It’s that time of year when they’re everywhere. Girl scouts. Super cute Girl Scouts wearing big smiles and selling Girl Scout cookies. Gluten-full Girl Scout cookies. As you probably know, ready-made gluten-free Girl Scout cookies don’t exist. (Update: Girl Scout cookies do include a couple of gluten-free varieties now.) But no worries, if you lament your gluten-free status each year this time simply because of said gluten-full Girl Scout cookies, don’t dismay, there are really some terrific gluten-free homemade Girl Scout Cookie recipes that will allow you to enjoy your own safe and delicious Girl Scout cookies.
Top 10 Gluten-Free Homemade Girl Scout Cookie Recipes
Plus, if you make your own, you might not end up scarfing down a box of cookies at a time. Oh, wait, that wasn’t you, that was me! (With a fair amount of help from Mr. GFE, of course.) It’s a well-known fact that Girl Scout cookies tend to evaporate any way, right? Perhaps it’s those addictive and questionable ingredients they contain. But today I’m sharing the Top 10 “Best” Gluten-Free Homemade Girl Scout Cookie recipes from some of my very talented blogger friends, plus a little bonus at the end for recipes (and non-recipes) that just might be better than Girl Scout cookies!
Here’s the listing starting with my two favorites, gluten-free homemade Samoas and Thin Mints, versions of the two most popular Girl Scout Cookies.
Top 10 Gluten-Free Homemade Girl Scout Cookie Recipes
Gluten-Free Homemade Samoa Cookies (Caramel DeLites)
Paleo Samoas by Elana at Elana’s Pantry
Gluten-Free Samoas from Elana’s Pantry
Samoas by Betsy at Gluten-Free Betsy
Gluten-Free Samoas from Gluten-Free Betsy
Gluten-Free Homemade Thin Mint Cookies
Paleo Thin Mints by Elana at Elana’s Pantry (paleo, grain free, plus “more free”)
Gluten-Free Thin Mints from Elana’s Pantry
Three-Ingredient Thin Mints at Free Range Cookies (Linda uses ready-made gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies to make these gluten-free, vegetarian, super easy-to-make Thin Mints; brilliant idea!)
Gluten-Free Thin Mints from Free Range Cookies
Gluten-Free Homemade Gluten-Free Tagalong Cookies
Tagalongs by Betsy at Gluten-Free Betsy
Gluten-Free Tagalongs from Gluten-Free Betsy
Gluten-Free Homemade Do-Si-Do Cookies
Do-Si-Dos from Angela at Angela’s Kitchen (also dairy free with egg-free option)
Gluten-Free Do-Si-Dos from Angela’s Kitchen
Do-Si-Dos from Jeanine at Faithfully Gluten Free
Gluten-Free Do-Si-Dos from Faithfully Gluten Free
Gluten-Free Homemade Trefoil Cookies (Shortbread)
Trefoils from Angela of Angela’s Kitchen as Angela says, “a nice plain shortbread.”
And sometimes you’re thinking of Girl Scout Cookies when you create something similar, but quite different. Check out the following recipes for treats that are decidedly not gluten-free re-creations of Girl Scout cookie favorite, but I think you will be very surprised … you truly might like these creations even better!
Other Gluten-Free Homemade Girl Scout Cookie-Inspired Creations
Samaroons from Amanda at A Few Shortcuts (as the name implies, these cookies offer a combination of features from both Samoas and macaroons)
Gluten-Free Samaroons from A Few Shortcuts
Chocolate-Covered Mint Leaves (Her Thin Mints) from Adair at Lentil Breakdown (these are brilliant!)
Gluten-Free Thin Mints from Lentil Breakdown
Check out all of Adair’s other brilliant Girl Scout cookie knockoffs—Samoas, Tagalongs, and Do-Si-Dos–below.
See if you can guess what the base of this Samoa “cookie” is!
Gluten-Free Samoas from Lentil Breakdown
Another non-traditional base works perfectly in the Tagalongs below.
Gluten-Free Tagalongs from Lentil Breakdown
Be sure your mini rice cakes are truly gluten free when making your alternative Do-Si-Dos (“Do-Si-D’Ohs” per Adair).
Gluten-Free Do-Si-D’ohs from Lentil Breakdown
Samoa Taste Cookies from Me at Gluten Free Easily (the taste and even a similar texture with very little effort)
Gluten-Free Samoa Taste Cookies from Gluten Free Easily
And last, but not least, how about these Samoa Brownies from Paleo Parents? (the only thing that could be better than a Samoa cookie would be a Samoa brownie, right?)
Samoa Brownies from Paleo Parents
Which gluten-free Girl Scout cookie recipes will you make? Enjoy!
p.s. If you’re one of those rare birds who is not into Girl Scout cookies, but love cookies in general, please check out my gluten-free Flourless Cookie recipes. (The top two most popular recipes are my Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies and my Flourless Oatmeal Cookies.)
Shelly R says
I have made your Samoa cookies so many times and they never last long. They are the most requested treat in this house! If I was feeling better these days any version of thin mints would be on the agenda. We would buy boxes of these when I was little and hoard them in the freezer. And then on weekends we would watch movies and tear open a package. I can remember the condensation that will would form on them as soon as you took them out and the cold crispy bite. Perfect! Well, really not so perfect, but what great tradition that was! 🙂 thanks for sharing this round up Shirley definitely bookmarking for a better day when I can get to baking again! 🙂
Shirley says
Hey Shelly–It makes me so happy to know that your family has enjoyed my Samoa cookies so much!! Thank you for taking the time to tell me! I’m sorry that you are not feeling well enough to make some Thin Mints. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, dear. Hugs to you! I wonder how many folks have similar memories on Thin Mints. I’m guessing many. 😉 More hugs to you, dear!
Shirley
Vicky says
These recipes all look wonderful Shirley! The names of the cookies tickle me though! We don’t use the names Tagalongs, Do-Si-Does, Trefoils and Samoa Cookies in the UK, are these traditional names for the girl scout cookies? We do have Jammy Dodgers though – have you heard of them?
I’ve shared this post on my Gluten Free Afternoon Tea FB site.
Thank you for sharing
Vicky xo
Shirley says
Hey Vicky–They are funny names, aren’t they? Yes, they are traditional Girl Scout cookie names, but depending on which company bakes your GS cookie (they have two companies that do their baking), they might have different names (hence, a few names in parentheses). I think I have heard of Jammy Dodgers before, but to be honest those sound funny to me, too. 😉 If you think of Snickerdoodles and Lorna Doones, I guess there are quite a few cookie names that sound funny though.
Thanks so much for sharing my link on your Gluten Free Afternoon Tea Facebook page! You share so many great links there! I’m honored! 🙂
xo,
Shirley
Molly says
I haven’t actually made any of these yet but Cara over at Fork & Beans also has some good-looking ones that are also vegan (and therefore dairy-free): http://www.forkandbeans.com/girl-scout-cookie-recipes/.
The mini rice cake Do-Si-Do idea is so cute and simple; I love it!
Shirley says
Hi Molly–Yes, Cara has some great look recipes, too! Thanks for pointing them out. 🙂 I know on the mini rice cake Do-Si-Dos. I thought those were genius! Well, really I thought all of Adair’s “GS” creations were brilliant! 😉
Shirley
Ina Gawne says
Shirley – all of these cookies look so scrumptious! It is hard to decide…but the Samoa and tagalong cookies would be my top choice! Yummmm
Shirley says
Hi Ina–I always love hearing what everyone’s favorites are! Mine always involve chocolate and a certain level of gooeyness and you seem to be with me on that, but not everyone agrees. It’s fun to have the discussion even before the first cookie is baked or eaten. 😉
Shirley
Jen says
Oh, wow! Running errands today, we must have seen Girl Scouts at about 18 different locations. Talk about running the gauntlet! I’ll have to try some of these. Thanks for the roundup!
Shirley says
Wow, Jen, that’s a lot of running around and a lot of GS cookies! Proof that they are everywhere for sure! LOL Hope you find at least one recipe that you love in this “batch”! 😉
Shirley
Heather @CeliacFamily says
Wow! Thanks for posting all of these recipes. This is my daughter’s first year as a GS Brownie, so I’ve been anxious to try gluten-free versions. Last month we tried the recipe for Tagalongs at Angela’s Kitchen. It turned out fabulous. A little extra work, but well worth the effort. Next on our list to try is Thin Mints, my all-time favorite GF cookie. 🙂
Shirley says
Hi Heather–So glad this roundup will be helpful to you! We are so lucky to have others figuring this all out for us, especially when there are Girl Scouts in the family. Bet your daughter is super cute as a Brownie. 🙂 Thanks for the wonderful review on Angela’s Tagalongs recipe. Too bad I was limiting myself to 10 recipes and didn’t get that one in. 🙁 I think Thin Mints will be my next baking foray, too. I know Mr. GFE would approve. 😉
Shirley
Kim - Cook It Allergy Free says
I want one of every single one of these right now!! I must say that in our house the ones that are missed the most are the thin mints. I have been meaning to make a version forever. I guess it is about time! What a great round-up, Shirley! I love it! 😀
Alisa says
Yum! Tag-a-longs are the next ones I need to tackle. Looks like we were thinking girl scout cookies on the same day!
Michelle @ My Gluten-free Kitchen says
These all look delish! I shared this post on my Facebook page and told everyone to come check them out! Just a few weeks ago we were discussing on Facebook about the Girl Scout Cookies we all missed since going gluten-free. I had no idea there were so many gluten-free copycat recipes out there. I’m dying to make those thin mints and Do-Si-Dos! Thanks for sharing these!
Shirley says
Hi Michelle–Welcome to gfe! Welcome to blogging, too. It looks like you are fairly new to the blogosphere. 🙂 I so appreciate you sharing this post with others. I think that it includes recipes and ideas that will be “lifesavers” for some. 😉
Shirley
Michelle @ My Gluten-free Kitchen says
Yes Shirley! I am new to blogging! Finally recovered enough from my celiac-related issues to be able to work on a dream of mine in having a recipe blog! I’m loving all of the neat people I’m getting to meet. I look forward to getting to know you!
Shirley says
Michelle–Yay on being recovered enough to blog! 🙂 And your blog is doing great. You saw how much folks loved your Mint Chocolate Brownies. 😉
I’m sure I’ll be sharing more of your recipes, so we’ll be touching base!
Shirley
amber says
Such a great post, Shirley! What splendid recipes. Featuring tonight on AFW. 🙂
XO,
–Amber
Shirley says
Hey Amber–I so appreciate you featuring this post on AFW! It’s always an honor to be highlighted there! 🙂 I am fortunate that all these fine bloggers let me share their photos and links in this post!
xo,
Shirley
Devin @ Nom Yum & Free says
I saw your post on Allergy Free Wednesday and had to come over! What a great post!! I feel like I’ve had more girl scouts than ever ask me about cookies this year. I will definitely be passing this post along on my Facebook page and Pintrest! Thanks for sharing these!!
Shirley says
Hi Devin–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 So glad you came over to check out all these great recipes, and I really appreciate you sharing the post with others! It’s great to meet you and I’m all for that adult hot chocolate you shared on your blog as well as the Irish Hot Chocolate Cupcakes with Spice-Infused Buttercream Frosting! 😉 Love that you got to meet up with some blogger friends. I went to a POM Wonderful blogger conference with Kristy a few years back and have met Andrea at blogger conferences before. They’re both terrific. 🙂
Shirley
Emme says
Interesting. I was a Girl Scout for 11 years and the cookies we sold never had these names! It took me awhile to figure out which one here was the same as my old favorite. Thanks for all the recipes.
Shirley says
Hi Emme–It looks like you are new here at gfe–welcome! 🙂 I was never a girl scout, but don’t remember the names from eating Girl Scout cookies growing up either. I’m not sure when they were added. I do remember them from college though. 😉 Thanks for taking the time to comment–enjoy!
Shirley
IrishHeart says
Hello Shirley,
Just got a chance to finally write and say thank you so much for your many contributions to the GF community!
These cookie pictures are making me drool on my laptop! 🙂
I was a Girl Scout for many years and I used to love those samoas. YUM!
I also wanted to add that I read your review of Key West months ago and it was helpful when we traveled there recently. (And Chef Kermit’s GF frozen key lime pie was heavenly. I did not even wait for it to “unfreeze”. )
Cheers!
Shirley says
Hi Irish Heart–Welcome to gfe! I think I’ve seen you around in the gluten-free community (mostly at Gluten Dude’s site?). 😉 Thanks so much for your very kind feedback! I can’t tell you how very much I appreciate it. 🙂 And, finally, yay for a great trip to Key West! Yes, that frozen key lime pie is yummy … I agree on not even waiting for it to thaw!
Thanks again! Hope you always find lots of great info and recipes here on gfe! 🙂
Shirley
IrishHeart says
Thanks for the warm welcome! Yes, I enjoy the GDude’s blog where he has graciously allowed me to guest post at times. You may have also “seen me ” on Celiac.com and I try to visit Wendy at Palm Trees and Gluten Free and Melissa at GF for Good and Pete at No Gluten, No Problem and Michelle at My GF Kitchen…and there’s Molly, Alysa, Elana’s Pantry and…GF Goddess( and I am sure I am forgetting someone ) 🙂
There are so many wonderful, generous and FUN GF bloggers out there! The GF community is very special indeed.
Shirley says
How cool that you’ve been guest posting for Gluten Dude. Will have to check those posts out for sure. 😉 Glad that you’re making the rounds among the best in the gf community! And how true on the specialness of the gf community! 🙂
Shirley
IrishHeart says
I met him when he wrote the blog entry:
“Dedicated to the Trendiest Person Alive”, citing my health decline and struggle for a diagnosis.
and I wrote:
“A Celiac Gives Thanks” back in November
and when he asked for GF Love Stories, I wrote:
“My GF Love Story: My Anam Cara” in February. (about my wonderful husband)
I appreciate the opportunity to guest post as I also do double duty on celiac.com as a moderator and member. Between that and reading all the good blogs, I’d be on the computer all day long if I had to think of topics for my own blog, too. Guest-posting works for me! 😉
Thanks again for the welcome.
Shirley says
IrishHeart–Thank you so much for pointing all those posts out to me. They are all fabulous! You have done a beautiful job of telling your story and paying tribute to your husband’s faith and your own perseverance in all of them! Major kudos for all you’ve done to help those who are gluten free! 🙂
Shirley
IrishHeart says
And right back at you! As I heal, I hope I can do more. We’re all in this Gee Free boat together. 😉
And, I think some cookies may be in order this weekend.
Shirley says
True! All best wishes for continued healing and some tasty and healthier cookies sound good. 🙂