Girl Scouts launch first dog cookies, Patch Pals, in January

Girl Scouts of the USA will begin selling its first cookies for dogs in January, the organization said Tuesday. The blueberry muffin-flavored treats, called Patch Pals, were developed with Bark, a New York-based seller of dog treats and toys, and will be available only online.

The Girl Scouts said the new cookies were inspired by scouts who wanted to ensure that more people, and pets, could participate in the cookie program.

Cookie prices vary by region, but typically range from about $6 to $7 per box. The Girl Scouts did not say how much the new cookies will cost.

Also joining the lineup in January are Sparkables, the organization’s first allergy-friendly cookie. The crunchy oatmeal cookie, with chocolate chips and colored sprinkles, was developed with New Jersey-based Partake Foods. Sparkables are made in a facility designed to avoid nine major allergens, including eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts and sesame. They will also be sold online only.

Patch Pals and Sparkables will be sold alongside longtime flavors like Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs. The Girl Scouts have sold cookies as a troop fundraiser since 1917 and now sell around 200 million cookies annually.

Local dates vary, but the Girl Scout cookie season generally runs from January to April.