scheduler Closes 7:59pm. |
Jan 28 |
Deadline for SU Delivery Chairs to create Starting Inventory Order Pick-Up schedule in eBudde, including date, time, and location. |
Jan 29-Feb 1 |
SIO Delivery to service units (day varies by service unit). |
Feb 1 |
Cookie GO DAY! |
Feb 3 |
Cupboards begin to open. Refer to the cupboard schedule in eBudde for locations and dates/hours of operation. |
Feb 10-11 |
SIO returns (max 10 cs). Troops cannot return any part of their SIO if they added to troop inventory with either a troop-to-troop transfer or Cookie Cupboard Order. |
Feb 6 |
Boothing Begins. |
Feb 16-Mar 10 |
Even exchanges at the cupboards. Full, unopened cases only. |
Feb 20-22 |
National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend! |
Feb 23 - Mar 10 |
Individual package pickups at cupboards. |
Feb 26 - Mar 8 |
Consignment orders are accepted at designated cupboards. |
Mar 8 |
Cookie Program ends. |
Mar 8 |
Last day for customers to place girl delivery orders in Digital Cookie. Girls may continue to take orders in person or via text, email, or social media through March 10. |
Mar 10 |
Last day to return residual Consignment Cupboard orders -- at designated cupboards only. |
Mar 10 |
Last day to pick up cookies for girl-delivered orders -- at designated cupboards only. |
Mar 14 |
Last day for TCCs to enter all Cookies for the Community packages, troop transfers, and complete all girl assignments in eBudde. Must be completed by 11:30 pm. |
Mar 14-16 |
SUCPCs to ensure all troops have completed product assignments, troop-to-troop transfers, and C4C packages. SUBMIT SU Rewards by 11:30 pm. |
Mar 16 |
Last day to submit ACH Debit Adjustment Request eform to PPM, by 12:00 p.m. (if applicable). |
Mar 26 |
ACH debit from Troop Accounts. Deadline for troops to turn in Discrepancy Reports to PPMs (if applicable). |
| Mar 31 | ACH credit to Troop Accounts (if applicable). |
April 18 |
CEO event. |
April 25 |
Sweet Elite Event. |
May 16 |
Smart Cookie Club Event |
May 30 |
Destination Unknown Excursion: Long Beach |
Aug 1-2 |
S’mores Adventure Weekend (Note: S’mores Adventure will be held on August 1 - 2, but based on participation/capacity, August 15-16 may be added.) |
For Girl Scouts and Families
Top Resources for Girl Scouts and Families
- 2026 Cookie Family Guide
- Guía de Galletas 2026 para la Familia
- 2026 Cookie Marketing Kit
- 2026 Kit de Marketing de Galletas
- Customizeable Cookie Window Clings
- 2026 Cookie Social Media Kit
- Girl & Family Cookie Program Training
- Passcode: Cookies!2026
- Slide Deck
- 2026 Cookie Marketing Webinar
- Digital Marketing Tips for Cookie Entrepreneurs
- Ways to Participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program
- Navigating Ways To Participate
- Reasons to Participate
- Girl Scout Cookie Booth Inventory Tracker
- Girl Scout Cookie Inventory Tracker
- Cookie Booth Bingo
- 5 Skills - English
- 5 Habilidades - Espanol
Top Resources for Parents
- Product Programs Parent/Guardian Permission & Responsibility Agreement | Fillable Version
- Programas de Productos Acuerdo de Permiso y Responsabilidad del Padres o Tutor | Fillable Version
- Residential Cookie Stands
- Selling Guidelines
- Cause Related Marketing
- Cookie Code of Conduct Agreement PDF | Fillable PDF
- Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins
Digital Cookie
Cookie Grams
Rewards
- View the 2026 Rewards Panel
- Details for Highest Rewards (see chart below)
Smart Cookie Club (550+ Packages) |
You can end the cookie season with a big splash when you reach this level. Smart Cookies get an exclusive Girl Scouts-only day at Hurricane Harbor water park on May 16, 2026, plus all the food you can eat and all the fun you can possibly have under the sun! (Earners may invite one adult chaperone to attend with them.) |
The Sweet Elite (1250+ Packages) |
Girl Scouts who sell 1,250+ packages are invited to Disneyland Resort (April 25, 2026; Girl & One Chaperone*) for a fun program in Disneyland’s California Adventure and afterwards, the opportunity to explore both parks. *Girl and chaperone must attend program element to receive hopper ticket. We must adhere to any restrictions Disney imposes on the park for that day. |
S'mores Adventure Weekend (1500+ Packages) |
Two days and one night at GSGLA’s own Camp Lakota on August 1 – August 2, 2026**, just for our GSGLA Girl Scouts that reach this level and their plus one adult chaperone. Days and evenings are filled with fun activities, GS traditions and great food. Join us for a very special Girl Scout experience, meet new GS friends, visit with girls you have known, and spend quality time with your adult chaperone. **S’mores Adventure will be held on August 1-2, 2026. Based on participation/capacity, August 15-16, 2026, may be added. |
Cookie CEOs (2000+ Packages) |
For Boss Girl Scouts only! A day trip on April 18, 2026, with our council CEO, Theresa Edy-Kiene, just for our GSGLA girls that reach this level. First you’ll brunch with Theresa then enjoy a Magical Hollywood Experience (details will be shared later). (This event will be for the Girl Scout only; GSGLA will provide the chaperones.) |
3,000 Event (3000+ Packages) |
Destination Unknown Excursion: Long Beach on May 30, 2026. While the details of this event shall remain a mystery for now, just know that Girl Scouts who reach the 3000 package level will have a safe and fun time somewhere in Long Beach. (This event will be for the Girl Scout only; GSGLA will provide the chaperones.) |
Contests
The 2026 Girl Scout Cookie Season is filled with fun contests for both members and the general public. For more details on each contest, please review the Cookie Grams and follow GSGLA on Instagram and Facebook.
Merritt the Ferret BFF Challenge
January 6–March 10, 2026
Girl Scouts who complete key Digital Cookie activities can enter for a chance to win the Merritt the Ferret plush during the 2026 cookie season.
Cookie Marketing Webinar Drawing
January 6–February 1, 2026
Girl Scouts who watch the 2026 Cookie Marketing Webinar and complete the post-webinar survey using the secret code will be entered to win one of two GSGLA Shop gift cards.
2026 Cookie Family Guide Scavenger Hunt Contest
January 6–February 10, 2026
Explore the 2026 Cookie Family Guide and complete the scavenger hunt for a chance to win by finding helpful cookie season information throughout the guide.
Cookie Curb Appeal
February 1–March 8, 2026
Show off your most creative cookie booth or selling setup by sharing photos or videos for a chance to be featured on GSGLA channels.
Exploring More with Exploremores
February 6–February 19, 2026
Share fun photos of Exploremores cookies out and about in the community for a chance to win a cookie variety pack.
Booth Sleuth Weekends
February 27–March 1 & March 6–8, 2026
Keep an eye out for surprise visits at cookie booths, where Girl Scouts showing outstanding cookie spirit may receive special Booth Sleuth patches and treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should my Girl Scout/troop participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program?
Selling cookies teaches goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—aspects essential to leadership, to success, and to life. Plus, it provides a dynamic way for Girl Scouts and their troop to raise funds for the exciting programs, projects, and trips that they dream up!
What is the deadline to sign up to sell cookies for 2026 and how can my Girl Scout or troop get started with the cookie program?
Girl Scouts should reach out to their troop leader, and the troop leader should reach out to their service unit to find out how to get started participating in the cookie program. The cookie program begins in January and runs through March each year. The earlier you start, the better! Troops need time to be trained in order to handle the policies and procedures of the cookie program. Here's how to begin participating:
- Make sure you are a registered Girl Scout for the 2025-2026 membership year (log into myGS to check your status).
- Families: tell your troop leader or service unit manager that your Girl Scout(s) want(s) to sell cookies; Troop leaders: tell your service unit (SU) cookie program chair or SU manager your troop wants to participate.
- If you are a late starter, we can help get you up to speed. Reach out to your local service unit cookie program chair or call 213-213-0123 (GSGLA’s Customer Care line).
Where do I send people who are looking for cookies?
The public can go to www.girlscoutsla.org/cookies and use the Cookie Finder to find the closest Girl Scout Cookie booth. GSGLA also has a Google “pin-map” that troops can opt-in to and a customer can find a virtual booth (the troop’s Troop Link) to order cookies to be direct shipped or delivered directly by a Girl Scout. Or a customer can call 213-213-0123—every receptionist is equipped to help people locate their nearest cookie booth.
How soon can I start telling my family and friends about Girl Scout Cookie Season?
You are welcome and encouraged to remind people about the Girl Scout Cookie season as soon as you are ready—you do not have to wait until February 1 to promote cookies! This includes sending emails or posting social media messages reminding people that cookie season is coming or letting people know how they can connect with your Girl Scout to place an order once the season starts. By policy, the only activity that MUST HAPPEN WITHIN our council’s program dates (Jan 6 – Mar 8) is the actual selling of cookies, which includes boothing and direct sales. Otherwise, you can publicly talk about cookies throughout the year!
Why are some of our cookies different from those sold at other councils OR why don't we have a certain cookie in our line-up?
There are two bakeries that make Girl Scout Cookies in the country. If a customer asks for a cookie that is not in our lineup, it is likely that the bakery connected with GSGLA does not make that particular cookie. GSGLA sells the "Super Six" top customer favorite cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, and Lemon-Ups, while also offering the gluten-free Toffee-Tastic and, new for 2026, the Exploremores. (The S’mores were retired from the line up after the 2025 cookie program.)
Is there a gluten-free Girl Scout Cookie?
Yes. The gluten-free Toffee-tastic is available on a limited basis, only while inventory lasts! Learn more about it here.
The retail price of the gluten-free Toffee-tastic cookie is $7; this is $1 more than all the other cookies we offer. Because of the cost associated with producing gluten-free products, most gluten-free products are more expensive than regular products. Customers seeking a gluten-free alternative know and expect to pay more for a gluten-free item. The cost of the gluten-free cookie from the baker is more than double the cost of all the other Little Brownie Bakers (LBB) varieties. This is because of the expensive nature of the ingredients, the separate baking process, and the additional distribution costs.
What are the rules with councils selling cookies outside of their geographic territory?
Girls who have a DIRECT, tangible customer in another council’s region may still contact them and sell cookies to them. For example, if the Girl Scout lives in Chino Hills (GSGLA) but her grandmother lives in Corona (Girl Scouts of Orange County Council), the Girl Scout is allowed to sell to her grandmother and the grandmother’s immediate friends. However, the Girl Scout cannot set up a booth, go door-to-door, or market her sale publicly in another council’s territory. Boothing in a differing council’s geographic region of any format is strictly prohibited, from simple “cookie stands” on private property, to setting up at a grocery store, to loading a cargo van and driving to a market parking lot. None of this is permitted. If you come across a troop boothing in a region that is not their own, do not become confrontational. Instead, discreetly take down the following information and report them immediately to your troop or service unit cookie chair.
- Date, time, and location
- Region the troop/Girl Scout is from
- Troop Number
- Number of girls
- Names of adults
How does the cookie program support Girl Scouts?
GSGLA cookie proceeds—100%!—go to supporting Girl Scouting in the greater Los Angeles area. Cookie proceeds support troops and help provide high-quality, low-cost, and safe experiences for more than 30,000 girls and more than 15,000 adults, including programs and activities, training, materials, services, resources, communications, collateral, and facilities. GSGLA spends approximately $365 per Girl Scout. Funding to support Girl Scouting in greater Los Angeles is through a combination of product sales (cookie program and fall product program), program and camp fees, retail sales, and fundraising. GSGLA receives none of the annual GSUSA membership fee.
What is the price of Girl Scout Cookies this year; is it different than last year?
Girl Scout Cookies are $6 package in Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, except for the gluten-free Toffee-tastic, which is $7. The prices have not changed.
Where does the $6 (or $7) a package go?
100% of all the proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie sales stay local to support Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles. The proceeds from cookies support:
- Troop activities, travel, camp, and community service.
- Over 250 programs in leadership, outdoors, STEAM, and life skills.
- Financial assistance for 8,200+ Girl Scouts, including memberships and camperships.
What are some good ways to market cookies?
Girl Scout Cookies are a tasty treat, and the public knows this is their primary opportunity to support girls and Girl Scouts.
- Share the goodwill of Girl Scouting. Troops are encouraged to be prepared to tell their story. It's a great way to draw-in customers.
- Speak to customers about how buying cookies helps Girl Scouts locally in their community.
- Inform customers about how the cookie program helps Girl Scouts build their confidence and learn skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
- Talk about the 5 Skills! The cookie program is the largest financial literacy program in the world. The five skills Girl Scouts learn are goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. They are the bedrock of the cookie program, and they can convey a moving story when girls give good examples about how they've used these skills in Girl Scouts.
- Customers are not just buying a package of cookies, they are also supporting programs that build Girl Scouts of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Can people donate money instead of buying cookies?
Absolutely! Customers can donate money in any amount to go towards the Cookies for the Community (C4C) program. This program sends cookies to those in need by donating to local organizations that support military members, first responders, food banks, and other nonprofits. Troops still get credit for the "virtual sale”, and the public can support Girl Scouts, even if they don't want cookies. Donations collected during the cookie program must be contributed toward the C4C program. Troops cannot solicit/accept donations from the public specifically for the troop during cookie season.
Who can I contact if I need help or have questions during the cookie program?
If you are unable to find the information you need on the GSGLA website, the best person to go to for assistance is your troop cookie chair or service unit cookie program chair. You can also ask questions and get answers on GSGLA's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GSGLA.
Why don't Girl Scouts sell cookies all-year long?
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the premier entrepreneurship opportunity for girls, but it is just one part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Girl Scouts participate in many activities throughout the year and work on many projects. The cookie program is just one of those activities. Also, because only girls may sell Girl Scout Cookies, their market availability is limited to the eight-week period when they are engaged in the program in their local council.
Cookie season dates vary per council.
How do Girl Scouts sell cookies?
While the troop leader will get more details when they attend their service unit’s cookie training, information they will share with the parent/caregivers of the Girl Scouts in their troop, here is a very high-level overview of the phases of the cookie program.
- The troop will have a goal-planning meeting with their troop at the beginning of the Girl Scout year (or after their troop forms, if later than that). Here the Girl Scouts in the troop will decide what they want to do as a troop, and what financial needs they will have to meet that goal. Girl Scouts should also set individual goals.
- Based on their goals, the troop will decide how many packages of cookies to order to start the sale—this is called the Starting Inventory Order (SIO). This order is typically due in January—the timeline in the Troop Cookie Chair Guide for specifics. GSGLA provides an SIO Worksheet to assist the troop in determining the right number and the right variety mix to include in their order.
- The product ordered in the SIO is received by the troop from their service unit later in January. Then, starting on “Go Day!” (February 1), troops can begin selling with cookies in hand.
- Girl Scouts in the troop will use Digital Cookie—GSGLA’s online sales platform— to ask friends and family via email, text or through social media to purchase Girl Scout Cookies. The customer can order online and request their order be shipped to them directly (shipped by GSUSA) or that they be delivered by the Girl Scout from whom they ordered.
- Troops can also—starting in February—conduct public sales – or booth sales, as they are called – are when 2-4 Girl Scouts and 2 adults stand outside an approved business location (bank or market, for example) and sell cookies to those patronizing the business.
What is a “starting inventory order,” and why do I need it?
The Starting Inventory Order is the initial supply of cookies a troop orders so each of their Girl Scouts will have product “in hand” to start making sales on “Go Day” (February 1). At the individual Girl Scout level, it is important to have a starting inventory of cookies to stay ahead of customers’ needs. Troops do not want to have to make frequent trips to the cupboard unnecessarily, so ordering a supply up front helps alleviate this.
How do I know how much to order for the troop’s starting inventory?
The best starting point is having a troop meeting or two where the troop discusses what their plans are for the Girl Scout year—what activities, trips, community service projects, etc. And then determining how they will be able to achieve those plans—that is, what financial resources will they need? That need becomes their sales goal for the season.
With their sales goal in hand, the troop then places as Starting Inventory Order (SIO). GSGLA has found that ordering at least 75% of their goal will provide enough cookies for the first two weeks of direct sale (door-to-door, Digital Cookie “girl-delivered”) as well as the first weekend of boothing.
Troops determine their SIO using the SIO Worksheet and then place that order into eBudde by the deadline (refer to the timeline in the Troop Cookie Chair Guide). Troops who participated in the previous season have access to a Troop Variety Mix report in the SIO Worksheet that gives them that season’s datapoints (SIO, cupboard activity, troop to troop, Digital Cookie, etc.). New troops will have some guidance as well, a New Troop Planning Worksheet that includes the average sales of a troop of the same size, from the same area and o
This is my first time participating in the cookie program. What do I order for my starting inventory?
GSGLA has available in the SIO Worksheet a report that new troops can use to get an idea of what to order. By entering their goal, their regional service area (corresponds to the GSGLA service center/community center), the anticipated number of Girl Scouts in the troop that will participate, and their Girl Scout level (Daisy, Brownie, Junior, etc.), they will get a suggested SIO. The results are based on a formula that uses Girl Scout level, geographic location, cookie flavor popularity, and per-girl average to help new troops compute a good, strong number. The last thing we want to see is a troop take on too much product when they are not experienced at how to sell it, or a troop that is too conservative and does not order enough product to fulfill their customers’ needs. Veteran troop leaders, cookie mentors, and staff are all here to help train you. You are not alone.
What are the rules with online selling or online promotion of Girl Scout Cookies?
At this time, Girl Scouts are prohibited from selling Girl Scout Cookies online, except through Digital Cookie. This means that other than through Digital Cookie, they cannot transact/exchange money online for cookies via email, website, or any other online method. However, GSGLA encourages Girl Scouts and adults to use age-appropriate online tools to help market the cookie program at any time, such as email, social media, blogs, or personal websites to tell customers when cookie season is coming, how they can find cookies, and how to connect with a troop or Girl Scout to place an order once the season starts. (NOTE: USING EBAY OR ANY OTHER MARKETPLACE WHERE PAYMENT CAN BE TRANSACTED IS NOT ALLOWED). Remember, you can ONLY TAKE orders during GSGLA’s cookie season (Jan 6 – Mar 8). Refer to pages 87-90 of the Safety Activity Checkpoints to review all online safety rules.
Can I get the Toffee-tastic (gluten-free) variety from a cookie cupboard?
The gluten-free Toffee-Tastic specialty cookie will be available in cupboards in limited quantity. Given this limited availability, troops are strongly urged to order what they predict they will sell in their Starting Inventory Order (SIO) and not count on the cupboard to have extensive supplies of this variety. (Watch eBudde for details on their changing availability.)
Is there a new cookie this year?
Yes! New for 2026 is the Exploremores, a rocky road ice cream-inspired cookie filled with flavors of chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond crème!
This new cookie will sell at the core price of $6.00 per package, along with the rest of the core lineup: Adventurefuls, Do-si-Dos, Lemon-Ups, Samoas, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Trefoils.
The Toffee-tastic, our premium, gluten-free variety is $7.00 per package. The difference in cost is tied to the cost from the baker, which is more than that of other Little Brownie Bakers (LBB) varieties. This is because of the expensive nature of the ingredients, the separate baking process, and the additional distribution costs.
I might be running out of one or more varieties. What should I do?
If you are running low on inventory of any cookie variety, we recommend you first reach out to other troops in your service unit who may have additional inventory of the cookie you want/need. This is especially helpful in filling orders already taken by your Girl Scouts, either door-to-door with their order card or online via Digital Cookie. Helping a sister troop is especially helpful as the sale winds down so troops don’t end the season with excess inventory.
If you are unable to find what you need to fill orders from other troops, then you can place an order to a cupboard via eBudde. See the Troop Cookie Chair Guide and the eBudde Manual to learn the steps to placing a cupboard order. There are cupboards placed strategically throughout GSGLA, and at least one of them open each day of the week.
What is the ACH Debit or ACH Credit, and when is it?
ACH means Automated Clearing House and is a process that banks use to transmit funds electronically. In Girl Scout parlance, is the means by which GSGLA collects from a troop the portion of proceeds that GSGLA earned from the troop’s sales or credits to a troop any proceeds GSGLA owes the troop. A troop will only either have a debit or credit, not both.*
GSGLA will collect from troops via ACH debit on Mar 29. Troops to whom GSGLA owes proceeds will receive their credit on Mar 31.
*some troop-earned rewards (Early Bird Renewal, Troop PGA) are issued via an ACH credit process, which separate from these transactions—a troop could see a debit for GSGLA proceeds but a credit for a Troop PGA reward. These latter credits happen in April/May.
What is Digital Cookie?
Digital Cookie is the sales platform that GSGLA uses to enable Girl Scouts to take sales online from customers. Girl Scouts create their “storefront” (creating an avatar, setting a sales goal) and send emails, text messages or make social media posts from the flatform itself. A customer then responds by placing an order and selecting whether they would like GSUSA to ship it to them directly (with a shipping fee), ideal for family and friends who live out of state; or delivered by the Girl Scout from whom they ordered (no shipping fee), ideal for nearby family or neighbors. A customer can also donate cookies through GSGLA’s Cookies for the Community (C4C) program—the customer makes a donation of $6 or more, the Girl Scout and Troop get credit for the sale, and GSGLA fulfills the donation.
Orders placed through Digital Cookie are automatically transmitted to eBudde, with the caveat that orders placed for “girl-delivery” transmit only the dollars, not the items. The presumption is that the Girl Scout already has been credited with those packages—either from her starting inventory or from a subsequent pick-up from the troop. If at the time the order is placed the Girl Scout doesn’t have those packages on hand, she would contact her troop cookie chair to get those items to fulfill the order. These are listed in eBudde as DOC DLVR Mxxxxxxxx (where the xs reflect the order number).
Orders where “shipped” was the selected delivery method show in eBudde as both packages and dollars and are listed as DOC SHIP Mxxxxxxxx (where the xs reflect the digits of the order number).
Donated packages show as DOC DON Mxxxxxxxx. (Orders can be a mix of “girl-delivered” and donated, shipped and donated as well, as show as DOC SHIP+ or DOC DLVR+ and the order number.)
What is Cookies for the Community (C4C)?
Cookies for the Community is GSGLA’s council-wide service project that teaches Girl Scouts about giving back. Troops collect monetary donations from customers, and GSGLA uses those funds to buy and deliver cookies to local organizations that support military members, first responders, food banks, and other nonprofits.
What do I say if someone asks if Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles allows Girl Scouts to conduct booth sales in front of adult-oriented businesses?
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) does not allow anyone to sell cookies outside of any adult-oriented business, including but not limited to a bar, strip club, casino, liquor store, gun show, or marijuana dispensary. We recognize these are legitimate businesses but feel they are inappropriate places for Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout brand. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a council-run business. All the money stays in local councils, and the councils make all decisions on how the business is run with Girl Scout safety a top priority. Both GSGLA and Girl Scouts of the USA offer booth safety guidelines, but we rely on troop leaders and parents to make booth sale location decisions.
Can troops booth at locations that serve alcohol?
Girl Scouts are welcome to booth at family-friendly restaurants with bars or breweries that house a kitchen. They may not booth in front of stand-alone bars or establishments that aren’t family friendly. This is primarily to ensure the Girl Scouts’ safety.
During cookie season, you will see customers talk about the fun of pairing their cookies with alcohol, so it can be a bit confusing, but Girl Scout members should never in any way promote the purchase of alcohol alongside purchasing cookies. This includes offering a cookie/beer pairing or giving a coupon that offers an alcoholic beverage with purchase of cookies. Any booths near bars must be set up away from the bar, and present adults may not consume alcohol at the booth or during their volunteer shift.
Can any business use Girl Scout Cookies and cookie-inspired flavors in their products?
Lots of restaurants enjoy creating once-a-year treats with Girl Scout Cookies during our season. A restaurant or small business may use Girl Scout Cookies in its desserts, provided it buys the Girl Scout Cookies from a Girl Scout, but it cannot use the Girl Scout name or trademarks to brand and market the products.
For example, names like “Thin Mint Shake”, “Girl Scout Cupcake,” “Thin Mint Cake,” and the like are not permitted, but “Chocolate Minty Shake” or “Once-A-Year Cupcake” are OK.
Can a business have cookie pairings without permission from the council? Can they charge a ticket price for the pairing event?
We love it when Girl Scouts involve their local businesses! A business does not need council permission to host a generic cookie pairing event or an unbranded cookie pairing event. However, a business does need permission from GSUSA (or a council, if using the council’s name) to market their event with the Girl Scout brand/marks, product images or create any branding that projects an association with Girl Scouts.
Under unbranded circumstances, the local business may charge ticket prices for their event/product. Girl Scouts can attend cookie pairing events, if the location has a kitchen on site, and serves food to patrons. It is up to each location if minors are allowed to be on site.
Can a local business use cookie images, packaging images and/or logos to promote the cookie-inspired product to their customers?
No. Local businesses may not use the Girl Scout brand or cookie-related images without written permission from GSUSA. This is to protect our iconic brand. We want to help businesses promote their support of our Girl Scouts in other ways though! Here are some examples of past promotions that have worked nicely: A yogurt shop can offer crushed cookies as toppings or an ice cream shop can include cookies in a milk shake.
Are there GMOs in Girl Scout Cookies?
Yes, some do. Our bakers determine whether to use GMOs in Girl Scout Cookies based on a range of market-related factors and depending on the specific cookie recipe.
Girl Scouts listens to its customers, and we work with our trusted bakers, who are industry leaders, to develop recipes for these sweet treats using ingredients that will produce the best-tasting and highest-quality cookies while simultaneously addressing industry trends, scientific trends, and of course, consumer preference. As an organization, we continue to defer to required federal guidelines as they relate to our products.
Why is palm oil used in Girl Scout Cookies?
Palm oil is an ingredient found in the majority of baked snacks sold in the United States. GSUSA's licensed bakers tell us it continues to be necessary to use palm oil in our cookies to ensure shelf life, to offer customers the highest quality, and to serve as an alternative to trans fats. The Girl Scout Cookies baked by Little Brownie Bakers, the baker GSGLA partners with, are RSPO Certified (Mass Balance) for palm oil, ensuring that “the palm oil Little Brownie Bakers uses contributes to the production of environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable palm oil.” One of the primary goals of our Girl Scout cookie bakers is to create the best-tasting cookies possible using the healthiest ingredients available. Click here for more information.
What do I say if someone asks about a cookie boycott or Girl Scouts' position on social issues, such as Planned Parenthood or individual Girl Scout members' participation in political movements?
With the increased media focus on Girl Scouts during the cookie season, a number of groups with their own agendas see this as a chance to draw attention to their causes-at the expense of the Girl Scouts. And although rare, a few of our leaders and parents may encounter people approaching Girl Scouts/troops during the cookie sale, wanting to discuss sensitive issues. Usually, a calm request to speak with the Girl Scout adult away from the girls takes care of the matter and helps to not disrupt the girls.
Regarding false Planned Parenthood accusations:
False claims of a partnership with Planned Parenthood and accusations regarding controversial topics related to Planned Parenthood is sometimes an issue that is raised. It's been more than a decade since the rumors first surfaced. There was no partnership then and there is none now.
Here are the facts:
- Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and GSGLA do not have a relationship with Planned Parenthood.
- Girl Scouts does not provide financial support of any kind to Planned Parenthood.
- Girl Scouts does not advocate on behalf of any cause or mission outside of the Girl Scout mission, which is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts does not take a position on abortion or birth control, nor do we endorse or provide funding to organizations that advocate on behalf of these issues. We believe these are matters that are best discussed/handled within the family.
Furthermore:
- 100% of cookie proceeds go to the local council.
For answers to even more questions, visit Girl Scouts of the USA's Cookie FAQs.
If you do not feel comfortable commenting on sensitive issues, please refer the inquirer to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles' External Relations Department at communications@girlscoutsla.org so that staff can assist.
Share Your Girl Scout Story
Do you have an incredible, fun, inspiring story that shows just what a Girl Scout entrepreneur can do? We’d love to hear it! Send us your Girl Scout Cookie stories with media@girlscouts.org for a chance to be featured on GSGLA social media pages, website, or the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Blog.
For Volunteers
Program Guides
When you start your Cookie Business, you’re doing more than just feeding happy customers, you’re working toward your goals! Whether your goal is a pizza party, a community service project, or your first overnight camping trip with your troop, you know exactly how many cookie packages go into making it happen. With the help of the Cookie Program, you will gain the skills essential for success both now and later:
- Goal Setting
- Decision Making
- Money Management
- People Skills
- Business Ethics
Need help getting started? Check out the following resources!
- Cookies 101 Guide
- 2026 Cookie Family Guide
- Guía de Galletas 2026 para la Familia
- Cause Related Marketing
- Bite-Sized Cookie Guide
- Juliette Guide
- Quick Start Guide
- Service Unit eBudde Manual
- Troop Cookie Program Chair Guide
- Troop eBudde Manual
Tip Sheets
- What’s New for 2026
- Calendar Checklist
- Troop Cookie Chair Checklist
- Training Checklist for Family Meeting
- Guidelines and Consequences
- eBudde Log In
- Set Up Troop and Bank Account Information
- Edit Girl Scout Information
- Starting Inventory Order
- Starting Inventory Rewards Order
- Starting Inventory Order Delivery
- Selling Girl Scout Cookies
- Digital Cookie
- Boothing
- Boothing Inventory Recommendations
- Drive-thru Booths
- eBudde Booth Scheduler
- Booth Rounds
- Cookie Cupboard Basics
- Placing A Cupboard Order
- Cupboard Pick-ups
- SIO Returns, Exchanges and Consignments
- Assign Cookies and Payments
- Assign Booth Sales
- Inventory Management
- Troop to Troop Transfers
- Financial Policies
- Collection Issues
- ACH Debits and Credits
- Submit Final Rewards
- eBudde Wrap-up
- Cookie Terminology Glossary
- Troop Payment App Recommendations
New Troop Checklists
Training Webinars and Presentations
- Cookie Chats
- Digital Cookie
- Passcode: kHtI3&.b
- Booth Scheduler and Placing SIO
- Passcode: v&46&9Kr
- SIO Delivery, Transactions Tab Functions, Cookie Cupboard Orders, Money Management
- Passcode: 1Rt+sg$w
- Digital Cookie
- Boothing Spreadsheet Webinar
- Passcode: $lhE8?C8
- Juliette Training PowerPoint
- eBudde Microburst Trainings (from LBB)
- Girl & Family Cookie Program Training
- Passcode: Cookies!2026
- Slide Deck
- Determining and Submitting your SIO Webinar
- Passcode: ?c@X=dT2
Boothing & Cupboards
- 2026 Cookie Marketing Kit
- 2026 Kit de Marketing de Galletas
- Cause Related Marketing
- Drive Through Boothing
- Boothing Inventory Recommendations
- Consignment Info & Agreement
- Consignment Info & Agreement - Fillable
- Cookie Boothing Form PDF
- Helpful Hints for Detecting Counterfeit Bills
- Troop Special Booth Permission
- 2026 Stormtrooper Patch - Coming soon!
2026 Cookie Cupboards Information
We Need Cookie Cupboard Volunteers! Click here to register today.
Have fun, get exercise, and make friends while helping pull orders for troops. Volunteers include parents, husbands, friends, aunts, uncles, and anyone over the age of 18 who would like to support Girl Scouts. The more volunteers, the shorter the wait in line for leaders and the more successful the experience for everyone. Anyone who volunteers for four hours will get a special cookie cupboard patch to add to their collection!
Beginning February 4, 2026, we have opportunities in Arcadia, Canoga Park, Covina, Glendale, Inglewood, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Santa Clarita, and Upland. (Volunteers must be able to lift at least 10 lbs.)
The health and safety of our volunteers and staff are top of mind, and we will practice safety protocols and guidelines as recommended by the state of California and Los Angeles County.
Troop Forms
- Agreements
-
General
- Cookies for the Community Receipts
- Troop Goal Planning Worksheet
- Help Guide - Starting Inventory Worksheet
- Starting Inventory Worksheet
- Parent Reward Option Selection
- Product Quality Report
- Participation Definition FAQs
- Ways for Your Troop to Participate
- Troop Inventory Tracking Tool
- Troop Cookie Inventory Tracker
- Financial
- Digital Cookie
For Service Units
- Service Unit Boothing Chair Agreement
- Service Unit Delivery Chair Agreement
- Service Unit Rewards Chair Agreement
- Juliette Cookie Advisor Agreement
- Cookie Booth Site Permission Form *for SUCPC use only
- Cookie Booth Site Permission Letter *for SUCPC use only
- Booth Locations Spreadsheet *for SUCPC use only
- Cookie Rally Guide
- Service Unit Chair Guide
- Service Unit Cookie Inventory Tracker
