It’s Girl Scout Cookie Time! Do You Know the Difference Between Carmel deLites and Samoas?

photo (c) brian @ Flickr

If you are a snack fan (and we think you are!) then you probably know that it’s Girl Scout Cookie season. Yes, these are the cookies you keep in your freezer, breaking out for a special time to treat yourself – as they are only available once a year.

But we’re about to tell you something that only Girl Scout insiders knew. The Los Angeles Times created a fascinating, interactive map, explaining exactly where your Girl Scout Cookies come from. Why is this so important? Because there are 2 bakers: ABC Bakers and Little Brownie Bakers. And their cookies are equally scrumptious but have some differences. (Visit the map, put in your zip code & you’ll know which cookies your area gets!)

photo (c) Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar @ Flickr

Two of the most popular Girl Scout cookie types are Thin Mints and the Carmel deLites/Samoas. Chances are if you are placing an order with a local Scout or online, you are ordering 1 or several boxes of these popular cookies. But depending on which bakery your cookies come from, you’re going to receive a much different cookie. So let’s get to those yummy cookie facts:

Carmel deLites

bakery: ABC Bakers

taste: When you bite into this cookie, you taste more cookie than the caramel and chocolate flavors. The cookie has a sweet, vanilla flavor. The chocolate stripes are milk chocolate.

Samoas

bakery: Little Brownie Bakers

taste: These cookies at first bite taste very much like caramel and less like cookie. The caramel layer is much thicker. Chocolate stripes are in dark chocolate and there is lots more coconut in this cookie.

Thin Mints – this cookie has the same name at both bakeries

bakery: ABC Bakers

taste: This is a much crunchier cookie, with little hole punches on the top. You’ll taste more mint than cookie here.

bakery: Little Brownie Bakers

taste: Covered in a smooth, chocolate coating and you’ll note a peppermint flavor in this cookie.

While these cookies do have their differences, it is easy to see that they are all delicious! These cookies have become so popular, it is no surprise to us they would have 2 bakeries suppling them with their cookies. Having 2 bakeries also means that if there was a delay at one with cookies, the other could assist to meet the demand.

Girl Scout Cookies cost $4 a box and approximately 65 to 75% of the local retail price stays with the local troops. This is a snack you can enjoy once a year that helps your community!

Photo (c) The U.S. Army @ Flickr