When does Girl Scout cookie season begin in West Virginia?

The Girl Scout Cookie Season is Here – But Not Everywhere at Once

As the holiday season approaches, many people are already thinking about their favorite Christmas treats. However, there’s another set of once-a-year baked goods that might soon be on your radar: the iconic Girl Scout cookies. This year, the cookie season has already begun in several parts of the country, with some communities getting a head start on sales.

Girl Scouts across the United States are preparing to sell their beloved classics, such as Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and Samoas. In addition to these familiar favorites, a new cookie called Exploremores has been introduced for the 2026 season. Depending on where you live, you may already be seeing Girl Scouts with order forms ready to fulfill your cookie cravings. For others, it could take a few weeks or even nearly two months before you can get your hands on a box of these delicious treats.

Cookie Season Varies by Location

The timing of the cookie season depends on the specific Girl Scout council in your area. Each council is responsible for organizing sales and determining when they will begin. According to the official Cookie Finder from the Girl Scouts of the USA, the cookie season has already started in several regions across the country.

Nexstar’s analysis found that the season has begun in areas such as Chicago, central Illinois, the District of Columbia, parts of North Carolina, along South Carolina’s coast, western portions of New York and Virginia, southern sections of Kansas and Massachusetts, central Michigan, and Alabama.

In north central West Virginia, the Black Diamond Council will begin selling cookies on January 8. In Kansas City, Missouri; Topeka, Kansas; and Memphis and Jackson, Tennessee, the season kicks off on Wednesday. In Providence, Rhode Island, sales start on Saturday, and some troops have already scheduled booth locations.

New Cookie Introduced for 2026

One of the highlights of this year’s cookie season is the introduction of Exploremores, a brand-new cookie designed to appeal to a wider range of tastes. While details about the flavor and ingredients are still being shared, this addition shows the Girl Scouts’ commitment to innovation and meeting the preferences of their customers.

When Will Your Area Start Selling Cookies?

For those living in other parts of the country, the wait may be longer. In northern Tennessee, Lexington, Kentucky, McAllen, Texas, and Burlington, Vermont, the cookie season doesn’t start until 2026. In Richmond, Virginia; much of Georgia; and Panama City, Florida, sales begin on January 2. Troops in Las Vegas have to wait until January 3.

Across multiple metropolitan areas, the cookie season starts during the second week of January. This includes Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, St. Louis, San Diego, Oklahoma City, Colorado Springs, Grand Rapids, and Sacramento. If you live in New York City, Philadelphia, or Columbus, Ohio, you can start buying cookies on January 15.

Some Areas Have to Wait Longer

Even within the same state, the start date can vary significantly. In Madison, Wisconsin, Thin Mints and Tagalongs won’t be available until February 21, which is more than 60 days from now. This is well after sales begin in Rockford, Illinois, which is just 70 miles away. In North Dakota and South Dakota, troops will start offering cookies slightly earlier on February 9.

How to Find Out When Cookies Are Available Near You

To find out when your local Girl Scouts will be selling cookies, you can use the official Cookie Finder tool. All you need is your zip code to locate the nearest sales opportunities.

Pricing Varies by Region

The price of the cookies also varies by area. According to the Girl Scouts of the USA, the 111 councils across the country set their own prices. These prices reflect the current cost of cookies as well as the cost of providing quality Girl Scout programming and experiences in an ever-changing economic environment.

All funds raised through cookie sales stay with local councils and troops, helping to support various programs and activities throughout the year.