Girl Scouts across eastern Iowa and western Illinois kicked off the 2026 cookie season today, Jan. 6, by adding a new sweet treat – Exploremores – to its popular signature line of cookies.
In addition to giving fans their annual Girl Scout Cookie fix, the popular worldwide program serves as a fundraiser that also allows Girl Scouts across the world and here at home to explore more possibilities through the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, the organization said.
“The Cookie Program is an amazing opportunity for local Girl Scouts to develop new skills and become young entrepreneurs,” Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois CEO Diane Nelson said in today’s news release.
“Each girl is truly inspiring in how they tackle new adventures and explore fresh opportunities through this annual program,” she added. “I just love seeing them get out in the community and have fun during this time.”
This year’s rocky road ice cream–inspired Exploremores sandwich cookie joins the Girl Scout’s annual sought-after lineup for 2026. It includes Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, and other anual favorites available for purchase though March 22.
All Girl Scout Cookie varieties are $6 a package. They include the new chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond–flavored crème Exploremores. The new cookie, the organization said, were designed to “reflect the spirit of exploration at the heart of every Girl Scout.”
The annual cookie program also “provides invaluable entrepreneurial skills for Girl Scouts across the country and funds experiences such as service projects, troop travel, and summer camp,” the release added.
Cookie sales also help scouts develop life skills including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
How to find them
All proceeds from cookie sales stay with local councils and troops to power a wide variety of Girl Scouts experiences year-round. Fans can help by buying cookies. The Girl Scouts offer a variety of ways to find them, including:
- If you know a registered Girl Scout, reach out to learn how they’re selling cookies.
- If you don’t know a Girl Scout, use the Girl Scout Cookie Finder and enter your zip code to buy cookies.
- Community members can order cookies from a nearby troop and have the Girl Scout Cookies shipped directly to their home.
- They can also find a Cookie Booth when they’re out and about in the communities from Feb. 6 to March 22.
- Cookie-lovers also are urged to text COOKIES to 59618 to stay informed about Girl Scout Cookie news.
This year’s national sponsor is Adobe. Its goal is to encourage girls to express their individuality and think creatively as they pursue their goals this cookie season, the release said.
Through a national educational video featured on the Digital Cookie platform, Adobe is equipping Girl Scouts with essential skills in online communication and responsible digital design. By sharing these creative tools, Adobe is supporting Girl Scouts to become confident digital creators and entrepreneurs.
About Girl Scouts
Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges, the release said. That’s whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends.
Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.
To join the organization, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit www.GirlScoutsToday.org.
