It’s officially Girl Scout Cookie season, so run to your nearest selling location. Busy locations here in Nashville, such as Centennial Park and the Green Hills Mall, are the perfect places to spot a Girl Scout. These cookies always garner strong opinions, and while typical fan favorites include Samoas and Thin Mints, there is a question of whether these are really the best or only beloved because of childhood nostalgia. Today, I will examine and rank Girl Scout Cookies. Let’s face it, these cookies bring out your inner child. Being away from home during college is difficult at times, and these sweet treats can help provide you some comfort. I did my best to avoid any childhood bias when reviewing, but beware: Eating these cookies brings back memories.
9. Girl Scout S’mores®
Don’t let the pretty presentation fool you, this cookie might just be a menace to society. Once I opened the sleeve, my room smelled like erasers, which might explain just how artificial these cookies are. After taking the smallest bite I could, I questioned if this article was worth the pain. This “S’mores” cookie does not taste like s’mores in the slightest. It tastes like the smell of a Bath & Body Works store, which is not a compliment. These get a 1/10, which is generous.
8. Toffee-tastic® (gluten free)
Next on the list is Toffee-tastic, Girl Scout Cookies’ gluten-free option. Rating this one was difficult, as you can’t fairly compare it to the non-gluten-free cookies. Unfortunately, this cookie was very dry, had a sandy texture and a bad aftertaste. The toffee flavor lingers in your mouth, and not in a good way: I was left with bits of toffee stuck in my teeth. 2301 is 100% a better choice for gluten-free cookies, so Toffee-tastic gets a 3/10 from me.
7. Lemon-Ups®
Upon opening the box, I was instantly hit with a wave of the smell of lemon. While I love all things citrus, this cookie did not do it for me. It had an odd texture and was dry. Altogether, the artificial lemon flavor paired with the papery texture led me to a rating of 3/10. I believe that, if this cookie was more chewy, it could be a decent 5/10.
6. Do-si-dos®
Do-si-dos have a peanut butter filling in between two oatmeal cookies. The peanut butter taste is overwhelming, making it nearly impossible to taste the oatmeal. However, if you’re a peanut butter enthusiast like me this cookie is still a solid option, making it a 5/10.
5. Adventurefuls®
Upon opening this box of cookies, the presentation looked super nice and I was very excited about the sea salt-caramel-brownie mixture. While this cookie was chewy and had a delicious brownie flavor, the caramel and sea salt flavor was lacking. Aside from that, I would recommend this cookie to chocolate lovers, earning it a solid 7/10.
4. Trefoils®
Ahh… Trefoils. I must admit, I have slept on these. Dare I say, I used to be a Trefoil hater. However, these unassuming shortbread cookies have surprised me. If I wasn’t trying nine other cookies, I would have eaten a whole box of these. Trefoils are your middle-of-the-road, solid option; they are not overly sweet and certainly not as dry as some other Girl Scout cookies. It’s perfectly buttery, mixing with the shortbread flavor to create a delicious sugar cookie taste. My official ruling for Trefoils is a 7/10.
3. Tagalongs®
If you love Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, I have the cookie for you. Tagalongs are cookies with a peanut butter layer coated in a layer of chocolate. Immediately after biting into this cookie, I was sold. There was a good ratio of cookies, peanut butter and chocolate. The peanut butter flavor was slightly less overpowering in comparison to the Do-si-dos, allowing me to appreciate all the flavors. Additionally, the chocolate coating does not leave much residue on your hands, which is good for those nights when you stress eat a whole sleeve during midterms. All in all, I would give Tagalongs an 8/10.
2. Thin Mints®
How have Thin Mints and Samoas held up? Are they really as good as everyone claims? I was worried that these cookies would be overhyped from my childhood but I was wrong. Thin Mints are extremely delicious; the minty flavor is refreshing, while the chocolate gives the cookie a nice blend of flavor and texture. Unlike the others that I have reviewed, this cookie has an enjoyable aftertaste. Along with the flavor, this cookie is sure to bring back memories of watching TV, running home from the bus stop and playing outside during a sunny spring day. This one gets an 8/10 as they are, but could be increased to a 9/10 if they’re frozen.
1. Samoas®
Finally, the iconic Girl Scout Cookie: Samoas. These are, by far, the best cookies that Girl Scouts has to offer. Although there may be some childhood bias in this rating, the flavors do not lie. Samoas are perfectly chewy, with absolutely zero dryness. The texture of the coconut adds a nice touch to the experience, while the blend of caramel, chocolate and coconut flavors create a tiny taste of heaven. Each flavor contributes equally to the overall taste, unlike other cookies in this collection. My official review is a 10/10. If you’re reaching for a box of cookies, reach for this one. Be advised: You will feel like a kid again when eating these.
