Girl Scouts Unveils Two New Offerings for 2027 Cookie Season: Patch Pals and Sparkables
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced on Tuesday, Sept. 8, the addition of two new items to its iconic cookie lineup for the 2027 season: Patch Pals, the organization's first cookie created for dogs, and Girl Scout Sparkables, its first allergy-friendly cookie. The announcement marks a significant expansion of the beloved annual fundraising tradition, which has become a cultural staple across the United States.
Patch Pals, developed in partnership with BARK, the company known for its BarkBox subscription service, are soft-baked, blueberry muffin-flavored treats designed for canine companions. Each treat features one of four distinct patch designs that represent various Girl Scout experiences. Sparkables, created in collaboration with Partake, the allergy-friendly baked goods company, are crunchy oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles. They are produced in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, milk, soy, fish, shellfish, and sesame.
Both new offerings will be available exclusively online for direct shipping, beginning when the national Girl Scout Cookie season kicks off on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2027. The national season generally runs from January through April, though local sale dates can vary by region. Classic cookies like Thin Mints, Samoas/Caramel deLites, and Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs will continue to anchor the lineup.
Early Reviews Praise Flavor and Inclusivity
Early tastings of the new products have generated positive buzz. A review published by SheKnows highlighted the quality of the Sparkables, with a lifestyle editor describing them as "everything I hoped for and more" and "surprisingly flavorful and deeply satisfying." The reviewer went as far as to call them the "best new Girl Scout cookies I have tried in probably a decade." The product was also showcased during the 3rd hour of the TODAY show on Sept. 8, where anchors discussed how the lineup now includes options for a wider range of consumers.
The Patch Pals dog treats also earned a canine endorsement. A notoriously picky German Shorthaired Pointer in the SheKnows review "gobbled these down," according to the report. The treats are designed to celebrate the bond between girls and their pets, a relationship that many Girl Scouts have cited as an important part of their lives.
Expanding Access and Inclusivity in the Cookie Program
The introduction of Sparkables and Patch Pals is not just a novelty; it is a direct response to calls from Girl Scouts nationwide for a more inclusive program. GSUSA stated that the new products were "inspired by Girl Scouts around the country who have advocated for expanding the cookie lineup to meet the diverse needs of their communities."
For families navigating life with severe food allergies, the annual cookie season has often been a time of exclusion. With roughly one in 13 children in the U.S. affected by food allergies, the inability to participate in the shared experience of buying and eating Girl Scout Cookies has been a significant gap. Sparkables directly addresses this by offering a product that is free from the most common allergens, allowing more girls and their families to feel included in the tradition. Similarly, Patch Pals allows the nearly 90 million dog-owning households in America to bring their pets into the ritual, albeit for a treat that is strictly for the pups.
The 2027 additions follow the introduction of Exploremores, a sandwich cookie with chocolate, marshmallow, and almond-flavored crème that joined the lineup for the 2026 season. Each new flavor introduction is a major event, often accompanied by taste tests, rankings, and significant media coverage, underscoring the cultural weight of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. The program itself is a critical component of the organization's mission, teaching participants essential skills in goal-setting, money management, decision-making, and business ethics.
A Modern Approach to a Timeless Tradition
The decision to launch these two products exclusively online for direct shipping was a strategic one. In recent years, a digital shift—accelerated during the pandemic—has changed how cookies are sold. While traditional booth sales remain a cornerstone of the experience, leveraging online ordering for specialty items allows for a broader reach and easier access for consumers and troops alike.
By partnering with established, mission-aligned brands like BARK and Partake, GSUSA is tapping into specialized expertise and marketing channels. This move signals a broader trend of non-profit organizations collaborating with purpose-driven companies to modernize their offerings and appeal to a new generation of consumers. For Girl Scouts, it represents a balance between honoring the 100-year-old tradition of the cookie sale and adapting to the current market demands for inclusivity and convenience.
The expansion of the lineup also has implications for public perception. Often, the annual discussion around Girl Scout Cookies focuses on flavor preferences (Thin Mints versus Samoas). By introducing products that cater to dietary restrictions and pets, the organization is shifting the conversation toward access and community participation. The organization is known for powerful lobbying and brand recognition, and this move reinforces the idea that the cookie program is not just about the sweets, but about the girls selling them and the communities they serve. As consumers await the January launch, the new options are poised to make the 2027 season the most inclusive one yet.
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