Girl Scout cookies are a beloved treat that millions of people look forward to each year. However, Girl Scout cookie season only lasts for a couple of months. If you want to make your boxes of Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs last longer, proper storage is key.
Do Girl Scout cookies expire?
Yes, Girl Scout cookies do eventually expire and go bad, even when unopened. However, the cookies typically have a shelf life of about 12 months when stored properly in a cool, dry place. So if you buy cookies in February during Girl Scout cookie season, they should still taste fresh through the following February when stored correctly.
What is the shelf life of unopened Girl Scout cookies?
The shelf life of Girl Scout cookies depends slightly on the variety:
- Thin Mints – 12 months
- Samoas – 12 months
- Tagalongs – 12 months
- Do-si-dos – 11 months
- Trefoils – 10 months
As you can see, most Girl Scout cookie varieties last about 12 months when stored properly unopened. Thin Mints, Samoas, and Tagalongs seem to have the longest shelf life. Trefoils generally have the shortest duration before going stale.
How to make Girl Scout cookies last longer
To help Girl Scout cookies stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible, be sure to store them properly. Here are some tips:
- Keep cookies in a cool, dry place – Avoid hot spots like near the oven or in direct sunlight.
- Store cookies at room temperature – Temperatures between 68-72°F are ideal.
- Keep cookies in an airtight container – This prevents moisture from getting in.
- Freeze cookies if not eating soon – Freezing stops the aging process.
Storing boxes of cookies properly will help maximize their shelf life. If you won’t be eating them soon, consider freezing them. Place the unopened boxes in air-tight freezer bags or containers.
How to store opened Girl Scout cookies
Once opened, Girl Scout cookies will go stale faster since they are exposed to air. To store opened packages:
- Seal cookies in an airtight container or bag
- Make sure there is no excess air trapped with the cookies
- Store in a cool, dry spot as you would unopened boxes
Properly stored opened cookies will typically last 3-5 weeks. If you won’t finish the open package in time, consider freezing individual cookies in an air-tight container to prevent freezer burn.
Signs Girl Scout cookies have gone bad
How can you tell if Girl Scout cookies are past their prime? Here are a few signs that they have likely expired:
- Hard or crumbly texture
- Stale, cardboard-like taste
- Visible mold
- Off smells or flavors
- Crumbling cookies
If you notice any of these changes in texture, smell, or taste, the cookies are no longer good to eat. Safely throw them away at that point.
Can you eat expired Girl Scout cookies?
While not necessarily dangerous, eating expired Girl Scout cookies is not recommended. Over time, the oils in the cookies can oxidize and turn rancid. This causes an unpleasant stale taste.
Mold can also begin growing, especially if the cookies have been exposed to moisture. Consuming moldy food can cause digestive issues. If the cookies are just a month or two past date, the taste may simply be subpar.
How to tell when Girl Scout cookies go bad
Wondering when those boxes of Girl Scout cookies in your pantry have gone from delicious to inedible? Here is a table outlining approximately how long different Girl Scout cookie varieties last:
| Cookie Variety | Unopened Shelf Life | After Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Thin Mints | 12 months | 3-4 weeks |
| Samoas | 12 months | 3-4 weeks |
| Tagalongs | 12 months | 3-4 weeks |
| Do-si-dos | 11 months | 3 weeks |
| Trefoils | 10 months | 2-3 weeks |
As you can see from the table, most varieties will stay fresh in the unopened package for around 12 months. Once opened, be sure to finish the cookies within 3-4 weeks. Properly stored, Girl Scout cookies can be enjoyed past the end of cookie season if they are packaged up and frozen to prevent staleness.
The best way to store Girl Scout cookies
To get the longest shelf life out of your Girl Scout cookies, follow these ideal storage guidelines:
Unopened packages
- Store in cool, dry place at room temperature
- Keep boxes in airtight container or plastic bags
- Avoid humidity, heat, and direct sunlight
- Freeze for long-term storage past 2-3 months
Opened packages
- Keep cookies in airtight container
- Ensure no excess air is trapped inside
- Store in cool, dry spot like unopened packages
- Freeze individual cookies to prevent staleness
Following these tips will help you enjoy your favorite Girl Scout cookies for as long as possible after purchasing them. Be sure to check boxes for any signs of mold, staleness, or rancidity before eating.
Storing Girl Scout cookie varieties
Do some Girl Scout cookie varieties last longer than others? Here is a look at optimal storage methods for different cookie types:
Thin Mints
Thin Mints have a longer shelf life than most other Girl Scout cookies at around 12 months unopened. To maintain freshness:
- Keep unopened boxes in cool spot sealed in plastic bags or airtight containers
- Freeze if storing over 2-3 months
- Once opened, store Thin Mints in sealed bags or airtight containers
- Freeze individual cookies to maintain crisp texture
Samoas
Samoas also can last around 12 months sealed and unopened. To maximize freshness:
- Keep boxes in a dry spot at room temperature
- Avoid warm areas like near oven which can melt chocolate
- Freeze unopened boxes planning to store over 3 months
- Once opened, seal in airtight container
Tagalongs
Tagalongs have a typical shelf life of about 12 months when properly stored. For best results:
- Store unopened boxes at room temperature in a cool, dark spot
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers to prevent moisture
- Eat within 3-4 weeks of opening and refrigerate
- Freeze individual cookies to prolong freshness
Do-si-dos and Trefoils
Basic cookies like Do-si-dos and Trefoils tend to have a shorter shelf life of 10-11 months. To maximize freshness:
- Keep cookies in a cool, dark kitchen cabinet sealed in plastic bags or airtight containers
- Avoid warm spots that can accelerate staling
- Refrigerate opened packages and use within 2-3 weeks
FAQs
How long do Girl Scout cookies last unopened?
Most Girl Scout cookie varieties will last around 12 months sealed and unopened when stored properly. Trefoils tend to have the shortest shelf life at 10 months.
Can you freeze Girl Scout cookies?
Yes, freezing is an excellent way to extend the shelf life of Girl Scout cookies. Place unopened boxes in freezer bags or airtight containers. You can also freeze individual cookies from opened packages.
What happens if you eat expired Girl Scout cookies?
Expired Girl Scout cookies may not make you sick, but they likely won’t taste good. Over time, the oils can turn rancid and the texture becomes hard or crumbly. Mold is also more likely on old cookies.
Why do Girl Scout cookies expire so fast?
Girl Scout cookies don’t generally expire fast compared to many other packaged foods. Kept sealed and stored properly, most varieties last around 12 months. Soft, moist cookies like Trefoils tend to expire a bit faster than thin, crunchy cookies.
How long do Thin Mints stay fresh unopened?
Thin Mints have a typical unopened shelf life of around 12 months when stored correctly. Their crunchy texture and sealed packaging helps them stay fresher longer than some other cookies.
Conclusion
With proper storage methods, Girl Scout cookies can stay tasty for months, even a year past purchase. Keep them sealed up tight in a cool, dry spot and consider freezing if storing over 2-3 months. Check packages for any mold, staleness, or rancidity before eating. Following these tips will help you enjoy Thin Mints, Samoas, and other cookie varieties long after cookie season ends!