Try This Almond Flour Cookie Recipe And Switch Up Your Baking Routine

Anja Kordic
Sep 15, 2023
almond flour cookie recipe

Oh, almond flour, you sultry, nutty temptress! Almond flour adds a touch of mystery and allure to our cookies, giving them a texture that's as soft and seductive as a whispered secret. It's like the culinary equivalent of batting your eyelashes and flashing a mischievous smile. These cookies are about to become your culinary crush.

But here's the best part: almond flour cookies are a gluten-freedelight that doesn't compromise on flavor or fun. They're the perfect wingman for those who want to embrace a healthier, yet still utterly decadent cookie experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a cookie that's as tender as a love letter and as nutty as a romantic rendezvous in the heart of Provence. These cookies are designed to woo and win over even the most discerning palates.

To be completely honest, I made the almond flour transition in baking not too long ago and oh, what a revelation it was! Now, I know what you might be thinking. Baking with almond flour sounds fancy and complicated, right? Wrong! It's easier than you think. Even if you're new to the world of gluten-free baking, fear not, because this almond flour cookie recipe is the best way to begin! Let's bake!

Benefits Of Almond Flour Cookies

Image via Mae Mu/ Unsplash

Almond flour cookies offer several benefits, making them a popular choice for those seeking healthier and alternative baking options.

  • Gluten-Free: Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, making almond flour cookies an excellent choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those with celiac disease.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Almond flour is a good source of essential nutrients, including healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin E and B vitamins), and minerals (such as magnesium and potassium). These nutrients can contribute to overall health and well-being.
  • Low in Carbs: Almond flour is lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional wheat flour, making almond flour cookies a suitable option for those following low-carb or keto diets.
  • Blood Sugar Regulation: Almond flour has a lower glycemic index compared to wheat flour, which means it can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their sugar intake.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: Almond flour is primarily composed of monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy fats. Consuming these fats in moderation may help improve heart health.
  • Satiety: Almond flour's combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber can help promote a feeling of fullness and satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.
  • Easy Digestibility: Some individuals find that almond flour is easier to digest compared to wheat flour, which can be particularly beneficial for those with digestive sensitivities.

Ingredients:

Image via Thalia Ruiz/ Unsplash

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option, use maple syrup)
  • 1 large egg (for a vegan option, use a flax or chia egg)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, etc.

Instructions:

Image via Pam Menegakis/ Unsplash

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.
    2. Cream Butter and Sweetener: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and honey (or maple syrup) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
    3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg (or flax/chia egg) and vanilla extract to the butter and sweetener mixture. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
    4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until a cookie dough forms. If you're adding any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
    5. Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out portions of cookie dough and shape them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between them.
    6. Flatten the Cookies: Use the back of a fork to gently flatten each cookie. You can create a crisscross pattern on the top if you'd like.
    7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them, as almond flour cookies can brown quickly.
    8. Cool: Once done, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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    Header image via Mae Mu/ Unsplash

    Vanilla Bean Paste Is The One Ingredient Your Cupcakes Are Missing

    There is something about baking that's so calming — which is why so many people tend to hone in and craft the skill so often. Well, that, and the fact that you typically get a reward in the form of a delicious sweet treat at the end, as a result of your hard work. And one of the most satisfying treats to bake? Cupcakes.

    Cupcakes are one of the most classic desserts, simply because they’re pretty easy to make, super versatile, and mouth-watering nearly every time (boxed mix or not!). When you make a lot of cupcakes though, either for celebrations or as a hobby, you tend to learn the tips in tricks — and these can really take your cupcakes to the next level. I've picked up that you should always bring your ingredients to room temperature, not over-mix everything, and to definitely use vanilla bean paste instead of vanilla extract. If you haven’t committed to that last baking tip yet, then you’re about to upgrade your cupcakes in a whole new and tasty way.

    What Is Vanilla Bean Paste?

    Kaboompics.com

    Vanilla bean paste is essentially a more concentrated version of vanilla. Because it’s a paste, it has a thicker consistency than vanilla extract, which is a liquid. When you use vanilla bean paste you can see specks of a dark color — those are vanilla bean seeds. This allows for a more intense flavor of vanilla in your baked goods.

    Pure vanilla extract is made from soaked vanilla beans in water and ethyl alcohol (vanilla bean paste may have traces of vanilla extract, but you can opt for alcohol-free ones — like the one Trader Joe’s carries!). This lends to a milder flavor, usually found in simple cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more. If you do go this route, make sure to opt for pure vanilla extract for optimal flavor and less ingredients mixed within it.

    Why You Should Use Vanilla Bean Paste In Cupcakes

    Los Muertos Crew

    Vanilla acts as an enhancer in many baker kitchens because it allows for floral notes and a sweet aroma to come through the dessert. Due to the fact that vanilla bean paste has a more concentrated flavor, it offers your baked goods a much more robust taste — exactly what you want for your desserts! Instead of a muted flavor, you're sure to get better, bolder cupcakes with this trick!

    Christina Polupanova

    Trust us, it’s a game changer — especially for vanilla cupcakes, which don’t rely on many other ingredients for flavor other than, well, vanilla. Cake loafs, cheesecakes, cookies, and cinnamon rolls are all examples of recipes that would benefit from using the paste instead. Vanilla bean paste can easily be substituted in any baked good that calls for vanilla extract with a one to one ratio.

    Amazon

    Despite it not being used as frequently in recipes as vanilla extract is, vanilla bean paste is not hard to track down. You can easily find it in your local grocery store or certain online retailers (and, in some cases, it’s actually more affordable than the vanilla extract version). When you switch to vanilla bean paste you’ll never go back — and neither will your friends, because they will never stop asking you to bake them something.

    Shop Vanilla Bean Paste Here!

    Amazon

    Nielsen-Massey Pure Vanilla Bean Paste

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    Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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    20 Party Games Better Than Cards Against Humanity

    Party on! Game nights are the best nights, at least in our opinions. Seriously, what's more fun than sitting around the table playing a game, drinking a cocktail or two and laughing with friends?! We'd totally take that over a night sweating (and very awkwardly dancing) at the club.

    We know you've made it through that Cards Against Humanity deck too many times to count, so refresh your adult game night stash with some of the best new party games around.

    Game of Phones

    Uncommon Goods

    This techy card game prompts you and your friends to compete in smartphone-based tasks. With assignments ranging from “Find your best #selfie” to “Create an emoji masterpiece,” you’re guaranteed belly laughs and conversation starters galore. Just like with Cards Against Humanity, each round has a judge that picks the winner, so get your phone stacked with game changers now.

    hella awk-ward Card Game

    Shopify

    If you want to spark real conversations with your guests, this is the game for you. By the end of this game, you’ll be surrounded by plenty of new pals. Play by drawing a card and answering the prompt to get to know friends and strangers alike on a deeper level.

    What Do You Meme?

    Amazon

    This is the perfect game for anyone who has spent way too much time on the internet. Match funny captions with well-known internet memes (a rotating judge picks the best one) to create an afternoon or evening of hilarity.

    Exploding Kittens Party Card Game

    Amazon

    This card game is like Russian Roulette “for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.” Count us in.

    My Ex [A Deck of Conversation Starters]

    Amazon

    Gather your closest BFFs and spend the night with some good ol’ trash talking (therapeutically, of course). You’ll definitely find out who had the craziest ex. Gather friends that are down for the drama and start by pulling a card. Some of the topics you’ll fill-in-the-blank include: 1. The biggest red flag. 2. What is your ex up to now? 3. The worst rebound.

    WHAT DO YOU MEME? for The Girls

    Shopify

    Grab your girlfriends and stir the pot with this hilarious card game. To play, whoever has the most Instagram followers goes first and rolls the die. “Whichever side of the die lands face-up, take the top card from the corresponding color deck. Read it aloud to the group & perform whatever action is on the card,” the instructions read. “Some cards involve just that player, some require the whole group. The player to their left then rolls the die & the game continues like this. Every winning card gets you a point. 1 Card = 1 Point. The player with the most cards at the end wins!”

    Say Anything

    Walmart

    If you’re looking to reeeally get to know your friends, this is the game for you and your group (um, and maybe an invite to the new person you’ve been dating is in order). By reading questions and providing answers, you’ll quickly and creatively get inside the mind of all your party guests fast.

    BAD CHOICES - The Have You Ever? Game + After Dark Edition Set

    Amazon

    You’ll really get to know the other party guests with this game. This might not be one to play with your new coworkers or mother-in-law!

    To play, each player will draw six cards. “When it's your turn, choose one of your six question cards, then ask it to the player you think is most likely to answer YES. If they say YES, you get to discard your card. If they say NO you have to keep the card and try to use it again later,” the instructions read. With Skip Cards, Draw +1, Draw +2, and ALL PLAY cards, there's a surprising amount of strategy. The player who discards all of their cards first becomes the winner.

    The Game of Things

    Amazon

    This provocative game will leave your jaw on the floor from the hilarious, creative and outrageous things your friends say. Simply by drawing topic cards like “Things a chimp thinks about when he sees you at the zoo,” responses are sure to be out of this world. After everyone writes down a response, and the best part starts — you all guess who said what. Let the finger pointing begin.

    What’s Yours Like?

    Walmart

    Tell it like it is and you’ll excel at this one. Players have to guess words based off of creative word clues after asking the question, “What’s yours like?” Seriously, we wanna know.

    If You Know You Know IYKYK - The Question Card Game

    Amazon

    Who knows each other best? This card game will (literally) put everyone’s cards on the table.

    Getting started and playing this card game is super simple. A rotating judge asks the group a question about themselves from each of the three levels (indicated on the chosen card). Then, everyone chooses their answer. If you guess the judge's answer correctly, you get a point. The player with the most points wins.

    That’s What She Said

    Amazon

    Are you basically Michael Scott from The Office? Any sucker for jokes and innuendos will love this saucy game.

    Bananagrams

    Shopify

    This one is fun to do with the kids or you can spice it up with an adults-only game. Like speed scrabble, the game comes in a convenient banana-shaped pouch making it great to play on the go.

    Never Have I Ever

    Amazon

     You and your friends can put your trust to the test by sharing your deepest, most embarrassing secrets in this revealing game.

    Secret Confessions Game- Adult Version

    Amazon

    Get ready to laugh the night away with this far too funny game. Each group member will take turns reading the cards’ prompts. With each prompt, every player will answer “yes” or “no.”

    The Voting Game

    Amazon

     In this game, instead of voting for the funniest answer, you vote for the player each card seems to describe. Talk about finding out who your real friends are.

    Drawing Without Dignity

    Amazon

    It’s part Cards Against Humanity, part Pictionary. If you have friends who are particularly good artists (or even if they’re not), this game will bring you hours of fun.

    Catan Strategy Board Game

    Target

    Like a medieval monopoly, full of knights, peasants, robbers and everything prehistoric. This game is focused around building settlements and protecting your land.

    Relative Insanity

    Walmart

    Created by comedian Jeff Foxworthy, this game is based around familial interactions gone wrong with a Cards Against Humanity style of playing.

    Influencers in the Wild

    Amazon

    If you follow the popular Instagram account, then you can probably guess the basics of this board game. Go places, gain followers and get famous to win this pop culture game.

    We hope you've enjoyed this round-up of our favorite adult card games, and even if Cards Against Humanity is now somehow worth $500 Million your memories from these nights will always be priceless!

    Keep you party going with Brit + Co.

    Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

    This post has been updated.
    cards against humanitycard gamesboard gamesparty gamesgames

    31 Halloween Cake Ideas That Are Dreadfully Delicious

    We have more than a month before Halloween arrives so it's time to start perfecting your Halloween desserts for the frightful night. If you're looking to bake up your first scary-good treat, check out these amazing Halloween cake recipes! These are the creepy confections that will keep the Halloween party going all night long. Make sure to serve these sweets alongside Halloween cocktails and some last-minute snacks, if you dare.

    Brit + Co

    If you're not of trick-or-treating age anymore, and also don't have little ones of your own yet to rack up a pumpkin full of candy for the whole family, you might be wondering how to get your sweet tooth fix this holiday season. We've curated some truly next-level Halloween cake recipes you can create to get your spooky season off to a chilling start.

    The best part about the Halloween cakes ahead? They are the *perfect* conversation starter for any parties you might attend, plus you can also leverage these ideas for October birthdays or for your friends who embody spooky vibes all year long.

    Keep scrolling for all of the iconic Halloween themes in edible form, from Jack-o'-lanterns and graveyard dirt cakes, to desserts with spiderwebs, bats, creepy eyeballs, blood, gore, and more! And don't worry – we have some picture-perfect holiday cake recipes in the mix as well for the scaredy cats out there. Bon appetit!

    Butternut Bakery

    Moist Black Velvet Cake

    Red velvet cake is a staple during birthdays and holidays, but have you ever tried its darker sister? She still has the same moist feel and taste you love, but the black cocoa, buttercream, and white food coloring add to her appearance. Top it off with flying bats and your guests will love staring at it at your party.

    Barley & Sage

    Bloody Broken Glass Cupcakes

    Someone wasn't careful while baking and ended up cutting their fingers on the broken glass sticking out of these cupcakes. The horror!

    All jokes aside, this dessert is perfectly spooky and edible because it features ganache, sugar glass, and 'blood' you can feast on. It'll be a good idea to dress up as a sexy vampire who has fangs to really spook your guests!

    Brit + Co

    Effortless No-Bake Mummy Sponge Cake

    Sponge cakes aren't usually this spooky, but there's no reason they can't be! Between us, mummies aren't always talked about during Halloween so this dessert gives you a reason to celebrate them.

    You'll need ingredients like powdered sugar, baking powder, vanilla extract, salted butter, and flour to create the cake. Next, you'll combine white vanilla frosting and large candy eyeballs for the mummy design. Put it all together and you have the spongiest Halloween cake ever!

    Brit + Co

    Meringue Bone Palace Halloween Cake

    Not to be attempted by the faint of heart (meringue is known to be one of the trickiest substances to work with), this creative cake is completely inspired by skeleton bones. Oh, and by the way, underneath all those bones, you'll find a decadent (and equally visually stunning) bright red velvet cake.

    Brit + Co

    Neon Confetti Cake

    Light up any darkened room with a *shockingly* bright Halloween dessert. Treat guests to this neon cake, and throw in some other glow-in-the-dark decorations to really make it shine.

    Brit + Co

    Spooky Cake Balls

    Here's an easy cake recipe to whip up in a hot minute when you don't feel like making an entire cake. Your guests won't be able to resist the spooky eyeballs and mini mummies.

    Culinary Hill

    Oreo Brownie Trifle

    Turn this simple trifle into something spooky: layer brownies, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crushed Oreo cookies in a cake pan. Top the stack with *extra* crushed Oreos and write on the Milano cookie “tombstones” with homemade icing. Add some gummy worms to amp up the creep factor!

    Half Baked Harvest

    Forbidden Forest Chocolate Butterbeer Cake

    Pretend it's the Halloween feast at Hogwarts and serve up a cake that's inspired by the intriguing and terrifying Forbidden Forest. After an adventure in there, you definitely deserve chocolate.

    Barley & Sage

    Black Cocoa Halloween Layer Cake

    Wow your guests with this black cocoa Halloween cake that's covered in black cocoa buttercream, marshmallow spiderwebs, and ghost meringues! It's delicious *and* spectacular looking.

    SugarHero

    Stenciled Halloween Sprinkle Cake

    What better way to incorporate a fun gradient into your Halloween cake than with this absolutely stunning dessert? It features ombre-toned buttercream frosting and a delicious vanilla yellow cake. You can *also* easily repurpose this recipe throughout the year by switching out the stencil design color theme.

    Domestic Gothess

    Monochrome Cake

    Channel your inner Beetlejuice when you decorate this monochrome black-and-white cake – just don't look too long at those spirals, or you might find yourself hypnotized! This elegant Halloween cake uses melted dark chocolate and vanilla for contrasting colors, plus an extra black gel food coloring to provide the rich dark shade.

    Best Friends for Frosting

    Pink and Gold Pumpkin Cakes

    If you've got a bright, pastel aesthetic to uphold, these pumpkin spice cakes draped with pastel-colored fondant and edible gold offer a fancy fall treat.

    The Baking Fairy

    Halloween Cookies and Cream Cake

    Oreo-filled vanilla cake, cookies and cream frosting, dark chocolate ganache, and a heap of seasonal candies make this one decadent dessert you simply can't pass on making. To decorate the layers, you'll make a chocolate ganache with heavy cream, chocolate chips, and corn syrup. Then, add some Oreo pieces, sprinkles, candy corn, Peeps, and the whole she-bang.

    Jane's Patisserie

    No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake

    Pumpkin-flavored cheesecakes are one of the main dessert staples of the fall season. The best part about this recipe? It's no-bake! Plus, with a prep time and cook time of 10 minutes each, you can have a delicious treat ready to set in the fridge in 20 minutes. This pumpkin spice cheesecake features all the classic fall flavors like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and ground cloves.

    Half Baked Harvest

    Salted Caramel Apple Snickers Cake

    This is one of our favorite Halloween cakes to bake and serve with a side of apple-bobbing games and spiked apple cider. It's perfected with applesauce to make it *sort of* healthy... but you'll still you dump some ooey-gooey salted caramel sauce all over the cake and apples.

    The Cookie Writer

    Nightmare Before Christmas Cake

    If you're a Tim Burton fan, you *have* to try this. What better way to celebrate one of the coolest movies ever than by showcasing your fandom with this artsy and spooky Halloween cake idea? And best of all, it'll only take you 45 minutes to tackle this spook-tacular sweet.

    Best Friends for Frosting

    Unicorn Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern Cake

    If you have younger kids, rockin' with traditional Halloween cake themes can be pretty scary. Shake things up by offering this sweet unicorn instead of the usual creepy fare. Bonus points if you match your Halloween unicorn costume to this treat!

    Sprinkle Bakes

    Candy Corn Tuxedo Cake

    The creepy exterior of this cake cuts away to a whimsically colorful surprise on the inside. Inspired by s'mores-flavored candy corn, this Halloween cake is one no one can turn down. The harvest colors definitely bring an autumn feel to the recipe that you can break out long past Halloween, and this one reads more cute-spooky instead of scary-spooky, if that's your preferred vibe.

    Liv for Cake

    Pumpkin Spice Latte Cake

    Halloween doesn't have to just be about darkness and ghouls. It's also perfectly fine to celebrate with a bright autumnal vibe, as with this beautiful pumpkin spice cake!

    I Am Baker

    Slime Cake

    This dark chocolate cake has a shocking contrast in color, thanks to its lime green buttercream frosting. Here's the secret to the dramatic combo: the chocolate is made extra-dark with black food coloring. On the inside, there's layered neon green pudding to provide an ooey-gooey texture that makes perfect sense for the slime factor.

    Sprinkle Bakes

    Skeleton Piñata Cake

    Fill your Halloween cake with almond bark-based bones for a scary (and delicious) surprise. Start with a succulent red velvet cake base for the inside, then use ready-made fondant for the skeleton design on top.

    Foxes Love Lemons

    Orange Cream Cake with Chocolate Ganache

    Layer cakes always feel special, especially when they're made with bright orange and dark black cake and frosting for Halloween! Cutting that first slice is bound to make you smile.

    The First Year

    Melted Witch Cake

    Uh-oh — it looks like Dorothy came to visit this melting witch! The secret to the dripping look is whipping up some dark chocolate ganache. (via The First Year)

    Kirbie's Cravings

    Halloween Candy Mug Cake

    Once your kids go to bed, sneak some of their Halloween candy for yourself. You'll be on your way to whipping up a fast and tasty mug cake for one!

    I Am Baker

    Boo Surprise Inside Cake

    Surprise your guests with a secret message inside their dessert. It sounds complicated, but this one is actually quite easy to make when you follow the notes.

    Amanda Wilens

    Black Velvet Cake

    This ghoulish Halloween cake gets topped with little white chocolate ghosties that can be equally creepy or cute, depending how you make them at home.

    Growing Up Gabel

    Pumpkin Patch Dirt Cake

    How adorable is this? Create your very own pumpkin patch with instant pudding, Oreo crumbs, and mini pumpkin candies.

    Host the Toast

    Salted Caramel Upside Down Cake

    Caramel apples may no longer be acceptable as a trick-or-treating sweet, but you can enjoy the flavors of this classic autumnal treat in cake form instead.

    Kathryn's Kitchen

    Halloween Witch Hat Cupcakes

    Though these individual treats don't make a full cake, they are perfect for serving a crowd at your Halloween get-togethers.

    Host the Toast

    Spiderweb S'mores Cheesecake Brownies

    Repeat after us: there is no such thing as too much of a good thing. Smash together all of your favorite desserts and you get an elaborate concoction that is alone worth celebrating during Halloween.

    The Edgy Veg

    Vegan Zombie Cupcakes

    These freaky bites will turn out so impressive, you won't want to sink your teeth into them.

    Follow us on Pinterest for more spooky-good Halloween ideas, and pin the Halloween cake ideas you're excited to try this season!

    This article has been updated.

    bakinghalloweenhalloween ideashalloween party ideashalloween recipessweetshalloween cakehalloween dessertsfood

    Every Holiday Movie You Can Stream On Netflix Starting Today

    The holidays are here! Well, kind of. Thanksgiving isn’t until November 28 but as far as I’m concerned, November 1 is the day the festivities can begin. I’m pulling out my holiday candles, Christmas PJ’s, and even my How the Grinch Stole Christmas vinyl to make the dreary seasonal blues a little more cheerful. And a huge part of getting into the spirit is stacking up the perfect holiday movie marathon. Thankfully Netflix already has a bunch of holiday titles coming out over the next few weeks. Here are the best (new!!) holiday movies and specials coming to Netflix starting November 1.

    Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition — On Netflix Now Until December 10

    Adam Rose/Netflix

    Nothing says the holidays like tons of delicious meals, and Chef David Chang is cooking some amazing food for his celebrity friends — and he's doing it all live. (Because, a lot of TV cooking uses swaps and stylists to make it look better than it actually is). I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!

    Dinner Time Live With David Chang: Holiday Edition is hosted by David Chang.

    Meet Me Next Christmas — On Netflix November 6

    Sophie Giraud/Netflix

    Christmas in New York City is truly a magical experience, and Layla's looking for her own fairytale romance this holiday season. And believe it or not, the ticket to finding her one true love is getting into the Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

    Meet Me Next Christmas streams November 6 and stars Christina Milian, Devale Ellis, Kofi Siriboe, Tymika Tafari, Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola, Matt Sallee, Kalen Allen, Nikki Duval, and Wesley French.

    Hot Frosty — On Netflix November 13

    Petr Maur/Netflix

    Nobody puts me in the holiday spirit like seeing Lacey Chabert onscreen, and this year, she's playing Kathy, a widow who happens to bring a handsome snowman to life. (I don't remember this in the "Frosty the Snowman" lyrics!). He helps Kathy reconnect with her emotions as they begin to fall for each other — and as he begins to melt.

    Hot Frosty will stream on Netflix beginning November 13 and stars Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon, Lauren Holly, and Chrishell Stause.

    Netflix Stories: A Virgin River Christmas — On Netflix November 19

    Petr Maur/Netflix

    It's almost time for Virgin River season 6, which means we're getting closer to the ultimate cozy TV show. I mean, just look at those twinkly lights and pine trees in this preview image! It gives me the same exact feeling as drinking a mug of hot cocoa. This year, we're getting closer to Mel and Jack’s wedding, and confronting some serious secrets and drama along the way. This might not count as a Netflix holiday movie but I couldn't NOT include it!!!

    Virgin River season 6 hits Netflix November 19 and stars Alexandra Breckenridge, Martin Henderson, John Allen Nelson, Tim Matheson, Annette O’Toole, Colin Lawrence, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Zibby Allen, Sarah Dugdale, Marco Grazzini, Mark Ghanimé, Kai Bradbury, Kandyse McClure, Jessica Rothe, and Callum Kerr.

    The Merry Gentlemen — On Netflix November 20

    Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix

    Remember that One Tree Hill episode where the Ravens take part in the "Boy Toy" charity auction? Complete with a shirtless fashion show? Consider this the Netflix holiday movie response. When former dancer Ashley learns her parents' performing venue is in danger, she puts together the ultimate Christmas-themed show to raise money. Shirts not included.

    The Merry Gentlemen hits Netflix November 20 and stars Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray, Marla Sokoloff, Beth Broderick, Michael Gross, Maxwell Caulfield, Hector David Jr., Colt Prattes, and Marc Anthony Samuel

    Spellbound — On Netflix November 22

    Skydance Animation/Netflix

    Okay, this fantasy movie might not technically be a Christmas movie, but it has everything I need in my Netflix holiday movies: family, hope, and love. After her parents are turned into monsters, princess Ellian must go on the ultimate quest to put everything right.

    Spellbound hits Netflix November 22 and stars Rachel Zegler, John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, Tituss Burgess, Javier Bardem, and Nicole Kidman.

    Our Little Secret — On Netflix November 27

    Bob Mahoney/Netflix

    If EXmas taught us anything, it's that spending the holidays with your ex is anything but calm. And in Lindsay Lohan's new movie, she finds herself at the same Christmas celebration as her ex when they realize their new SO's are siblings. No, that's not awkward at all.

    Our Little Secret hits Netflix November 27 stars Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Tim Meadows, Jon Rudnitsky, Henry Czerny, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell, Kristin Chenoweth, Dan Bucatinsky, Katie Baker, Jake Brennan, Ash Santos, and Brian Unger.

    Is It Cake? Holidays — On Netflix November 28

    Netflix

    The only thing more enjoyable than eating delicious food is watching master bakers create beautiful food. This holiday special features edible ice skates, nutcrackers, and reindeer that will change the way you look at baking forever. Watch it in one sitting and it definitely counts as a holiday movie ;).

    Is It Cake? Holidays hits Netflix November 28 and stars Jonny Manganello, Andrew Fuller, April Julian, Elizabeth Rowe, Miko Kaw Hok Uy, Danya Smith, Henderson Gonzalez, Grace Pak, and Jujhar Mann, with judges Rachel Bloom, Hannah Berner, Tiffany Haddish, Devon Walker, James Austin Johnson, Chris Witaske, Sasheer Zamata, Terry Crews, Punkie Johnson, and Randall Park.

    The Snow Sister — On Netflix November 29

    Netflix

    Julian's turning 11 on Christmas Eve, and even though it's usually the best day ever, this year is overshadowed by the death of his older sister. A newfound friendship with Hedwig helps him heal, but he can't help but feel like Hedwig's house — and the old man that's always around — are hiding secrets.

    The Snow Sister hits Netflix November 29 and stars Mudit Gupta, Celina Meyer Hovland, Ole Steinkjer Øyen, Jan Sælid, Samsaya, Gunnar Eiriksson, and Advika.

    Which Netflix holiday movie are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments!

    pop cultureholidaysnetflixentertainment

    Upgrade Your Thanksgiving With A Crescent-Roll Cornucopia

    This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

    Chris Andre

    Materials + Tools:

    • 1 roll of tin foil
    • 2 packages of crescent rolls
    • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

    Chris Andre

    Instructions:

    Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

    Chris Andre

    Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

    Chris Andre

    Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

    Chris Andre

    Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

    Chris Andre

    Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

    Chris Andre

    Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

    Chris Andre

    Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Chris Andre

    Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

    Chris Andre

    Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

    Chris Andre

    Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

    Chris Andre

    Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

    Chris Andre

    Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

    Chris Andre

    Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

    Chris Andre

    A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

    Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

    DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

    Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

    This post has been updated.

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