What Makes the New Girl Scout Cookie So Special to South Dakota?

Better Warn Your Waistline: a new Girl Scout Cookie is coming, and it’s got Sioux Falls written all over it.

If you're a cookie lover, you might want to start hiding your scales, because Girl Scout Cookie season is right around the corner. And this time, the latest Girl Scout Cookie creation comes with a local twist that's straight out of the Sioux Empire.

The latest cookie about to join the Girl Scout lineup is called "Exploremores."

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Inspired by Rocky Road ice cream, this sandwich-style treat is filled with chocolate, marshmallow, and a whisper, just a whisper, of toasted almond-flavored crème.

But what really makes Exploremores extra sweet? Its roots are right here in our backyard. According to Dakota News Now, Marla Meyer, CEO of Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons, had a literal hand in baking up this idea. Meyer served on a national committee that helped take this cookie from "hmm, that sounds good" to "where can I buy 12 boxes?"

“I’m really proud of the work that we do,” Meyer told Dakota News Now. “We work on the strategy for this, and then you can see it come back and impact what’s happening locally as well.”

Beyond the sugar rush, there’s a bigger mission behind those brightly colored cookie boxes. As Meyer emphasized, these cookies are more than a sweet treat; they're really about what the cookie teaches the girls who sell it.

So the next time you snag a box (or five), remember, you’re not just indulging in deliciousness, you’re investing in future leaders.

So, when can we expect to start eating Exploremores?

Circle February 2026 on your calendar; that’s when the new cookie officially joins the Girl Scout lineup. Mark it down, and start clearing some space in your pantry, along with giving some serious thought to investing in a couple of extra pairs of stretchy pants.

Source: Dakota News Now

5 Things South Dakota Gave the World

South Dakota may not get much respect. We get a blizzard and it's a footnote on the national scene, but if Florida gets a bit chilly it's breaking news. But, maybe it's fine to be forgotten about. We kind of like being left alone on our quiet piece of the plains.

South Dakota has given a lot to the world though. Not just giant mountain carvings and settings for HBO shows, but awesome things that the rest of the world should thank us for.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns