Have You Tried the New Girl Scout Cookies Yet?

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 12, 2020

Girl Scout Cookie season has officially arrived and along with it comes a brand new cookie to tempt your tastebuds.

Girl Scouts USA has just announced the new Lemon-Ups cookie, the newest addition in form of a crispy lemon cookie baked with inspiring messages. “I am a go-getter” and “I am an innovator” are among the eight different phrases the cookies feature. The Lemon-Ups are replacing Savannah Smiles, a different lemon cookie which was retired last year.

The Lemon-Ups are not to be confused with Lemonades, which are a shortbread cookie with lemon-flavored icing. Each variety is available in select regions across the country along with the rest of the cookie line up, which still includes fan favorites, like Thin Mints and Samoas.

In addition to the newest cookie, GSUSA also revealed a brand new look to the cookie packaging for 2020. The updated boxes feature new images of real Girl Scouts taking part in activities like camping, canoeing and space science exploration.

“Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies—but the program is about so much more than cookies,” said GSUSA CEO Sylvia Acevedo. “Girls learn about entrepreneurship as they run their own cookie businesses. The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program are proven to build their leadership skills and position them for success in the future. When you purchase cookies you are helping girls power their Girl Scout experience and you’re supporting female entrepreneurs.”

With cookie season kicking off for 2020, be on the look out for a Girl Scout near you or use the official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app to get your fix.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of GSUSA

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Food Network’s “Girl Scout Cookie Championship” Will Inspire Your Inner Master Cookie Chef

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 8, 2020

Can’t get enough of those irresistible Girl Scout Cookies? Now there’s a show that will give you even more reasons to stock up this season.

Food Network’s new Girl Scout Cookie Championship will pit bakers in the ultimate cookie-inspired challenge. The competition show, which is hosted by Alyson Hannigan, will ask competitors to create desserts based on America’s favorite cookies, like Thin Mints and Samoas.

In each episode, five contestants go head-to-head creating stunning edible art in order to name the ultimate champion. “We are all obsessed with Girl Scout Cookies – from Thin Mints to Shortbread/Trefoils, everyone has their favorite,” said Courtney White, President, Food Network. “Watching these talented artists transform the beloved cookies into mind-blowing masterpieces makes for a fun, fast-paced show for the whole family.”

Hannigan along with two of the judges, Katie Lee and Carla Hall, are former Girl Scouts themselves. “I’m thrilled to be hosting Girl Scout Cookie Championship,” said Hannigan. “The creativity and expertise of these bakers is amazing and the cookies themselves bring back so many childhood memories – I can’t wait to share the show with my girls.”

The gorgeous presentations are sure to inspire some creativity in home kitchens as well. Luckily, the show premieres right in the heart of cookie season so you can stock up before you watch. The series kicks off on Food Network Feb. 3 at 8pm.

Fans can get in on the action at home by following Food Network and Hannigan on social media where judges will share their favorite cookies and you can take the Girl Scout Cookie quiz to see if you can identify these famous treats.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Food Network

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Whole Foods Just Launched a Line Up of Holiday Treats

by Shahrzad WarkentinDecember 13, 2019

If you’re looking to stock up on snacks and treats, then head to Whole Foods for a new limited-edition line of holiday items perfect for entertaining all season long.

From peppermint to shortbread and plenty of chocolate, Whole Foods has all the decadent flavors you’ll be craving through the holidays. Here are a few of the best items you’ll want to snap off the shelves.

Peppermint

Shortbread & Butter Cookies

Truffles & Marshmallows

And More

You can check out Whole Foods’ entire collection of holiday offerings in stores now.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Whole Foods

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Chip & Joanna Gaines’ 9-Year-Old Daughter Writes Her Own Recipes

by Erica LoopNovember 26, 2019

Move over Chip and Joanna, there’s another Gaines ready for the spotlight. The couple’s nine-year-old daughter Emmie recently created her own chocolate chip cookie recipe—and according to mama Joanna, the young chef’s tasty treats are her fave!

Half of the power home improvement/design/all-around media mogul power couple Joanna recently posted a pic of daughter Emmie on Instagram in the kitchen, rolling out her own shortbread cookies. Along with some help from younger bro Crew, it looks like the nine-year-old is the next Gaines on the road to fame.

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A post shared by Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)

Not one to act as a helicopter, Jo captioned the photo, “She was determined to make up her own cookie recipe and I left the kitchen so she could surprise me (and so i wouldn’t micromanage her work in the kitchen.”

The Magnolia mogul continued, “Let’s just say this was one of my favorite cookies I’ve ever tasted! It was like a perfect blend of a shortbread cookie and chocolate chip cookie topped with a yummy icing.”

Not only did Emmie create her own recipe, but she’s also a budding author. Joanna continued, “I also love what she named them in her little cookbook, “Emmie Kay’s chocolate chip kisses cookie.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Joanna Gaines via Instagram

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Pepperidge Farm Just Revealed a New Holiday Cookie & You’re Going to Want to Start a Kickline

by Shahrzad WarkentinOctober 16, 2019

What spells holidays better than cookies and the Radio City Rockettes? How about Pepperidge Farm.

For the first time ever Pepperidge Farm has teamed up with the Radio City Rockettes to create a new holiday cookie inspired by the iconic Christmas Spectacular. The new Toy Soldier cookie will have you kicking up your own feet with joy.

The new shortbread cookie features the shape of a toy soldier spiced with cinnamon and brown sugar. The cookie design is based on the Rockettes’ classic “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” number.

The new cookie joins Pepperidge Farm’s collection of holiday cookies making their return for the season all dressed up in a winter wonderland-inspired package. The collection features traditional Pepperidge Farm cookies with a holiday twist, like the Chessmen with holiday images in place of chess pieces and the ever-popular Milano with a Candy Cane-flavored dark chocolate filling.

You can score the entire Pepperidge Farm Holiday Cookie collection, including the new Toy Solider cookie at grocery stores nationwide for a limited time.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

All photos: Courtesy of Pepperidge Farm

Cookie Monster Just Took Lizzo’s DNA Test & the Results Are Hilarious

by Shahrzad WarkentinSeptember 15, 2019

Artist Lizzo’s DNA Test has been making the internet rounds and even some very familiar faces are trying it out. Cookie Monster took Lizzo’s test and the results shouldn’t surprise any Sesame Street fans.

The furry blue monster with a sweet tooth took to Twitter to share the results of his DNA test, which is a call to Lizzo’s hit single “Truth Hurts.” Cookie Monster tweeted, “Me just took a DNA test turns out me 100% cookies . . . ”

Me just took a DNA test turns out me 100% cookies…

— Cookie Monster (@MeCookieMonster) September 10, 2019

When a famous muppet tweets about you, then you must tweet back. Lizzo responded with some clever corresponding lyrics of her own, “EVEN WHEN ME CRUMBLE CRAZY ME GOT SHORTBREAD PROBLEMS THATS THE MONSTER IN ME ✨NOM NOM✨ THEN ME EAT EM THATS THE COOKIE IN ME 😭.”

EVEN WHEN ME CRUMBLE CRAZY ME GOT SHORTBREAD PROBLEMS THATS THE MONSTER IN ME ✨NOM NOM✨ THEN ME EAT EM THATS THE COOKIE IN ME 😭 https://t.co/bKrjcnp5Ve

— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) September 10, 2019

Of course Twitter users took over from there and finished off the rest of the song with lyrics of their own.

But you got doooown with the whole damn pack

Made a meaaaal when 'posed to be a snack 🍪🍪🍪🍪

— Rinnie Mac (@KwikJraw) September 10, 2019

At this rate, Lizzo and Cookie Monster could have a whole new hit remix on their hands!

CRISPY OUTSIDE, CHEWY CENTER

— Nathan (@naaaaaaaaathan) September 10, 2019

Perhaps this means she could get a cameo on the new season of Sesame Street.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Sesame Street via YouTube

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Starbucks’ New Cinnamon Shortbread Latte Will Be Your New Winter Obsession

by Erica LoopJanuary 9, 2019

While you were off pining for last fall’s PSL, Starbucks dropped a cinnamon-y drink that’s perfect for those chilly winter days. Starbucks Cinnamon Shortbread Latte is here and you won’t want to miss it.

The Cinnamon Shortbread Latte is packed with the wake-you-up espresso jolt your busy days require. Oh and it has a buttery vanilla shortbread sauce to give it a sweet yum factor you’re craving.

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As if the drink alone wasn’t exactly what you want, Starbucks added a dusting of cinnamon and nutmeg on top. Even though this warm wintery blend is the ideal antidote for the snow and sub-freezing temps, you don’t have to get it in a warm form. Nope. This drink comes in iced or Frappuccino versions, too.

So how long can you get the CSL? Like most of Starbucks super-tasty drink treats, its Cinnamon Shortbread Latte is only available for a limited time. So you’d better get your cup before this delicious winter drink melts away.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Starbucks

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4 Copycat Girl Scout Cookies You Can Get at Whole Foods

by Karly WoodAugust 22, 2018

The next time you find yourself craving a Girl Scout cookie—especially any time that isn’t January through April (the traditional selling season)—fear not! There are actually plenty of stores that sell their own version of the famed Girl Scout treat.

While nothing takes the place of a beloved Thin Mint or Peanut Butter Patty, these cookies from Whole Foods get pretty darn close. Don’t forget to grab a few boxes the next time you’re doing your grocery shopping—or, better yet, order them from Amazon Prime Now and have them delivered right to your door.

Fudge Mint Cookies

The Back to Nature brand commonly found at Whole Foods manufactures several cookies that are copycats of the most popular Girl Scout cookie. These Fudge Mint Cookies look and taste very similar to Thin Mints and you can buy them anytime. They are also a verified non-GMO product, a win-win when it comes to giving to your kiddos.

A 6.4 oz. box is just $4.99 and found in the cookie aisle.

Peanut Butter Cream Sandwiches

These knockoff Do-si-do's bring all that's good about peanut butter in a sandwich form. The Whole Foods Peanut Butter Sandwiches are also a product of Back to Nature and use healthier ingredients like whole grain rolled oats and wheat flour.

A 9.6 oz. box is only $4.49.

Butter Shortbread

When you're craving the perfect butter shortbread cookie to dip in your coffee or tea, these biscuits from Whole Foods' 365 label are reminiscent of Girl Scout Trefoils for the perfect cookie-beverage pairing. These are made without any peanut products and sweetened with cane sugar.

An 8 oz. box is just $3.99.

Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut Cookies

While these Dark Chocolate Toasted Coconut Cookies don't look like your favorite Samoas, they sure do taste like them! This gluten-free version is sweetened naturally with honey and made with whole ingredients. It will definitely satisfy your Caramel Delite craving until January rolls around!

For only $4.99 you can snag a 6 oz. box.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Karly Wood for Red Tricycle/Featured photo: Courtesy of Whole Foods

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7 Perfect Girl Scout Cookie Copycats at Trader Joe’s to Satisfy Your Cravings

by Karly WoodAugust 20, 2018

Girl Scout cookies are a wonderful thing, but only getting to enjoy them one time a year is not. As it turns out, there are plenty of options to keep you happy until you can officially purchase your weight in cookies from some of the world’s youngest entrepreneurs outside your local grocery store. Keep reading for some popular Girl Scout cookies alternatives at Trader Joe’s.

Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Coins

Thin Mints are the top-selling Girl Scout cookie—and with good reason! They are refreshing and chocolatey cookies that are just big enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, and TJ's has caught on. This year, they released their own version called Mini Dark Chocolate Mint Coins, which will be on the shelves from January through September. After that you can stock up big time on Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Mint Stars for the Thin Mint vibe!

A box of Mint Coins is only $1.99.

Peanut Butter Roundels

Creamy peanut butter that's covered in delicious milk chocolate? That's the description of both the Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties and Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Roundels. Get your PB fix year-round when you shop TJ's and enjoy the 2-inch wide cookie that's covered in either milk or dark chocolate!

You can find an 8-count box for $3.49 any time of year at Trader Joe's.

Coffee Toffee Shortbread Cookies

Trader Joe's knows how to take an already delicious cookie and make it better. Trader Joe's Coffee Toffee Shortbread Cookie starts out like the Girl Scouts' Toffee-tastic Cookie—which has buttery shortbread and hunks of toffee—and is then topped with chocolate to make the perfect cookie for dunking.

Snag a box for just $2.99 at TJ's

Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins

Trader Joe's Bakersfield via Instagram

Fans of Girl Scout Lemonades will love the tart Meyer Lemon Cookie Thins from Trader Joe's. While the thinner version doesn't boast the lemon frosting on the Lemonades that we love sinking our teeth into, it has all the citrusy tang we love about the OG cookie.

Campfire S'mores Bar

Last year, the Girl Scouts introduced two new S'mores cookies, both inspired by a staple of the scouting experience: s'mores. While we totally get that this Trader Joe's alternative isn't technically a cookie, it has all the best parts about S'mores and thus, is a great alternative. Enjoy milk chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers––all without having to build a fire of your own.

One large Campfire S'mores Bar is just $2.99 at Trader Joe's.

All Butter Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling

Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

While the traditional Thanks-A-Lot cookies from the Girl Scouts have chocolate on the bottom of their shortbread cookie, the Trader Joe's version has a tasty, chocolatey center. Regardless, that buttery and savory flavor is still there, just like the original cookie with all the fun ways to say "thank you."

A large box of All Butter Shortbread Cookies with Chocolate Filling is only $4.99 in the cookie section at TJ's.

Walker's Pure Butter Shortbread Cookies

Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

The Girls Scouts' most basic cookie, the Trefoil, is as purist as they come. You won't spy the silhouette of a hard working young lady on the Walker's version of shortbread cookies found at Trader Joe's, but you will get to enjoy all the buttery goodness that comes with a legit shortbread cookie.

A 5 oz. box is only $3.49 at your neighborhood Trader Joe's.

So, the only question left to answer is, how many boxes will you toss into your shopping card on your next Trader Joe’s run?

—Karly Wood

All Photos: Courtesy of Trader Joe’s

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