1917 Girl Scout Cookies
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar (plus additional amount for topping)
- Carbohydrate 53.5943122196057 g
- Cholesterol 84.5638889903246 mg
- Fat 31.4487878163924 g
- Fiber 0.00294444444444444 g
- Protein 2.73685888747055 g
- Saturated Fat 19.9006000244603 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -7 dozen (162g)
- Sodium 291.446222441903 mg
- Sugar 53.5913677751612 g
- Trans Fat 2.19796922493456 g
- Calories 497 calories
A Taste of History: 1917 Girl Scout Cookies
As a lifelong Girl Scout alumna, the history of our organization, especially its iconic cookies, has always held a special place in my heart. The tradition of selling cookies started long before the Thin Mints and Samoas we know today. I recently stumbled upon a recipe for cookies baked and sold by Girl Scouts in 1917, a time when the organization was just finding its footing. Imagine the excitement of those young women, baking in their kitchens, creating treats to fund their community projects and adventures. It's a poignant connection to the past.
The original recipe, a treasure unearthed from historical archives, is strikingly simple, reflecting the resourcefulness of a bygone era. Two cups of flour, a cup of sugar, a touch of vanilla—the ingredients are basic, accessible, but the result, I imagine, was a homey, heartwarming treat. The cookies were not mass-produced; they were baked with love, each batch carrying a piece of the Girl Scout spirit. Their sale, a mere 25 or 30 cents per dozen, provided funds for the troop, allowing them to pursue activities and contribute to their communities in ways that might otherwise be impossible. It was more than just a cookie; it was empowerment, financial literacy, and the power of community, all baked into a golden-brown disc.
The history of Girl Scout cookies is deeply entwined with the growth and evolution of the organization itself. The simple act of baking and selling these cookies provided valuable lessons in teamwork, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, shaping the very essence of the Girl Scout experience. The cookies have changed and evolved over time, meeting the changing palates and demands of the public, but that original spirit of resourcefulness, community, and baking with purpose continues. That is a legacy well worth cherishing.
Today, when we bite into a box of Girl Scout cookies, we’re not just enjoying a delicious treat; we’re connecting with the generations of Girl Scouts who came before us. We're tasting a piece of history, a slice of girlhood, and a helping of community spirit baked into every single cookie. And in remembering that history, the simple, unassuming recipe from 1917 resonates particularly strongly: a testament to a simpler time, yet a recipe for community and empowerment that endures.
The simple act of baking these cookies, following a recipe from nearly a century ago, is a profound connection to that history. It's a way to honor the legacy of the Girl Scouts and the countless hours of time and effort put into making those first cookies a success. The legacy of Girl Scout Cookies is one of community, empowerment, and a delicious tradition that continues to this day.
Step-by-step
- Cream butter and the cup of sugar.
- Add well-beaten eggs, then milk, vanilla, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll dough, cut into trefoil shapes, and sprinkle sugar on top, if desired.
- Bake in a quick oven (375 degrees) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
