Food Intolerances? These Gluten- and Dairy-Free Christmas Cookies Are Reason To Celebrate

gluten-free​ Chocolate Thumbprint Peppermint Cookies

With all the holiday cheer in the air, it can be a downer to go to anugly sweater party only to learn that you can't eat any of the festive treats on display. People with food intolerances certainly have to do some planning ahead when it comes to holiday sweets, but the good news is, there are TONS of delicious dairy- and gluten-free recipes out there... even Christmas cookie ones!


Case in point: These insanely good Chocolate Thumbprint Peppermint Cookies. Whip these simple allergen-friendly noms up before the holiday is season is over. You're going to want plenty of time ahead of you to indulge in more than a couple of batches, we promise.

​Chocolate Thumbprint Peppermint Cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cup cashew butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon pink salt

Thumbprint Filling:

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2-3 candy canes, crushed

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cashew butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk coconut sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add to liquid ingredients and stir until well combined.
  4. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out cookie dough onto the baking sheet and leave an inch or two in between each cookie.
  5. Use either your thumb or a teaspoon and make an indention in each cookie in the center.
  6. Bake for 10 minutes and remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. If the center has risen some, use the teaspoon to create a deeper thumbprint.
  7. While the cookies are baking, melt dark chocolate chips over low heat or a double boiler.
  8. After cookies have slightly cooled, fill thumbprints with the melted dark chocolate. Top with the crushed candy canes. Let cool until chocolate has hardened, or place in the refrigerator.


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Recipe and photos by Sarah Anderson.

There are many ways to enjoy a great dessert pizza. Deep dish or flatbread, healthy or indulgent — you can even hack a two-ingredient crust! We just don't give enough credit to the endless possibilities. You can top them with seasonal fruit, drizzle them with caramel or chocolate and, of course, invite your favorite candy to the pizza party.

Any way you slice it, dessert pizzas are out of this world and we just cannot get enough. Want to try one? Here are some great dessert pizza recipes to get you started on your path to sweet pizza serenity.

Tasty dessert pizza recipes to savor this weekend

​What is dessert pizza made of?

Dessert pizza is made up of sweet toppings and cream cheese or a sugar spread. It swaps the usual tomato sauce and pepperoni for sweet alternatives, and it's delicious!

What is the best dessert to go with pizza?

We love eating ice cream or some chocolate after we finish a slice of pizza. Sorbet or even a plain piece of fruit is another good option if you want something sweet, but light.

What dessert can be made from pizza dough?

You can use pizza dough for cinnamon rolls, monkey bread, or babka.

Brit + Co Dessert Pizza Recipes 

Brit + Co

Grilled Dessert Pizza

Not only is this dessert pizza served on flatbread, but it's full of delicious nuts, fruit, and cheeses so it's healthy as well as yummy.

Brit + Co

S'mores Pizza

Whether you decide to make this dish while it's still cold out or wait until campfire season, it's sure to become a family favorite. Serve it while it's still warm for maximum deliciousness.

Brit + Co

Memorial Day Dessert Pizza

This might be the perfect dessert pizza for the last weekend in May, but it will taste just as good for the rest of the year. The berries and coconut taste amazing together – but feel free to drizzle some honey on top for good measure.

More Dessert Pizza Recipes

Creme de la Crumb

Apple Crumble Flatbread

Imagine the most comforting and warm apple crumble, but handheld. This flatbread is that – and so much more. That scoop of vanilla ice cream is definitely non-negotiable. Let it melt a bit, and you'll fall in love with how it mixes with the rich caramel sauce.

A Spicy Southern Kitchen

Bananas Foster Dessert Pizza

Bananas Foster is a southern dessert that we all need to get behind, especially when it's served on top of a crispy pizza crust. Stock up on your rum and bananas, because when the mood strikes, you'll want to be prepared.

A Spicy Southern Perspective

Strawberry Cookie Pizza

This berry-fied dessert pizza is baked in a single pan, making clean-up a whole lot easier. This could be a good bite for dessert or breakfast!

Show Me the Yummy

Caramel Apple Dessert Pizza

The person who discovered that caramel and apple are amazing together deserves a major gold star. This dessert pizza combines a crispy peanut butter cookie crust, a fluffy caramel vanilla frosting, thinly sliced Granny Smith apples and… Snickers!

Bowl of Delicious

Rainbow Fruit Pizza

Sugar cookie dough forms the base of this colorful dessert pizza! This is an easily customizable dessert pizza recipe, since you can add or omit any fruits you'd like to.

Food Fanatic

Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Dessert that doubles as a fun activity is always a good choice. Use this cookie-covered pizza as a tasty base to top with your favorite candies and drizzles at your next girls' night in. Just don't forget to bring the cocktails, too.

The Recipe Critic

Cinnamon Roll Dessert Pizza

When you want that homemade cinnamon roll flavor without all of the work, toss together this dessert pizza that's finished off with cream cheese frosting. Once you get a taste of this pizza-breakfast hybrid, you won't want to go back to regular old rolls.

The Real Food Dietitians

Gluten-Free Berry Dessert Pizza

This GF dessert pizza is worthy of making on cozy nights in. The crust certainly won't make your tummy hurt if you're sensitive to gluten.

The Girl on Bloor

Homemade Beaver Tails with Pizza Dough

These sugary slabs of dough (AKA beaver tails) are the perfect dessert pizza. Try any combo of toppings you want to, but we highly recommend Nutella + banana.

Girl vs. Dough

Cookies + Creme Dessert Pizza

With just a few pantry items you already have lying around, you can have a quick dessert pizza on the table in no time. Why spend all night making a ton of individual cookies when you can just make one huge one and call it a day? (via Girl vs. Dough)

Completely Delicious

Raspberry Brie Dessert Pizza

Raspberries and brie cheese adorn the top of this dessert pizza crust, and then are joined by candied pecans and rosemary for an extra elegant touch.

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

Everyone loves a good oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. Please the masses with this giant version that can be sliced into pizza-like wedges and eaten on the go. It's the perfect party favor to bring to the next event you're invited to.

Dessert Now Dinner Later

Oreo Fudge Brownie Pizza

There's no such thing as too much chocolate! This beauty has a brownie crust, crushed Oreos, and a creamy fudge drizzle. Top everything with chocolate shavings, and you're all set for a chocoholic's dream dessert.

Two Spoons

Chocolate Cherry Pizza Tart

Rich chocolate and sweet cherries team up to form a dependable and decadent dessert pizza. Make sure you share this recipe with your closest sweet tooths!

Sugar Spun Run

Raspberry White Chocolate Dessert Pizza

If only the base of every pizza could be sweetened cream cheese, white chocolate and raspberry puree. Okay, maybe that wouldn't be good on *all* pizzas, but it sure makes for one hell of a dessert pizza.

Cleobuttera

Peanut Butter Cup Pizza

Homemade hand-tossed pizza dough makes all the difference in this indulgent masterpiece. You might as well go big when you're talking about two types of chocolate!

Oh Sweet Basil

Rocky Road Chocolate Pizza

The great thing about this dessert pizza is that you simply mix all of the ingredients together and press them into a pizza pan to set. No baking involved! Plus, it's a fun recipe to make with the kiddos on a cold afternoon.

My Suburban Kitchen

Cast Iron S’mores Pizza

Roughing it is *so* much easier when you have an incredible dessert to share with your pals. This pizza will have you all singing “Kumbaya" around the campfire all night long. No icky s'mores sticks required.

The Fit Foodie

Watermelon Pizza

If this fruity pizza doesn't have you yearning for summer, nothing else will. Cue the barbecues and mojitos, ASAP. Make a DIY watermelon pizza dessert bar with your favorite toppings, from fresh fruit to granola, coconut flakes, mint leaves and more.

Rachel Mansfeld

Doughy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pizza

This dessert pizza recipe even works in collagen peptides, giving you a nice nutritional boost.

Culinary Hill

Brownie Pizza

Balance out the brownie crust in this pizza by topping things off with colorful fruit cuts! That means dessert is still healthy, right? (via Culinary Hill)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Cookies and Creme Dessert Pizza

We didn't know a vegan dessert pizza could be so tastyyy. Add as many Oreo crumbles as your heart desires! (via Earthly Provisions)

Follow us on Pinterest for more dessert inspo, and check out our cooking and baking online classes for all your sweet treat needs!

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

Neighbors are funny. I'll occasionally have a quick chit-chat with mine as we cross paths by our mailboxes, and our conversations always seem to revolve around the same three topics: the weather, upcoming vacations, and home upgrades. My latest landscaping project got a few nods of approval — even from my least neighborly neighbors. The tree encroaching on their solar panel? Not so much. But hey, they notice, and there’s something undeniably satisfying about earning that neighborly thumbs up.

Here are 25 budget-friendly home upgrades that will impress your neighbors!

Etsy

Update Your House Numbers

This is such a simple fix that delivers a big impact. Update your house numbers to something a bit more modern, like these Etsy House Numbers, and you'll feel an instant refresh to your exterior.

Shutterstock

Give Some Landscaping Love

You can start small here, add a tree, a shrub, some grasses, but adding greenery that matures over time will enhancing your yard’s overall aesthetic and the value of your home. Take cues from your lifestyle too. Sod might be the ideal choice for running, playing, and family fun. Live in a dry climate? Opt for drought-tolerant plants and decorative rocks to create a low-maintenance, water-efficient landscape.

Shutterstock

Paint Your Door

A fresh coat of bold or classic color on your front door can instantly enhance its curb appeal, and surprise your neighbors in a good way.

Shutterstock

Add Outdoor String Lights

These are pretty affordable and so charming in trees and on fences, creating a cozy vibe for your outdoor space.

Wayfair

Install Window Boxes

This has been on my home bucket list since traveling around Charleston, S.C. I love a good flower box display, whether it's colorful perennials or varying shades of greenery. Check out these affordable Wayfair Planter Boxes.

West Elm

Replace or Paint Your Mailbox

A rusty old mailbox is not giving guests the best first impression. A sleek new mailbox, like this West Elm Mailbox, or a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference.

Shutterstock

Update Light Fixtures

Swap out dated porch lights and install solar pathway lights for a fresh look and more inviting space.

Arian Fernandez

Install Shutters

There's something so classic and European about shutters. Affordable, decorative ones can add charm and dimension to your windows.

Shutterstock

Pressure Wash Your Exterior

Have you spotted those IG videos of people pressure washing their homes? So mesmerizing! Wash off those cobwebs and layers of grime with an Electric Pressure Washer. A clean driveway, siding, or patio can make your home look like new.

Solo Stove

Add a Fire Pit

Build a simple and stylish fire pit with pavers or bricks or shop for one like this modern wood-burning fire pit from All Modern or this option from Solo Stove for a cozy gathering spot.

Shutterstock

Build a Garden Path

Use gravel, stepping stones, or wood chips to create an elegant walkway to your home.

Studio McGee

Hang A Wreath

It doesn't need to be December for you to hang a natural wreath on your door. A seasonal or year-round wreath, like this one from Studio McGee, adds warmth to your home’s entryway.

Eartheasy

DIY Raised Garden Beds

Build a raised garden bed for under $50 with our guide or shop for these lovely cedar ones on Eartheasy. Come spring you'll have plenty of space to plant vegetables and herbs and flowers.

Wayfair

Add A Bird Bath

A bird bath, like this Wayfair Pedestal Birdbath from Kelly Clarkson Home, is a great way to support your local wildlife and pretty up your front yard.

Shutterstock

Paint or Stain Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture gets weathered throughout the year if not protected. Before spring comes, spruce up your outdoor furniture with paint, or a sand and wood stain to give your front yard a polished look.

Shutterstock

Paint or Stain Your Fence

Refreshing an old fence with a new coat of paint or stain will absolutely get neighbors talking.

Amazon

Upgrade Your Door Hardware

Is your door handle looking a bit dated or worn? Replace old doorknobs, locks, or handles with more stylish and modern options, like this Entry Door Handle.

Shutterstock

Add Planters To Your Porch

Planters welcome your guests and frame your porch in an inviting way. Find plants you love and make a great first impression with beautiful planters.

Evelyn Paris

Paint or Tile Your Stair Risers

Paint your stair risers in a fun contrasting or complementary color to your home, or if you want to invest a little more time and money add a decorative tile. I did this with a tile inspired by my trip to Portugal and get compliments all the time! You can also find peel-and-stick floor tile for outside porches.

Wayfair

Add Front Porch Seating

Classic Adirondacks, modern rocking chairs like these Wayfair Rocking Chairs, and swing chairs can make your yard more inviting and useful. I had a total mom win when I saw my daughter reading outside in our new Adirondack chairs.

Shutterstock

Add a Trellis

This doesn't have to be major, but a small trellis around your door can make a big impact come spring when the flowers bloom.

Shutterstock

Wash Your Windows

This is a low-cost way to make your home literally shine.

Wayfair

Hide Trash Bins

Hide any eyesores like trash bins and HVAC units with a privacy screen with a planter for flowers and vines.

Shutterstock

Add New Mulch

Clear any weeds and refresh your mulch to instantly tidy up garden beds.

Etsy

Decorate For the Seasons

Making your entryway festive for the seasons can bring joy and cheer to your neighborhood all year long. This Etsy Doormat is so cute for Valentine's Day!

Check out our online newsletter for more home decor inspo!

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

It’s almost time for our favorite holiday that celebrates accordingly with chocolate, hearts and the color pink: Galentine's Day! The love between gal pals is undeniable and totally worth celebrating. During this stage of life that we so lovingly call “adulthood,” we rely on our girls to support us through our jobs, the modern and scary world of online dating and any and all quarter-life crises. Let’s face it: We love and need our girlfriends. That’s why a day like Galentine’s Day is quite possibly the best day of the year!

Here's everything you need to know about hosting the perfect Galentine's Day brunch

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Today we’re teaming up with Studio Ink to show you how to host the most epic Galentine's Day brunch (even if it's breakfast in bed). We’ve got everything from red velvet heart waffles to DIY centerpieces to Galentine card writing stations. Studio Ink has an awesome collection of cards that are the perfect mix of sweet, sentimental, funny and cute. It’s not truly Galentine’s Day unless you send your besties Valentines… I mean, Galentines! Alright, let’s dive in.

What does Galentine mean?

Walls.io

Galentines are like Valentines, but for the girls! Though you may have a lover in your life, this holiday is all about celebrating your platonic friendships with your girl friends and just having fun with it! The holiday is slated for Feburary 13, the day before Valentine's Day, so you can have all the time to cherish your gal pals. Funnily enough, the day was coined by none other than the iconic Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation.

What food is eaten on Galentine's Day?

Brit + Co

Your Galentine's Day grub is really up to you and the girls, but the most popular bites include dips and chips, stuffed peppers, veggie skewers, waffles, cookies, cupcakes, cake pops, deviled eggs, bruschettas and charcuterie snacks. Finger foods are always a good way to go for any gathering.

What do you bring to a Galentine's Day brunch?

Brit + Co

For a Galentine's brunch, you can bring food items like cute snacks, desserts (topped with heart sprinkles, of course), healthy meals, drink mixers or mocktails. You can also bring handmade cards or gifts for each of your friends, and of course you have to bring your love!

The Spread

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

First, let’s talk about the food. It’s not brunch without a fabulous array of treats. For our Galentine’s Day brunch, the perfect setup includes: berry parfaits, donut skewers, mini muffins, bellinis and a red velvet waffle bar, displayed under a simple backdrop of letter balloons, paper hearts and tassels.

Decorate your table with a few gold bottles and single flower stems. You don’t want your table to be too cluttered, because you’ll want to also have space for all the card writing you’ll do!

Galentine’s Day Card Mailboxes

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

All your Galentine’s Day cards now have a home.

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Add some stickers to your mailbox for extra cute flair. You can download these Studio Ink Galentine’s Day stickers here. Just print on sticker paper and cut them out!

Cards

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Check out some tips and tricks for making your cards.

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

You’ve got mail!

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

I see more mail in the future. <3

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Check out how cute these cards are!

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

I don’t know about you… but all this card writing is getting me hungry. Which brings me to….

Galentine's Brunch Foods

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

These red velvet waffles were a hit when we tested the recipe at the Brit + Co kitchen, and they certainly will be a hit on your Galentine’s Day brunch table.

Red Velvet Heart Waffles With Cream Cheese Glaze

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Make these waffles with your favorite mix or from your go-to cookbook. Place the waffles on a platter along with the glaze and other toppings. We’re using heart-shaped sprinkles, obviously.

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Drizzle the glaze on your waffles with a spoon or with a pitcher. No matter how you do that drizz, your waffles will be delicious!

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Mmm, delightful!

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Okay, I already know I want seconds. What better way to wash down your second (and maybe third) helping of waffles than with a bellini? Check out this downloadable signature recipe here!

Studio Ink for Brit + Co

Brunch babes!

Check out our email newsletter for more Galentine's Day ideas!

This post has been updated.

My best friend and I recently had a 3-hour conversation about navigating love in our 30s, coming to the conclusion that our prior breakups helped us become clearer about what we want in love. After we said our good-byes, I started thinking about questions worth asking yourself when you're single.

Unlike some people who tell you not to worry about love when you're not coupled up, I think it actually does help to have an idea about the kind of person and relationship that'll fit in your life when the time comes. I wish it wish it were this easy, but the perfect situation isn't going to fall into your lap — because it doesn't exist. Even now, I'm still learning about myself and my fiancé as we experience life together.

So are you single and trying to understand what you actually want out of your love life? Here are some questions you should ask yourself!

Here are the questions to ask yourself while you're in your single era!

Ivan Samkov

1. Start with questions that focus on you

Either you agree with clichés or you don't. As annoying as they can be, hearing someone tell you to get to know yourself while you're single shouldn't be. It only gets sticky when people tell you that you'll never find love while on your self-care journey. We can agree to disagree with that.
So, what kind of questions should you be asking yourself to get to know your inner workings better?
  • Who do I think I am?
  • What are my favorite qualities about myself?
  • Do I have any habits I want to change?
  • Would I date myself if I were a different person?
  • How do I pour love into myself?

George Milton

2. More questions to ask yourself about who you are

Other questions you can ask yourself can have something to do with your morals or boundaries. It's a way for you to understand areas of your life that you may not always think about everyday.

  • What do I value in life?
  • What kind of boundaries have I set (or need to put in place)?
  • Do I spend a lot of time focused on other people?
  • Do I have religious beliefs?

Vlada Karpovich

3. Think about if you want to be single or in a serious relationship

Once you have a better understanding of who you are, think about the kind of romantic love you'd like to have in your life. There's a chance you're not even interested in a serious monogamous relationship right now and that's okay. The point is to get clear about what you do want.

Start asking:

  • Am I okay with being single or do I feel pressured to settle down?
  • Do I care more about dating several people or choosing one person to romantically connect with?
  • Is there a reason I wouldn't want a long-term relationship?
  • Is it hard to be vulnerable whether I'm looking for something short-term or long-term?

Yan Krukau

4. Revisit past flings and relationships

Though tempting, this isn't a confirmation that you should call the ex you've been thinking about. Rather, take the time to revisit what you think did or didn't work.

  • What brought me joy about prior flings or relationships?
  • Was there mutual respect between myself and former romantic partners?
  • Did I or former partners feel possessive of each other?
  • Did I ever feel afraid for my safety in prior relationships?

Gustavo Fring

5. Allow yourself to be curious about the kind of partner you're attracted to

I'm not asking you to 'listen and judge' yourself for who you're typically attracted to. We all have our reasons why certain people make our hearts race even if said people aren't the greatest for us in the long run. This is the time to be curious about who you're drawn to and why.

  • Am I drawn to people's physical appearance first or their personality?
  • What kind of qualities am I attracted to overall?
  • Have I ever ignored red flags because I thought someone was attractive?

Anna Pou

6. Think about the kind of long-term relationship you'd like to have

Ready for something serious? There's still some questions you should ask yourself before jumping into something new.

  • Am I capable of trusting someone new?
  • How do I want to feel in a new romantic relationship?
  • What are my goals if I decide to pursue a long-term relationship?
  • How would I like to handle potential disagreements in my new relationships?
  • What are my dealbreakers?

These questions may seem like a lot, but it's a way to help you understand how you want your love like to look. Also, there's a possibility you could encounter scenarios that may not fit under these questions because life can be full of surprises. All that matters is you're able to have a better understanding of who you are and what you want in 2025.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more Valentine's Day-inspired stories!

For as many amazing finds Costco has (looking at you, almond croissants and heart-shaped ravioli), there are still quite a few items worth skipping. Whether it’s due to texture, taste, or value, Costco shoppers are quick to clock the worst items between the aisles.

The latest discovery is an unassuming frozen meal that looks great from the outside, but the inside? That’s a whole different story.

Scroll on to discover the Costco item shoppers are calling “awful” and even “the single worst thing” they’ve bought there.

Reddit

Meet the Snapdragon Chicken Pad Thai, a microwavable meal that includes chicken, rice noodles, bell peppers, and bean sprouts in a “tangy” stir fry sauce. The item was surfaced to the Costco community by a Reddit user that definitely had a bone to pick with it.

“This was not a good choice,” they wrote. “The sauce was absolutely dry and the mix of undercooked noodles was not a pleasant experience. Even added a bit of water to the tray, after the general cooking time, to bring some moisture to it. Didn’t work.” Oof.

Snapdragon Food

Now, one shopper with a single negative review is one thing, but many more fellow Costco patrons chimed in re: the disappointing nature of the Pad Thai on the same Reddit thread.

“I'm surprised Costco still carries this,” one person wrote. “I thought it was awful.”

“It was so awful,” another said. “I couldn't make myself eat it.”

“Might be the single worst thing we’ve bought from Costco,” one more user commented.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

A lot of people also noted that the noodles in the dish were dry, the chicken was not of good quality, and that the overall flavor was lacking – which, according to my hunch as a food lover, is a simple lesson that authentic international dishes shouldn’t always be replicated in a quick and convenient, “heat and eat” format.

So, all this to say: if you’re craving Pad Thai, it’s best to skip this Costco pick and order takeout from your local Thai joint. It's always better fresh!

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