41 Last-Minute Easy Easter Brunch Ideas You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Easy Easter Brunch Ideas

Delicious Easter Brunch Recipes To Try This Year

So, it's the day before (or day of, we won't judge), and you're hosting an Easter brunch. We have you covered with foolproof last-minute Easter brunch recipes you can make in 30 minutes or less. And the best part? None of these dishes look rushed or last-minute, so your friends and family will think you've been slaving away since Palm Sunday, when really you started cooking 20 minutes ago.

Yogurt Toast

Make a delicious custard with yogurt and egg and a bit of honey and cinnamon and you have an easy brunch items for all to enjoy. Make a fruit-filled toast bar out of it! (via Cabot Creamery)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat Easter Brunch Idea

Microwave a potato for roughly 8 minutes, then crack an egg inside and finish the dish in the oven. Mix and match the fillings according to preference or just use the ingredients you have on hand. (via Brit + Co)

The Ultimate Spring Brunch Board

Set and stage the best Easter brunch by laying every treat out on a board, charcuterie-style. Everyone can pick what they want for themselves. Dig in! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Asparagus Frittata

You can’t go wrong with a frittata, even when you're pressed for time. This recipe is so quick to whip up, you can have this dish ready before anyone says they’re hungry. Grill it over a fire pit, or simply cook it over your stovetop. (via Brit + Co.)

Chocolate-Stuffed French Toast

Chocolate French Toast

Chocolate lovers unite! Pockets of warm chocolate tucked inside french bread is an Easter brunch win in our book. (via Cabot Creamery)

Maple Bacon Carrots

This Easter side dish is both delicious and easy to make. Citrus sauce and maple syrup come together to turn the carrots into something that you won't be able to get enough of. Plus there's bacon, and we can never say no to bacon! (via Lee Kum Kee)

Vegan Chicken and Waffles

Vegan chicken makes fluffy, flavorful waffles stand out in this easy brunch recipe. This meal is always the perfect balance of sweet and savory, which leaves us wanting more! (via The Edgy Veg)

Image via Feel Good Foodie

Hashbrown Egg Nests

We're kind of in love with these bites. And the best part may just be those hash browns. Top these eggs cups with hot sauce and diced avocado, if you know what's good for you. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Grilled Cheese Egg in a Hole

A few minutes is all it takes to throw together these epic sandwiches. Give them an Italian twist with prosciutto, mozzarella, and pesto and you'll be thinking about them long after they're gone! (via Brit + Co.)

Strawberry Hand Pies

These delicious pies with a vanilla glaze and sweet strawberry filling make for a kid-friendly brunch/dessert. (via Cabot Creamery)

No Easter Brunch is Complete Without These Easy Recipes

Strawberry Buttermilk Biscuits

Once you dig into these heavenly biscuits, you won't be able to stop. They're drenched in sweet buttermilk and spotted with fresh berries to deliver a satisfying Easter brunch bite. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Pancake Fruit Tarts

If you want to show your family that you’re a well-rounded adult, make them fancy and nutritious pancake fruit tarts. You could even use frozen waffles for a more turn-key solution. (via Brit + Co.)

Pancake Spaghetti

This is such a fun twist on a classic brunch meal -- kids will enjoy eating it while you'll have fun making the swirls. Just add squeeze bottle. (via Cabot Creamery)

Sheet Pan Eggs

This delicious dish (full of cheese and veggies) will take you just 25 minutes. Enjoy a well deserved mimosa; you’re going to pull of Easter on the fly after all. (via Brit + Co.)

Avocado Toasts

Easter brunch is more than just pastries and breakfast foods. Try these springy toasts, drizzled with plenty of sweet balsamic glaze, for a quick savory lunch option. You can even opt to top it with a spring veg like pea shoots or sunflower sprouts. (via Brit + Co.)

Image via Brit + Co/The Complete Book for Teen Chefs

Cheeseburger Sliders

Cheeseburgers might not be the most festive item on this list, but they're sure to be loved by everyone! Spice them up by using food coloring on the buns or seeing how many colorful veggies you can add on top of the patty. (via Brit + Co. /The Complete Book for Teen Chefs)

Lemon Poppy Seed Sourdough Pancakes

Citrusy lemon just screams springtime, so why not whip these bad boys up for Easter brunch? They're sweet, but partner with a tart flavor element, so each bite is unforgettable. (via Barley & Sage)

Image via Lee Kum Kee

Ham & Egg Cups

We can think of many foods that remind us of Easter more than ham and eggs! Put them together and you have an easy, filling addition to any brunch. And after the holiday, they make for an excellent school lunch too. (via Lee Kum Kee)

Cinnamon Bun Palmiers

Store-bought puff pastry is a freezer staple that can help you out in a multitude of situations, even if you buy it as a backup plan for Easter morning. This dish is certain to please the whole crowd. Who doesn't love cinnamon buns?! (via Brit + Co.)

Watermelon Radish Salad

The best way to save time while making a dish is to skip the oven altogether — and that’s where salad comes in. Especially if that salad is as colorful as this one! The most difficult part of this beautiful recipe is using a microplane to slice all the root veg. (via Brit + Co.)

You're Going To Want To Make These Irresistible Brunch Recipes For Eastertime

Irresistible Easter Brunch Recipes

Lemon-Elderflower Waffles

Dust off that waffle maker. The kids *and* adults will love this recipe, which also makes for an amazing addition to Mother's Day or Valentine's Day. (via Brit + Co.)

Cornmeal Drop Biscuits

These drop biscuits are almost like cornbread and have the added bonus of cheddar, chives and jalapeños mixed into the batter. Spread a bit of butter or experiment with spicy and sweet flavors by adding some jam instead. (via Brit + Co.)

Image via In Bloom Bakery

Ingredients For Strawberry Rose Donuts:

For the Donuts

  • 2 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup softened, salted butter (like the salted Minerva Dairy butter)
  • 1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp rose water
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberries

For the Strawberry Glaze

  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp pureed strawberries

Instructions:

For the Donuts

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. First start by creaming 1/2 cup of softened, salted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar together in a medium sized bowl.
  3. Then add in 2 eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla and 1/4 tsp of rose water and combine.
  4. Mix in 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of milk. Set aside.
  5. In a small bowl mix 2 1/2 cups of flour, 1/4 tsp of baking soda, 1 tsp of baking powder and 1/4 tsp of salt together.
  6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time until all is incorporated together.
  7. Grind 1 1/2 cups of freeze-dried strawberries. Sift them into the batter and mix until all is combined.
  8. Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag fitted with a large tip. Pipe the batter into a greased donut pan, 3/4 of the way full. Bake the donuts at 350 degrees for 11-13 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
  9. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes and then transfer them to a cooling rack to completely cool.

For the Strawberry Glaze

  1. While they are cooling make the icing by pureeing a few strawberries, enough to make 2-3 tbsp of puree.
  2. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar in a bowl and add 2 tbsp of the strawberry puree. Mix until all the powdered sugar is dissolved. If it is too dry add a little bit more of the strawberry puree. It should be a very thick icing.
  3. Dip each donut in the glaze. Sprinkle each donut with crushed freeze-dried strawberries if you desire. Let the glaze set and then serve!

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus

Nothing says spring like asparagus, and we are always down to cover any and every vegetable in cheese. This savory and cheesy combination takes about 20 minutes in the oven. (via Brit + Co.)

Eggs In a Blanket on Cauliflower Crust

Everyone has that friend or family member who always seems to be on a diet. This particular recipe fits the bill for gluten-free, keto, and low-carb diets, and yet it's full of flavor. What more could they want? (viaCali'Flour Kitchen by Amy Lacey / Brit + Co.)

Vegan Lemon Scones

These fluffy and flavorful scones will also make your kitchen smell amazing, and they take less than 30 minutes to bake. Pair with a cup of tea or your go-to iced coffee recipe. (via Brit + Co.)

Blood Orange Olive Oil Cake

Blood oranges bring forth deep flavor notes in this loaf recipe. The best part is the orangey glaze that coats a super moist cake layer.(via Cozy Cravings)

Sweet and Spicy Candied Bacon

What's brunch without bacon? Coconut sugar, espresso powder, and pumpkin spice turn it into something truly magical. (via Brit + Co.)

Bacon and Cheese Egg Clouds

These little puffs make portioning for a crowd easy-peasy. Plus, adding some cheese on top might be the secret to getting picky eaters to chow down. (via Brit + Co.)

Sweet Potato Toast Crows' Nest

Add more spring color to your plate with sweet potato toast. Dress up yours however you like; we love the idea of an egg cracked into the center, then pan-seared until the whites set. It's a great low-carb egg-in-a-hole alternative! (via Brit + Co.)

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

It isn’t Easter without a plate full of deviled eggs. These look fancy AF, but they only take minutes to assemble. Not a fan of smoked salmon? Just sprinkle on some paprika instead. (via Brit + Co.)

Green Goddess Salad

Boost your meal with a healthy salad full of greens. This recipe doesn't have to be *too* healthy, however, so feel free to sprinkle on some extra Parmesan cheese ;). (via Brit + Co.)

Cocktails and Drinks For Easter Brunch

Frozen Brunch Punch

The first thing you want to do at Easter brunch is have a fresh, cold sip waiting for you. Pair this frozen punch with your waffles for the best time! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Bloody Mary Bar

Party-goers will sip and snack happily with a fully loaded drink, complete with pickled veg, bacon, and more noshable goodies. Hot sauce optional but encouraged. (via Brit + Co.)

Strawberry and Rhubard Bellinis

We're all about strawberry recipes once the weather starts warming up, and this fruity drink is one of our faves. It'll take you under 10 minutes to whip up, and then you can go back to prepping that Easter ham. (via Brit + Co.)

Screwdriver

This cocktail is as simple as mixing vodka and orange juice together. You could reach for the store-bought juice, but we recommend squeezing your own, like in this recipe. (via Give Recipe)

Best Mimosa Recipe

Just revel in that drink presentation! With just OJ and sparkling wine, you've got yourself a friendly sipper. (via Two Spoons)

Peach Bellinis

An iconic trio of peaches, triple sec, and champagne assemble to create the sweetest Easter cocktail you've ever had. The fresh fruit really embraces the spring season, so find the best peaches you can! (via Barley & Sage)

Carrot Smoothie with Ginger Citrus

If you're looking for a health boost this holiday, this smoothie is the perfect addition to your Easter brunch. It's creamy, has tons of nutrients, and even recalls Easter by using carrots. (via Live Eat Learn)

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more Easter brunch ideas!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Brit + Co

Mushrooms act as a wholesome, earthy base for easy, one-bite Christmas appetizers. Once the stems are twisted off, the ‘shrooms can be filed with a host of flavorful toppings like bacon, cheese, and aromatic veggies, then roasted or slow-cooked until bubbly and tender. Start prepping your turkey, because we have irresistible stuffed mushroom recipes below.

Slow-Cooked, Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

Feast your eyes on a stuffed mushroom that’s filled with spinach-artichoke dip. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Brit + Co

If you don't have a ton of time to bake your mushrooms, this is literally the perfect appetizer. It can be served cold, but between the onions, olives, cheese, and tomatoes, there are so many amazing flavors your guests won't even care. (via Brit + Co)

5-Ingredient-Stuffed Mushrooms

A Spicy Perspective

The star ingredient in these Asian-inspired bites is plum sauce, which offsets the savoriness of pork sausage, sesame oil, and mushrooms. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Jalapeño-Cream-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Peas and Crayons

Looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried jalapeño poppers? These baked bites, which still taste indulgent, fit the bill. (via Peas and Crayons)

Chorizo-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Real Food Dietitians

These vibrant, slightly spicy ‘shrooms make a flavorful appetizer for a Mexican-inspired meal. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms With Hollandaise

Foodie Crush

These three-cheese hollandaise-drizzled mushrooms are the new brunch attraction in town. (via Foodie Crush)

Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms With Garlic and Gouda

Peas and Crayons

Make a platter of these, and your seafood-lovin’ friends won’t know what hit them. (via Peas and Crayons)

French-Onion-Soup-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Veg Life

These mushrooms pack all of the flavors of French onion soup, including the signature cheesy crust, into one convenient bite. (via The Veg Life)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Wrapped in Bacon

Port and Fin

These cheesy mushrooms are wrapped in a crispy bacon hug. (via Port and Fin)

Spanakopita-Stuffed Mushrooms

Wholesome Yum

Flaky, feta-rich spanakopita is a staple at cocktail parties. Enjoy a low-carb version by replacing the pastry with mushrooms. (via Wholesome Yum)

Easy Pizza Portobello Stuffed Mushrooms

The Girl on Bloor

These stuffed mushrooms are basically just mini pizzas, and what could be better than that? Nothing. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Vegetarian, Italian-Stuffed Mushrooms

Bowl of Delicious

You don’t need meat to give stuffed mushrooms a robust flavor. These get plenty of pizzazz from shallots, garlic, parmesan, and herbs. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Bacon-and-Blue-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms With Creamy Hot Sauce

The Food Charlatan

These saucy bites will be a welcome addition to any spread, be it a game-day party or movie night. (via The Food Charlatan)

Vegan, Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms

Hummusapien

This guilt-free appetizer gives you a healthy dose of greens from spinach and basil. (via Hummusapien)

Shrimp-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Little Spice Jar

You’ll be transported to a little restaurant by the sea when you take a bite of these mushrooms. The breadcrumbs on top add a crunch that complements the tender shrimp. (via Little Spice Jar)

Italian, Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Chunky Chef

These breakfast-friendly ‘shrooms would make a deliciously unexpected side to sweeter pancakes or French toast. (via The Chunky Chef)

Buffalo-Chicken-Stuffed Mushrooms

My Life Cookbook

Whether or not you’re keto, you’ll find many things to enjoy about these low-carb, high-fat mushrooms like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chicken, and a touch of hot sauce. (via My Life Cookbook)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms

Food Fanatic

In this case, stuffed mushrooms are really just an excuse to eat ample bites of gooey goat cheese, and we’re all for it. (via Food Fanatic)

Pizza-Stuffed Mushrooms

Plain Chicken

If you ask us, you can have pizza without crust but never without cheese. Enjoy all the flavors of a meat lover’s pie in these easy, stuffed mushrooms. (via Plain Chicken)

Curry-Potato-Stuffed Mushrooms

The Pretty Bee

Indian flavors, including garam masala and coconut milk, fill these white button mushrooms. (via The Pretty Bee)

Follow us on Pinterest for more stuffed mushroom recipes *and* more amazing ideas!

This post has been updated.

"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!

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet? Check out our newsletter for more delicious holiday recipe ideas!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

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.