Here's How To Knit A Scarf in Under 30 Minutes — Using Just Your Arms!

how to knit a scarf

This post originally appeared in our #31DaysofDIY series, and we just can't get enough of this cozy scarf! We hope you love it as much as we do.

Truth time: I love crafting, but when it comes to knitting I ALWAYS get frustrated. I was lucky to grow up with a great teacher, my grandma, but year after year we would need to start from the beginning because of angry battles in which the yarn won. My main trouble when learning how to knit a scarf was figuring out how to hold the yarn in my fingers to give it the proper tension, looking at the stitches on my needle and realizing which piece needs to go over and which goes under, and then before I knew it I would end up frustrated with a pile of knots.

Arm knitting is a great beginning step to learning how to knit. Since you are working with your arms, which are now also known as extremely large needles, it’s easy to see the stitches and understand what to do with them. It also goes a lot faster than regular knitting — this circle scarf took us 30 minutes start to finish. Don’t get me wrong, it did take time to learn arm knitting too. My arms got tied up in knots and I had to cut myself out, but with practice I got it! For this DIY scarf project, we broke the steps down to be very basic and to help you understand which way the strands need to move. Scroll back through when you’re making your scarf to really get the hang of creating stitches. Soon you’ll be an arm knitting pro and then soon after that you’ll be a knitting pro. We promise. (Not sure if you believe us yet? Try out ourIntro to Knitting course!)

What You'll Need

  • 2 skeins of super chunky yarn
  • Scissors
Arm Knitting Pro Tip: The yarn that is attached to the skein is called the working yarn, and the piece that you pulled out is called the tail.

Instructions

1. Hold both ends of the yarn in your hand and measure out seven “elbow” lengths of yarn. At the seventh “elbow” mark, make a slip knot and place it around your right arm just below your elbow.

2. Create a loop with the tail and hold the top of the loop with your right hand.

3. Put your left arm through the loop and grab the working yarn.

4. Put the new loop on your right arm. Tighten by pulling the working yarn. Cast on 24 stitches.

5. To start the next row of stitches, you will hold the working yarn in your right hand, pull off your last stitch, and insert your left hand through the new loop.

6. Keep repeating for all 22 stitches until your knitting is on your left arm.

7. To create the next row you will hold the working yarn with your left hand, pull the last loop off of your arm, and insert your right arm through the new loop. You will want to create 8 rows. The knitting should end on your left arm.

8. To bind off your scarf you will need to knit two stitches on your right arm. Then pull the first stitch over the second stitch. Knit one more stitch from the left, and then pull the first stitch on the right over the second stitch on the left. For the last stitch, pull the loop off your arm, snip the end, and pull through so you end up with a second tail.

9. Time to stitch the scarf together into a circle. Meet the two ends together and, using your two tails, weave the sides together as if you were lacing a shoe. Secure by tying a knot where the ends meet.

Arm Knitting isn’t the easiest thing. Believe me, you can get really tangled up in the strings, especially when you’re working with multiple skeins. We suggest sticking to two skeins when you’re starting your arm knitting adventures. Once again, I suggest you scroll back up and go through the images multiple times. The stitches will seem awkward at first, but with practice it will “click” and you’ll be creating rows of stitches in no time at all!

To begin your knitting adventure you are going to want to hold both ends of the skeins in one hand and measure out seven “elbow” lengths of yarn.

At the seventh “elbow” length mark you will want to create a basic slip knot. To do this you create a loop by crossing the two strands over one another. Grab and pull the back strand through the loop. This will give you a loop with a knot! Slide it onto your right arm.

Time to complete your first stitch! The first row of stitches are referred to as “Casting on.” To cast these stitches onto your arm you’re going to make a loop with the tail end of your yarn and hold it in your right hand.

Weave your left hand through the loop and grab the working yarn.

Pull the working yarn through the loop.

Slide the new loop onto your right arm.

To tighten your stitches, pull the tail and working ends of the yarn. You want the stitches to be tight on your arm, but not so tight they can’t move.

You will need to cast on between 22-24 stitches. I’m not going to lie, I watched many tutorials over and over before I was comfortable creating stitches. I scrolled back through the tutorial every time I was casting on a new stitch. When you’re ready, move onto the left arm!

We will now only be using the working yarn (yarn attached to the skeins). We’ll work with the tail again later.

Hold the working yarn with your right hand and slip the last stitch over your hand while pulling the working yarn through. This will create a loop.

The first stitch of the second row! Slip it onto your left arm.

You will want to pull the end of the working yarn to tighten these stitches.

Second row of stitches done! They should all be on your left arm and your right arm should be free.

Now move back to your right arm. Hold the working yarn with your left hand and slip the last stitch over your hand and slip the knew loop onto your right arm. Scroll back through the tutorial to master the stitches of arm knitting!

You will want to create eight rows of stitches. They will end up on your left arm.

Time to “cast off.” It was nice having a warm cozy piece becoming one with my arm but I wasn’t ready for the commitment forever. To start casting off, you will need to create two stitches onto your right arm.

Grab the first stitch on your right arm and pull it over the second stitch and off of your hand.

You will now just have one stitch remaining on your right hand. Next you will need to create a new stitch on your right hand (by pulling the working yarn through the stitch on your left hand). Repeat the process above. Slip the first stitch on your right arm over the second stitch, leaving one stitch behind. You will follow this pattern until you have reached the end of your 24 stitches.

Can you believe it? You’re all done! For your last stitch you’re going to snip the working yarn and pull it all the way through to create a knot. When snipping the yarn, leave a two-foot-long tail.

Can you believe you made that with just your arm?! We can’t! Now I know we’ve said we're hooked on crafts, but arm knitting is in a whole other ballpark. We are OBSESSED!

Using the long tail you cut from the working yarn, you will tie the two ends of the scarf together to make a cowl scarf! Weave them through the rows of stitches as if you are lacing a shoe lace. There is no science to this, just weave them together. Tie the end in a knot with the tail end of the yarn from the beginning steps. Luckily this yarn is very fluffy and forgiving. It is impossible to see mistakes.

So fuzzy and warm. This is definitely a winter staple.

Try making more scarves with different types of yarn. We still used two skeins but this yarn was less fuzzy and created a less dense scarf.

Like we said, this is a winter MUST!

Have you ever tried arm knitting, or are you still trying to figure out how to knit a scarf? Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more DIYs!

This post has been updated.

As we trade in our bikinis and Birkenstocks for boots and beanies, we welcome the best time of year: autumn. Arguably, it's the coziest time of year (I don't want to hear anything about winter; it's too cold), and the fashion is unmatched. You're in that sweet spot when it's warm enough to still rock a skirt and a tank, but you can add a cool racer jacket and accessorize with a scarf. You can also experiment with layering without having to cover your entire outfit with a coat. Amazon has some great deals to welcome fall because summer is SO last season.

Amazon

Anne Klein Women's Amerie Ballet Flat

Please, let's not let the Mary Jane trend die out with summer. In the early fall, when it's still warm, these are the best everyday shoes to run around in. I especially think this ribbed design reminds me of a cozy sweater, so they would complement a fall fit perfectly. There is an AMAZING limited-time deal on these flats that you cannot pass up right now! Grab these flats in denim, navy, black, or red for $62 (was $79).

Amazon

Steve Madden Women's Sienna Denim Jacket

I am so mad at myself for getting rid of my denim jacket last year because, obviously, here I am wanting another one for the upcoming months. To me, a denim jacket is like your childhood friend: they are so loyal and will always be there for you, even if you may not be in constant contact. I love a loose-fitting, slouchy jacket like this one from Steve Madden that you can get on Amazon now for $65 (was $99).

Amazon

Vince Camuto Women's Reilly Sneaker

Don't pass up on these adorable Vince Camuto sneaks! I think the khaki and the ruffles make for a slightly dressier shoe than any normal sneaker. They have a bit of a platform to give you some height as well, if that's what you're looking for, and a cushy sole for extra comfort. They come in three different patterns and colors for $88 (was $79)!

Amazon

Levi's Women's Laydown Collar Racer Jacket

I absolutely need to have this sleek racer jacket for my fall collection. Jackets are my favorite clothing item because they can elevate any outfit to a whole other level. They are fashionable and functional at the same time. This Levi's jacket is like your basic leather jacket's mature older sister. It's so crisp and clean, and it's on sale at Amazon right now. Add this to your cart for $80 (was $98).

Amazon

The Drop Women's Bliss Two-Tone Ribbed Scarf

No fall fit can be complete without a scarf. Not only are they the best accessories, but they're also the most functional piece of clothing for keeping you warm, blocking the wind, and keeping you dry. It can do it all. Having a quality scarf is such a simple luxury that you can take with you everywhere. I love having different colored scarves to match every kind of outfit imaginable, just like this lavender two-toned scarf that you can get for $22 (was $30).

Amazon

LILLUSORY Wide Leg Dress Pants

Trousers are an absolute must in the fall! They elevate your look in an instant, taking a graphic tee to a new level. While a classic black pair are always necessary, these pants come in 16 total colors! Plus, this statement button is so cute — definitely adds a lot with just a little! You can grab these for $29 (was $36).

Amazon

Champion Women's Sweatpants

Nothing beats a good pair of sweatpants to slip into at the end of a chilly day. The temperature is cooling down, so we're ditching the shorts. Champion never does me wrong in the sweat pant department; the material is always soft and lasts for years. If you want a baggy, oversized look, be sure to size up a bit! Grab them now while they're on sale for only $38 (was $50).

Amazon

MEROKEETY Women's Fall Long Sleeve Cable Knit Sweater

Cardigans are total perfection in the fall, especially when it's cable knit! I mean, any good fall capsule wardrobe would have one, TBH. You have 20 color options with this classic cardi. Add it to your cart for $29 (was $58)!

Amazon

Joe's Jeans Women's The Milla Utility Wide Leg Cropped Denim Pant

We’re going to have to start slipping back into some pants soon enough... so let’s start with these super adorable wide-leg cargos! Earthy tones are perfect for the fall season, and I especially love how these are styled with the light brown Adidas Sambas. These are working pants that are also made to be high fashion. You can grab them at a great deal right now for $106 (was $198).

Amazon

Steve Madden Women's Regular Justine Blazer

Woohoo, wool! I can’t think of a better time to incorporate a classic blazer into your everyday looks than now. This piece from Steve Madden gives off the same energy as the classic Chanel blazers but at a fraction of the price. It’s classy and never going out of style. If you prefer an oversized look, don’t be afraid to size up! You can get one now for $73 (was $119).

Amazon

SaphiRose Women's Long Hooded Rain Jacket

While crisp fall days for wandering around the park and looking at the leaves are always the best, sometimes you can't help but get caught in the rain. This rain jacket is so sleek and so cute and so versatile — it'll definitely go with any outfit you wanna keep dry! You can grab this in six other colors — including a classic yellow option that's so fun — for $46 (was $60).

Amazon

Sam Edelman Women's Elfie Mid Calf Boot

Prioritize foot comfort always, especially when it gets chilly out. Fall footwear is the most diverse, in my opinion, giving you room to wear a wide range of shoe styles. I love a fuzzy boot, especially as we approach late November and early December. These Sam Edelman boots are the perfect synthetic fuzzy option to keep your feet warm this fall for $105 (was $200).

Amazon

Anne Klein Women's Bracelet Watch

When we think about fall fashion, we can't forget to add some fun new accessories. I rarely wear nice jewelry in the summer because I’m always in and out of the water, and I’m afraid of losing or ruining something. But once fall rolls around, I love getting back to a consistent jewelry stack and routine. I like to start with a good watch — having a nice, solid watch (that doesn’t have to be thousands of dollars or a family heirloom) can elevate any look. Just like this one from Anne Klein for $52 (was $65).

Amazon

isotoner Women's Fiona Clog Slipper

Ugh, I simply cannot wait for it to get colder so I can be all snuggled up in the comfort of my home. I wear slippers year-round because my feet are always cold, but I love treating myself to a new pair. There’s no better time than a new season to revamp your indoor footwear and treat yourself to some new slippers, especially while they’re on sale for $15 (was $40).

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop more Amazon deals!

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

Images via Amazon.

"What would you do if your entire family, and your hometown, set you up to find love?" That's the question Ashley Williams poses in the first Small Town Setup trailer, coming to Hallmark+ in 2025. And if anyone has the answer, I have no doubt it's Hallmark — if anyone knows about warm, cozy, and sappy romance it's them! Even if you're not a huge reality dating show fan (or if you couldn't stop watching Reese Witherspoon's Love in Fairhope) this is one January TV show you won't want to miss.

Here's everything we know about Hallmark's dating show Small Town Setup, hosted by Ashley Williams.

'Small Town Setup' puts you right in a Hallmark movie.

All six episodes of Small Town Setup premieres on Hallmark+ on Thursday, January 2, 2025, and is hosted by Ashley Williams, who you'll recognize from movies like Falling Together and Two Tickets to Paradise as well as How I Met Your Mother.

Just like your favorite Hallmark movies are all about finding love, Small Town Setup focuses on singles coupling up. The show will follow a single who "has made it in the big city, but has yet to find love." And their concerned parents (definitely a Hallmark trope and an IRL trope...) get the whole neighborhood involved in finding three potential matches.

"When the singleton arrives home for a visit, they are presented with dating options curated by their hometown. After three dates, will they find love in their hometown? Or head back to the big city? All is revealed at a big town hall event, full of heart, warmth, and a few laughs along the way."

Okay, getting the entire town involved in my love life sounds crazy, but the whole community coming together for a town hall event sounds exactly like the kind of sweet and sappy event my life needs. (Listen!! Dating as a 20-something in the city is harder than I expected...)

Throughout the trailer we see our singles looking for love around their hometown, going on small town dates, and finding connection in the most unexpected places. Yeah...I'll be tuning in — especially since Small Town Setup is totally giving Gilmore Girls.

Check out the 11 New January 2025 Movies Viewers Will Adore — and you'll want to add to your calendar ASAP!

While accessories like cute socks and jewelry come and go with trend cycles, classic picks like scarves and beanies(and even balaclavas) are a must when temps start to drop. There are so many different knits, colors, and patterns out there – and there's something for every kind of style. Even if it's not super cold during the winter where you live, these winter wear essentials are a cute addition to your seasonal closet! Keep reading for 21 of our fave scarves, beanies, and balaclavas for keeping warm.

Scarves For Winter 2024

Urban Outfitters Holly Brushed Scarf

This multicolored scarf is big enough for a few wrap-arounds, bringing you extreme warmth with each wear.

Nordstrom Wool & Recycled Cashmere Scarf

The recycled cashmere gets to work in this scarf style. It helps insulate your body heat where it matters most.

BP. Whipstitch Fringe Scarf

This cold weather-ready scarf earns bonus points for the added pockets you can slip your hands into when your fingers feel like literal icicles.

Urban Outfitters Extra Chunky Extra Big Scarf

When it comes to winter scarves, the bigger, the better. That way, you can maximize coverage and protect yourself from deep freezes. 🥶​

Free People Falling For You Brushed Plaid Scarf

Plaid patterns and scarves were meant to go together. The bright yellow color on this style, along with the fringe at both ends, emits a super playful vibe that'll liven up the dead of winter.

J.Crew Brushed Woven Scarf

This cozy-soft scarf will go with just about anything you put on.

Yatemiole Cashmere Big Checked Wrap Scarf

We love us some color! Chase the rainbow (AKA dress up your drab winter wardrobe) with this colorful scarf that screams joy.

Beanies For Winter 2024

Carhartt Rib Knit Beanie

Carhartt beanies are notoriously comfortable and warm, plus they come in so many colors to match each and every snow day 'fit.

Free People Whisper Fairisle Cuff Beanie

The striped pattern on this beanie style feels oh-so vintage, so if you want to give your wintertime look some nostalgic flair, look no further and add this cute cap to your cart!

The North Face Salty Bae Knit Beanie

The fuzziness on this green beanie is giving comfort all the way. The North Face logo stitched on the front earns you some serious street cred amongst the skiers and snowboarders, too!​

Gap CashSoft Rib Beanie

Again, winter is no time to get boring with it. Embrace some colorful variety in your outside outfits with this simple striped beanie. Even if you're wearing all black, it'll spruce up the look!

Urban Outfitters Hailey Eyelash Beanie

The eyelash knit not only enhances this hat's comfort, but makes it look really cozy, too.

J. Crew Colorblock Ribbed Beanie in Supersoft Yarn

This color-blocked beanie boasts a neutral color palette that's amazingly easy to pair with something as simple as jeans and a sweatshirt!

Free People Orbit Pom Beanie

Channel the jubilant days of your youth by picking out a warm beanie that's topped off with a fun pom-pom.

Balaclavas For Winter 2024

Wool Balaclava Hat

This handmade pick is colorful and can be personalized for a unique flair. Plus, it can be washed without losing any of the color!

Cherry Crochet Balaclava

We're all about embracing our soft girl era, and this cherry-dotted balaclava is the *perfect* accessory for doing so, even in the dead of wintertime.

Quattro Knit Balaclava

This bright color-blocked cap is the coolest way to add a dose of summery cheer to your cold-weather 'fits.

Hit The Slopes Balaclava

We love the classy, old-school look of this tied headpiece just as much as we love the practical drawstrings and exposed stitching! This piece is practical for toting around the city or skiing down some serious slopes.

Senllen Fleece Balaclava

Fleece, like cashmere, should be your absolute go-to for warming up in winter weather. This one is oh-so cozy and has some drawstrings to pull it taut when your face needs a break from the dry, cold air!

Free People Super Stripe Balaclava

If accessories are where your outfits shine, you'll want to snag this colorful balaclava for amping up the energy this winter.

DOCILA Fashion Knit Balaclava Hood

This simple balaclava buttons up nicely into a perfectly snug cover-up for hiding from the snow.

Follow us on Pinterest for more fashion inspo, and check out our email newsletter for more balaclava, beanie, and scarf styling ideas!

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.

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

Cure your wanderlust in 2025! Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more travel ideas!

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.