DENVER -- It's Girl Scout cookie sale time. The 2010 cookie sale starts Friday, Jan. 8 and runs until Sunday, March 7. Scouts will be selling cookies at grocery stores and other retail locations from Feb. 12 until March 7.

The cookies are sold by Girl Scouts, ages 5 to 18, to raise money for their local troop and to help the girls learn to set goals, communicate, manage money, work as a team, plan a strategy to achieve goals, and make and stick to a budget.

The cookie sale started in 1933. The Girl Scout Council said the annual event that has helped build girls’ self-confidence and help them develop their own personal leadership style. The Girl Scouts said many of today’s successful women have credited their business skills to this program, making it the premier business and economic literacy training program for girls in the United States.

Cookies are $3.25 a box and this year there are 8 flavors to choose from in Colorado. While most cookie buyers know the Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos and Trefoils, in 2009, there is a new flavor, Thank U Berry Much. The cookie Web site describes them as real premium cranberries provide a delightful tartness in these hearty cookies sweetened with creamy, white fudge chips. They come in a cranberry colored box and are made by Little Brownie Bakers.

While most of us don't want to think about the calories, if you do, here's the nutritution facts Web site for the cookies. If you're watching your waistline, it appears the Do-Si-Dos are your best choice at 110 calories and 5 grams of fat for 2 cookies.

To buy cookies, visit the Girl Scouts of Colorado Web site.