When it comes to‘90s recipes and foods we were *obsessed* with as kids, no sweet treat is more ubiquitous than the Girl Scout cookie. These wholesome bites of goodness truly offer something for everyone, from S’mores to Thin Mints to Tagalongs and beyond (they even have vegan options now!). You know what we’re equally obsessed with now that we’re adults? WINE. So it’s only natural that we should combine our two great loves for a delightful food and wine pairing (and maybe a cocktail or two?). We spoke with winemaker Charles Smithto get the scoop on the absolute *best* wines to pair with America’s favorite cookies — and they’re all under $25.
S’mores
1. Domaine des Hospices De Belleville Morgon ($23): S’mores are one of the newest cookies to be added to the Girl Scout roster. They’re made with graham cookies, uber-creamy chocolate, and sweet, fluffy marshmallows, so they’d be perfect for munching on around a campfire. Pair them with something dark and sweet, like Domaine des Hospices De Belleville Morgon, available at your neighborhood Trader Joe’s.
Thin Mints
2. CasaSmith ViNO Rosso ($15): Thin Mints may be the most well-known GSC there is. These thin, minty gems are equally crispy and sweet, making them a truly delicious indulgence. Pair them with bold, deep reds, like a Brunello, Merlot or Pinot Noir. CasaSmith ViNO Rosso is a perfect choice.
Caramel Delites/Samoas
3. Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva ($19): These coconut-dusted, super-toasted cookies are packed with caramel and drizzled with chocolate, making them the perfect match for a good Rioja. Pick up the Marqués de Riscal Rioja Reserva at Trader Joe’s.
Tagalongs
4. Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon ($14): The name may be a bit nondescript, but anyone who’s ever had a Tagalong knows EXACTLY what they are. These cookies are comprised of a chocolaty cookie enveloping a layer of gooey peanut butter for the ultimate PB-chocolate combo. Pair them with a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Tawny Port, such as Wines of Substance Cabernet Sauvignon.
Shortbread/Trefoils
5. Charles Smith Wines Eve Chardonnay ($13): There’s something super sweet and innocent about shortbread, which is one of the reasons Shortbreads are one of our absolute favorite GSCs. You’ll want something crisp, light and refreshing to a pair with these. Charles Smith Wines Eve Chardonnay, available at Trader Joe’s, is a perfect choice.
Do-si-dos
6. Wines of Substance Sauvignon Blanc ($24): With oatmeal on the outside and creamy butter inside, these are *almost* considered healthy. We’ll take it. Pair your Do-si-dos with a Sauvignon Blanc or a Zinfandel — our fave is Wines of Substance Sauvignon Blanc.
Lemonades
7. Kung Fu Girl Riesling ($10): If you’re a big fan of lemon dessert recipes, chances are you spring for Lemonades with GSC season comes around. These are light and delicate, so you’ll want to pair them with a sweeter wine, such as Riesling. Kung Fu Girl Riesling, which is stocked at Trader Joe’s but also at tons of other grocery stores, is light, refreshing and just sweet enough to pair well with these perennial favorites.
Savannah Smiles
8. CasaSmith ViNO Rosé ($15): Packed with zesty lemon flavor and topped with sweet powdered sugar, Savannah Smiles would be perfect with a good rosé. We personally love CasaSmith ViNO Rosé.
Thanks-A-Lot
9. Meimoi Pinot Noir ($11): These shortbread cookies come with a delicious layer of rich fudge on the bottom, so they’re generally the go-to favorite of chocolate lovers everywhere. As such, they’d go well with a Pinot Noir, such as Meimoi Pinot Noir.
Toffee-tastic
10. Apothic Red Blend ($8): Love toffee? Then you’re probably nuts about Toffee-tastics, golden, buttery cookies with tons of crunchy toffee bits. If you’re springing for these tasty treats, pair them with a Red Blend. We love the uber-popular Apothic ($11).
Trios
11. Charles Smith Wines Boom Boom Syrah ($14): Last but certainly not least, Trios boast the ultimate flavor combination: peanut butter, oatmeal, and chocolate chips. And — bonus — they’re also gluten-free! The best pairing for these guys is a Dark Syrah, such as Charles Smith Wines Boom Boom Syrah ($17).
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This article has been updated.
