Why do Girl Scout cookies taste different across Wisconsin?

Your guide to the 2024 Girl Scout Cookie season.

Ever bite into a Girl Scout cookie and think, “This doesn’t taste right?” 

It’s not just you: Your box of Thin Mints is made by one of two licensed Girl Scout bakeries (ABC or Little Brownie Bakers) that supply cookies for all 100+ troops across America. And while the cookies look the same–they don’t taste alike!

MAP: Which Bakery Makes the Cookies in Your Area? 

ABC Bakers supplies cookies for the majority of the Badger State–minus a small pocket near Green Bay/Sheboygan. 

While both ABC and Little Brownie make Thin Mints, the Girl Scout’s top-seller, ABC’s are crunchier with more mint than chocolate in each bite. Little Brownie’s, on the other hand, are richer and smoother, with a more prominent peppermint taste.

But some Girl Scout cookies made by both bakeries don’t even share the same name–even though they’re marketed as the same cookie! 

ABC makes Caramel deLites: a ring-shaped coconut cookie with a chocolate drizzle. Caramel deLites are described as “more cookie than caramel, with milkier chocolate coating a vanilla-flavored base.”

Conversely, Little Brownie bakes Samoas: another ring-shaped cookie, but with more caramel, darker chocolate, and more toasted coconut.

And then there are the Girl Scouts’ peanut butter flavors. ABC makes Peanut Butter Patties (a vanilla-flavored cookie coated in chocolate with a light layer of peanut butter), while Little Brownie makes Tagalongs (a similar-looking cookie, but with more layers of peanut butter inside.)

ABC also bakes Peanut Butter Sandwiches (two crisp peanut butter discs with a layer of PB frosting in between), while Little Brownie bakes Do-si-dos (crunchier peanut butter cookies with a stronger PB taste.)

“Wide Open County” created this map and cookie comparison guide to further dissect the differences between your favorite flavors.

Get Your Fix

For most Wisconsin Girl Scout troops, the 2024 cookie-selling season started online last month, while in-person sales begin this week. (This may vary based on where you live.)

Where to Buy: This year, Girl Scouts are selling cookies in-person, at booths, and via the ABC Smart Cookies online platform for direct shipment or local delivery.

If you know a local Girl Scout, reach out to them directly to find out how they’re selling (online, at booths, etc.)

If you don’t know a Girl Scout, you can order cookies at www.girlscoutcookies.org OR text COOKIES to 59618 to find booths in your area.

Find Girl Scout Cookies Near You!

What’s for Sale: As usual, you’ll find the usual suspects – Caramel deLites (Samoas), Peanut Butter Patties (Tagalongs), Peanut Butter Sandwich (Do-si-dos), Shortbread (Trefoils), and Thin Mints – on the menu, as well as a variety of gluten-free options. Click here for a list of this year’s flavors (& prices.) 

RELATED: The Girl Scout Cookie Graveyard: How Many Former Flavors Do You Remember?