Looking for Thin Mints? Try the Cookie Locator

It's the time of year that the collective sweet tooth has been waiting for: Girl Scout cookie time.

Whether you're looking for the ever-popular Thin Mints or want to try the new-this-year lemon wedge Savannah Smiles, you'll be able to find cookies around town from now through March 15, and doing so is easier than ever.

Use this link to find a booth near you.

On Sunday, the locator shows cookies nearby being sold at the Royal Oak Farmers Market and at the Normandy Shell station in Royal Oak. There should be scouts on hand Sunday and through the week at Hollywood Market, the locator says.

Customers can buy cookies easier

Buying Girl Scout cookies is expected to be easier than ever this year with two hi-tech features. According to Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan, most local troops will now accept credit cards at their booths.

"Many customers would love to buy Girl Scout Cookies, but can only buy one or two boxes because they only have a limited amount of cash with them, or they have to pass on a purchase entirely because they have no cash on hand," said Clare Coughlin, Director of Product Sales for GSSEM. "Credit and debit card sales help customers avoid the hassle of running to an ATM to get cash, and girls don’t have to worry not having correct change amounts."

According to Coughlin, in other regions this option has helped sales increase by about 13 percent.

Another high-tech feature is that customers can now find cookies using iPhone and Android mobile apps. Customers can download the free “Cookie Locator” application and search for cookies using your zip code or your phone's GPS.

New cookie flavor introduced

In addition to the classic Do-si-dos, Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Thanks U Berry Munch, Tag-a-longs and Dulche de leche varieties, a new cookie is being launched this year to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting.

Savannah Smiles are named after Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s hometown in Georgia and are described as a lemon wedge cookie that's "cool and crisp with just the right number of lemon chips to deliver tiny bursts of flavor.”

Cookie sales benefit local projects

The annual Girl Scout Cookie Program is the nation’s largest financial literacy program run by girls. According to the GSSEM, 26,272 girls participate in the annual cookie sale and last year local girls raised an estimated $6,142,000.

All proceeds from the cookie program benefit girls in the local area and help to fund activities such as camping, community service and leadership projects during the year.

“With every Girl Scout Cookie season, another generation of girls learns to set goals, make a plan and manage money.” said GSSEM CEO Denise Dalrymple. “As we enter our one hundredth year of Girl Scouting in 2012, the Girl Scout Cookie Program reminds us of the great potential of girls."

For more information, visit www.gssem.org or visit on Facebook.