Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies


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Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

Having choices never makes life easier. It just makes life better.

Think about it: 40 years ago, women couldn’t do so many important jobs because we weren’t considered worthy. Gradually, thanks to women’s rights and some common sense, the general population has come to realize that we kick butt. I mean, we still make less money and people are still sexist. Nothing changes overnight. But at least we’re moving in the right direction.

But see, that element of choice that has resulted from having more rights has made life a lot harder to navigate. Do we work at home or work outside the home? Claw up the ladder or stay complacently put? Wear heels or flats?

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

As I get older, by the way, flats. But the bottom line is, choices are quite the double-edged sword. They’re much more fun when the decisions you have to make aren’t that vital to society, but make or break your day. Thus, the Girl Scout cookie conundrum.

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

Tagalongs all the way for me, baby. But I know a lot of you don’t agree. Thin Mints have a raging following, and Samoas are also pretty dang popular. And while there’s a smaller but loyal contingent who dream of Trefoils, they’re still solidly in the minority.

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

When I bake with Girl Scout cookies, it’s always with being fair in mind. I use the three top favorites somewhat evenly and then dabble a bit in desserts involving other flavors. Last year, I made these mini-cheesecakes with equity as a goal. I do have one Trefoil recipe coming up, but today is all about those three superstars: Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and Samoas.

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

This recipe is simple, fun, and easy to do with kids if you’re into that kind of torture. The base is a cake mix chocolate cookie, which then gets wrapped around the various Girl Scout Cookie flavors. I have a code that makes it easy to remember which is which: Tagalongs get topped with peanut butter chips, Thin Mints with chocolate chips, and Samoas with Heath toffee bits.

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

Like all cake mix cookies, these bake up instantaneously and without additional fridge chill time. And when they’re done, they’re fudgy and an oh-so-perfect pillow for the cookie nestled inside. It really is hidden treasure. What could be more valuable than finding a Girl Scout cookie hiding inside another giant cookie?

Well, women’s rights are probably more valuable, but let’s not squabble over it. The worst thing is when women tear one another down about the choices their sister-friends have made, so let’s let that one go. Instead, go eat a cookie. Do it for yourself, for Girl Scouts, and for women in America!

 

Hidden Treasure Girl Scout Cookies

Ingredients

Cookies
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 box (3.4 oz.) chocolate pudding mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
Filling and Garnish
4-5 Tagalongs
4-5 Samoas
4-5 Thin Mints
peanut butter chips, for garnish (about 1/2 cup)
chocolate chips, for garnish (about 1/2 cup)
Heath toffee bits, for garnish (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients and mix thoroughly until a smooth cookie dough forms. Set aside.
  3. Take out your Girl Scout cookies and garnishes.
  4. For each cookie, make a flat disc of dough. Put the Girl Scout cookie in the middle and then cover with another flat disc of dough. Pinch the sides together so the entire cookie is covered in cookie dough.
  5. For the Tagalong-stuffed cookies, press peanut butter chips into the top. For Thin Mints, use the chocolate chips, and for Samoas, use the toffee bits.
  6. Place the cookies two inches apart on the baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
https://justaboutbaked.com/hidden-treasure-girl-scout-cookies/

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 20 Comments

  1. Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg

    Mir – I’m glad we’re on the same page as far as our favorite Girl Scout Cookies. Did you know that Yankee Candle just came out with a line of GSC scented candles? I haven’t smelled them yet, but I’m sure they’re on point. I like the idea of using cake mix to make these, simple and less mess! I can’t wait to try these. My GSC are coming in this weekend. 🙂
    Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Mushroom and Sweet Potato PastaMy Profile

    1. Mir

      They did? Seriously?! Wow. I’m kind of afraid of that, actually. What if I smell Tagalongs for several hours? Will I then eat Tagalongs for several hours? Dangerous!!

  2. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Love this cookie, Mir! So delicious and crammed full of Girl Scout goodness! I love the mashed up flavors in here. Sounds like the perfect treat to me!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Easy Chicken Noodle SoupMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Crammed is the way, Gayle. Thanks!

  3. Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy

    A cookie within a cookie? I am on board with that! I have never had a girl scout cookie before, but I have heard lots about them.
    Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Mini Avocado, Hummus and Feta Quesadillas by DanniiMy Profile

    1. Mir

      If you ever make it over here, Dannii, they are worth trying! I’m not saying they’re my absolute favorite cookies in the universe, but they are definitely a cultural phenomenon!

  4. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Mir, did you watch the oscars? Patricia Arquette spoke about wage inequality and women in her acceptance speech! you should google it. . it was pretty awesome. . and love these cookies. . anything that involves a mash-up of some of my favorite girl scout cookies is winning in my book!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Dukbokki: Korean Spicy Rice CakesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I did see that! And women do still need to make more. Let’s fight the good fight, Alice!

  5. Manali @ CookWithManali

    I have heard of Girl Scout Cookies but never tried them. Where can I find them Mir? I need to try some! These look fabulous!
    Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Chickpea Spinach Corn QuesadillasMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Manali, do you know anyone with daughters? Girl Scout troops sell the cookies. I get mine from someone at work whose daughter is a scout. Sometimes they also sell outside grocery stores. I’m sure you can get some in Seattle!

  6. Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat.

    That’s awesome Mir – a cookie inside another cookie?! It doesn’t get much better than that I don’t think!
    Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Orange Oatmeal SmoothieMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Yep, I pretty much agree, Stacey!

  7. Medha @ Whisk & Shout

    Cookies in cookies?! Oh my gosh. I never really got the Thin mint craze. Sure, they’re good, but Samoas are soooooo much better! Happy Snow Day 🙂
    Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…{Vegan} Spaghetti with Lemon Cream Sauce + SpinachMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’m with you five thousand percent, Medha! Samoas and Tagalongs. Thin Mints…meh. I hope you enjoyed your day off! I came to work to grade papers. Thrilling!

  8. mira

    I’ve been seeing girl scouts cookies everywhere and enjoying my favorite thin mints 🙂 This is a genius idea Mir, to incorporate them into these chocolate cookies! Love them and will definitely try the recipe!
    mira recently posted…Honey, Chocolate And Cinnamon Raisin Peanut Butter CupsMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Thanks, Mira! I hope you enjoy. It’s super quick and easy!

  9. Jocelyn @BruCrew Life

    I love that you hid GS cookies inside cookies!! So fun and yummy looking!
    Jocelyn @BruCrew Life recently posted…Thin Mint LatteMy Profile

    1. Mir

      If they’re hidden in a cookie, I know they’re safe. 🙂

  10. Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust

    Oh my gosh you stuffed GS cookies in cookies. You’re my hero!!
    Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Mint Chip Ice Cream CupcakesMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Ooh, I like the sound of that. There aren’t that many chances to be a hero in this life!

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