Girl Scout Cookies - History for sale
Girl Scout cookies in the earliest beginnings were bakes in the kitchens and stove of the girls. Mothers would volunteer as technical advisors. In the beginning the actually homemade Girl scouts cookies. In 1917 they used the sales of the cookies to finance troop activities. The first mention on a sale of Girl Scout cookies was from a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma. They baked their own baked goods and then sold them in the high school gym.
In July 1922, an article by Florence E. Neil was featured in a girl’s magazine published by the group’s national headquarters. Miss. Neil provided a recipe that was give to 2000 members. She estimated that the homemade Girl Scout cookies cost 26-36 cents to make 6 -7 dozen, so they could sell the cookies for about 25-30 cents.
The early Recipe for Girl Scout cookies:
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar plus additional amount for topping (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla
• 2 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
Cream butter and the cup of sugar; add well-beaten eggs, then milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Roll dough, cut into trefoil shapes, and sprinkle sugar on top, if desired. Back in a quick oven @ 375 for approximately 8-10 minutes or until edges begin to brown. Make six-seven dozens Girl Scout cookies.
In 1933, Girl Scout Cookies were baked by the Greater Philadelphia council and sold them through the city’s gas and electric company’s windows. They sold for Just 23 cents for a box of 44. In 1934, Greater Philadelphia became the first to sell commercially baked Girl Scout Cookies.
During world war II. When, sugar, flour, and butter shortages had come about. The scouts turned to selling calendars to raise money.
Cookie sales continued annually. By 1948, a total of 29 bakers throughout the nation were licensed to bake Girl Scout Cookies.
By 1978 they started baking other kind of treats. Girl Scout Cookies then included, Thin Mint, sandwich, and Shortbread cookie, along with four other additional choices.
Today the cookie boxes are bold and bright ands capture the spirit of scouting. The boxes clearly show girls having fun and growing strong. The licensed bakers produce a maximum of eight varieties, including three mandatory ones (thin mint, peanut butter sandwich, and shortbread). Today in 2006 a box will cost you $3.50, and worth every penny.