Girl Scouts Launched a New Cookie for 2020—Here’s How It Tastes

If you grew up on Girl Scout Cookies, you’re bound to have a favorite. Maybe it’s the crunchy Thin Mints, covered in a layer of chocolate; the Caramel deLites (also known as Samoas) are also a classic. As Girl Scout Cookie season officially kicks off for 2020, the company has announced a new variety joining the line-up.

Lemon-Ups, a “crispy lemon cookie baked with messages inspired by Girl Scout entrepreneurs,” will be available in select areas as of Tuesday.

When you open a package, you’ll find cookies etched with one of eight different phrases, including “I am an innovator,” “I am bold,” “I am creative,” and “I am strong." In fact, Girl Scouts revamped packaging across the cookie lineup, showing members camping, canoeing, designing robots, and more activities that can be funded by cookie sales.

Courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USA
Courtesy of Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Sylvia Acevedo said in statement that the program is meant to teach girls business, entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy skills, helping to position them for success.

We got an early taste of the Lemon-Ups and found the taste (and smell) quite similar to Girl Scouts' Lemonades—shortbread slicked with tangy lemon-flavored icing. In this case, there’s lemon glaze instead of lemon icing, and the messages replace the etched lemon slice design. As you can imagine, the flavor is very lemon-forward, but it’s a nice combination with the crumbly, crunchy cookie, and we could see them pairing well with tea.

Those interested in trying the new cookie can contact their local Girl Scout council to see which varieties are sold in your area. Once you get your hands on a box, consider pairing them with a glass of wine (yes, really). We tried a few different combinations, and although not all of them worked, some, like Moscato d'Asti and Trefoils, were real winners.