Girl Scout Cookies aren't quite the same in Lansing as they are in Detroit.

And they're not the same in Saginaw as they are in the Upper Peninsula.

Turns out there's a reason for that.

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Michigan's 5 Girl Scout Councils

While the Girl Scouts of the USA is a national organization, it's divided into more manageable "councils" around the country.

Five different councils are represented in Michigan:

SEE ALSO: The Best Michigan-Made Wines to Pair With Girl Scout Cookies

Each council chooses which of two national bakeries it will contract with to supply its Girl Scout Cookies - either ABC Bakers or Little Brownie Bakers. And depending on which bakery is chosen, Girl Scout Cookies in certain areas of Michigan will differ from other areas.

Map via diymaps.net Counties in GREEN use ABC Bakers, as does the entire Upper Peninsula. Counties in YELLOW use Little Brownie Bakers. Allegan County (in BLUE) uses both bakeries.
Map via diymaps.net
Counties in GREEN use ABC Bakers, as does the entire Upper Peninsula.
Counties in YELLOW use Little Brownie Bakers.
Allegan County (in BLUE) uses both bakeries.
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The Two Different Girl Scout Cookie Bakeries

ABC Bakers currently provides the Girl Scout Cookies for the Southeastern Michigan, Northwestern Great Lakes, and Shore to Shore Councils (indicated in green in the above graphic), while Little Brownie Bakers handles the cookies for the others. Allegan County is split into northern and southern halves, with the northern half joining ABC and the southern half joining Little Brownie.

There are subtle differences between the two bakeries. Some cookies have different names, and some ingredients may vary - causing the flavor profiles to be slightly different.

Girl Scouts Sell Cookies From Street Trucks In New York City
John Moore/Getty Images
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For instance - what's called a Samoa in Lansing is a Caramel deLite in Detroit. A Tagalong in Kalamazoo is a Peanut Butter Pattie in Grand Rapids.

Thin Mints are the most popular Girl Scout Cookie produced by each bakery, but they taste different depending on which bakery is making them. Here's how Food & Wine describes the difference:

"The Thin Mints from Little Brownie Bakers are less dense than Thin Mints from ABC, which have a much crunchier texture. As for taste, one bite makes it easy to see that ABC puts more mint flavoring in its Thin Mints than Little Brownie does. Also, Little Brownie's Thin Mints are much smoother on the outside than those offered by ABC."

You can check out what Girl Scout Cookies are offered in your area here.

2024 Michigan Girl Scout Cookie Lineup

It's that time of year! The 2024 Michigan Girl Scout Cookie fundraiser flavors have been announced! Did your favorite make the cut? Let's take a look at the classic and new additions to this year's 12 cookie lineup.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Do You Remember These Girl Scout Cookie Flavors?


Can You Remember Your Favorite Girl Scout Cookie growing up?

As much as we enjoy Girl Scout Cookies in 2023, we often miss the ones that we used to love growing up. Have you heard of my personal favorite Girl Scout Cookies that are now retired?

Thanks-A-Lots
Shortbread cookies are always a win. This Girl Scout Cookie was dipped in chocolate and it also had a friendly message on it. It had the words "Thank You" on it.


Ole Oles
These powdered sugar cookies were delicious. They also had pecans and coconut mixed in and were reduced fat.

Lemon Chalet Creme
This was one of my favorite lemon cookies to ever exist. How could a lemon sandwich cookie ever go wrong? The added cinnamon and ginger made it one of a kind.

Juliettes,
I remember that these cookies were named after the founder of The Girl Scouts, Juliette Low. It reminded me of a chocolate turtle with its being covered in caramel, pecans and milk chocolate.

Ra Ra Raisens
This was unlike your ordinary raisin cookie. This Girl Scout Cookie brought in oatmeal and yogurt chips with the raisins.

Savannah Smiles
This Girl Scout Cookie knew how to put a smile on your face. They were lemon wedge cookies with powdered sugar.

Which Girl Scout Cookies Are Your Favorite?

I loved the Girl Scout Cookies that were discontinued but also enjoy the present day one as well.

Gallery Credit: Allison Kay