How to Make the Easiest Valentine’s Day Treat Ever

Valentine’s Day is coming up quick, you guys. This year, show that special someone just how much you care with a homemade (+ delicious) gift. Start preheating your ovens, because we’re going to make heart tarts from the Valentine’s Heart Tart Kit ($29.99) in the B+C Shop!


– 12 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 1/2 cup cold water

– 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or preserves of choice)

– 1 egg

Tools:

– Valentine’s Heart Tart Kit

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the 12 tablespoons cold butter until pea-sized clumps form. Add 1/3 cup cold water to the flour mixture. Mix together and roll into a ball. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

2. Dust a smooth surface with flour. Divide the dough in half and roll out until it’s 1/4″ thick. Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 hearts. Place the hearts on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Press one popsicle stick onto the bottom center of each heart. Place 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each heart.

3. Place 1 egg in a small bowl and whisk. Brush the edges of the hearts on the cookie sheet. Roll out the remaining dough and cut out 12 more hearts. Place the hearts on top of the filled circles and gently press the edges together.

4. Using a fork, crimp the edges together. Lightly brush the top of the tarts with the remaining egg mixture. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown.

5. Let the tarts cool. Then, pop them in goodie bags and tie with baker’s twine. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in the 12 tablespoons cold butter until pea-sized clumps form.

Add 1/3 cup cold water to the flour mixture. Mix together and roll into a ball. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Dust a smooth surface with flour. Divide the dough in half and roll out until it’s 1/4″ thick.

Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out 12 hearts.

Place the hearts on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Press one popsicle stick onto the bottom center of each heart.

Place 1 teaspoon of raspberry jam in the center of each heart.

Place 1 egg in a small bowl and whisk. Brush the edges of the hearts on the cookie sheet.

Roll out the remaining dough and cut out 12 more hearts. Place the hearts on top of the filled circles and gently press the edges together.

Using a fork, crimp the edges together.

Lightly brush the top of the tarts with the remaining egg mixture. Sprinkle with sparkling sugar. Bake for 22-24 minutes, or until golden brown.

Heart tarts for dayz!

Let the tarts cool. Then, pop them in goodie bags and tie with baker’s twine.

Spread the <3!

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day treats? Drop us a line on Twitter!

Desserts make Christmas go around, but it can be hard to find time to bake with countless holiday parties to attend. If you're feeling a little oven-shy or wonder why those cookie recipes you try to bake come out looking gooey, maybe it's time for a different approach.

Because we've been there before, we put together a list of 35 stellar “no-bake" recipes that will satisfy everyone's preferences and dietary restrictions! If you're still craving something sweet after reading about these delectable treats try making our No-Bake Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie or our adorable No-Bake Grammy Bon Bons!

Half Baked Harvest

No Bake Mixed Berry Custard Tart

It's hard to believe this stunning dessert is no bake! Buttery Ritz crackers are the secret with homemade vanilla custard, mixed berries, and sweet honey. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Clean Cuisine

No Bake Key Lime Pie

Love the little something green on your holiday dessert table and this healthy twist on traditional key limes is sure to please! (via Clean Cuisine)

Vikalinka

No Bake Strawberry Meringue Cheesecake

It's all in the name and it's all absolutely delicious. (via Vikalinka)

Averie Cooks

No Bake Tiramisu

Not a lot of time? This no-bake dessert infused with espresso, Kahlua, a luscious creamy filling is decadent and so easy! (via Averie Cooks)

Hello Little Home

No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Give your cheesecake a taste of fall with this delightful holiday dessert. (via Hello Little Home)

Kathryn's Kitchen

No Bake Chocolate Peppermint Graham Crackers

These no bake bars are a crowd pleaser and make great last-minute gifts! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Woman Scribbles

No Bake Coffee Swirl Cheesecake

Add a hint of coffee flavor to your cheesecake dessert. (via Woman Scribbles)

Chocolate No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

A staple around the holidays, these cookies require one pot and a stove top. These cookies contain dangerously delicious amounts of peanut butter and chocolate, and for a different texture, try making them with Crunchy peanut butter. (via Foodista)

The Real Food Dietitians

Vegan No Bake Brownies

Whip up these egg-free brownies in only 20 minutes! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vanilla and Bean

Chocolate Peanut Butter No Bake Cookies

These bite-size desserts are gluten free and incredible delicious. Bet you can't eat just one! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Oreo Parfaits

This three-ingredient dessert is so simple and requires no oven! (via Completely Delicious)

Scotcheroo Bar

This classic from Buns in My Ovenis always welcome at large gatherings. Added bonus, you can make a whole pan of these treats in one batch making it a low stress contribution. (via Buns in My Oven)

Triple Chocolate Brownies

The name alone makes us hungry. Anything with that much chocolate has to be delicious. (via Food 52)

Peanut Butter Bar

Another large group friendly recipe, these Peanut Butter Bars from Our Best Bitesare sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, think a giant Reese’s cup. (via Our Best Bites)

Vegan Peanut Butter Cacao Fudge Bars

Yes these amazing looking fudge bars are vegan! That means none of your friends and family have to miss out on the holiday goodies. (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Oreo Truffles

How do dense and delicious little Oreo truffles sound to you? We’re certainly excited about this finger friendly truffle. (via Bakerella)

Chocolate Mousse

No no-bake list would be complete without a mention of mousse. So here is a fabulous chocolate mousse for your palate’s pleasure. (via Food Network)

Homemade Tootsie Rolls

Looking for a sweet gift for that candy lover in your life or maybe just trying to find an easy item to contribute to that holiday party? Look no further! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Peppermint Fudge

This super simple fudge has color in all the right places. Not to mention the sweet crushed candy cane on top that makes this dessert undeniably festive. (via Shugary Sweets)

Girl Scout No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Thin Mint Cookies

Dreaming about Girl Scout Cookies? Satisfy your crunchy, minty craving by making your own thin mints and if you’re feeling generous, give some as gifts! (via Everyday Reading )

Thin Mint Puppy Chow

What makes the delectable powdered sugary goodness of puppy chow (or muddy buddies) even better? Some mint! (via Shugary Sweets)

Samoa Bars

Okay maybe we’re a little Girl Scout focused but if Thin Mints aren’t your thing why not make Samoa Bars! (via Babble)

No-Bake Holiday Cheesecakes

White Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake

These very red and white little cheesecakes would add the perfect festive touch to any meal and will wow friends and family! (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Easy No-Bake Cheesecake

Ready to wow the folks at your Holiday table? Knock their socks off with this stunning and simple Cheesecake! (via Just a Taste)

Gingerbread Oreo No Bake Mini Cheesecakes

Oreos, cheesecake, and gingerbread all in one? I think I just died and went to no-bake dessert heaven. (via My Baking Addiction)

No-Bake Holiday Pies

No Bake Mini Grasshopper Pies

We can’t get over how sweet these little desserts are, both visually and to eat! These individual desserts would be a perfect addition to a small dinner party. (Image via A Pretty Life in the Suburbs)

S’More Pie

If you tried our S’More pie and loved it, you’ll love this version as well! It does take longer to make but maybe you could whip up both and have a blind tasting… (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Orange and Cream Pie

To satisfy, dare we say it, the non-chocoholics in the room. This classy pie will be refreshing and sweet. (via Joy the Baker)

Peanut Butter Pie

And the peanut butter just keeps coming! This light and fluffy peanut butter pie will keep Grandpa coming back for seconds. (via One Ordinary Day)

Vegan Walnut Pumpkin Pie

A vegan take on a Holiday classic. This pie is the best of both worlds! (via Lunch Box Bunch)

Miscellaneous No-Bake Holiday Desserts

Vanilla Panna Cotta and Pomegranate Jelly

This elegant dessert requires absolutely no oven and looks amazing in a delicate glass. Make sure the glasses allow easy access for large spoons! (via Inspired Edibles)

Candy Cane Bark

Chaos is key to a gorgeous candy cane bark. Throw everything together and voila! A dessert that’s ready to be gifted. (via Babble)

Oreo Layer Dessert

Cool whip and chocolate pudding, nothings better! This low maintenance dessert is perfect for the dessert maker that prefers to keep things simple. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

Banana Pudding with Homemade Salted Caramel

Just in case you’re looking for something a tiny bit old fashioned for a family dinner, give these a try! They are a delicious new take on a sweet classic. (via Just a Taste )

Peanut Butter Banana Granola Bites

If massive amounts of sugar and butter make you squirm, there’s no need to miss out on all the dessert fun. Try these slightly sweet and healthy granola bites! (via Joy the Baker)

Which no-bake holiday dessert recipe will you try before the end of 2024?

Lead image via My Baking Addiction

"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!

We'll be the first to admit it: We love pie. Sweet pie, spiked pie, pie a la mode… if it has a flaky crust and a fruit (okay, or chocolate) filling, we're in. That doesn't mean we don't love a good cookie every now and then, and yes, we've been known to devour a molten lava cake or three, but if we all had spirit foods ours would absolutely, positively be pie.

Assuming our wild affection for these bits of pastry wonder hasn't dimmed your own interest, let's get down to business and talk 18 of the best pies to bring to all of your summer gatherings this season. Definitely ours.

Brit + Co

Classic Blueberry Pie

Sometimes, nothing's better than the classics. The blueberry and the pie crust of this recipe have the blue and the white covered, but feel free to add some red food coloring to make this recipe extra patriotic. (via Brit + Co)

Averie Cooks

S'mores Brownie Pie

Let's start things off with a firecracker bang. This is a s'mores pie. In other words, it is a decadent treat that should probably make an appearance at every picnic, barbecue and Fourth of July celebration you attend this summer. (via Averie Cooks)

Neighborfood

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Pie

Light, refreshing and reminiscent of a classic summer beverage, this strawberry lemonade pie is great for hot summer days. You don't have to serve it with a glass of strawberry lemonade, but we wouldn't blame you if you did. (via Neighborfood)

Tartelette

End of Summer Pie

By the time 4th of July comes around, we have more than enough berries on our hands. A quintessential summer treat, this triple-berry pie combines some of the best flavors of the season under a pretty lattice crust, and cleans out your fridge at the same time. (via Tartelette)

Brit + Co

Apple Pie Tacos

If you see your Independence Day being full of adventure and traveling, you might want to opt for these travel-sized pies. Apple pie is a summer classic, and if you're feeling Southern, add some slabs of cheddar cheese on top (trust us). (via Brit + Co)

A Cozy Kitchen

Blackberry Cardamom Hand Pies

Rumor has it that hand pies are good for portion control, but that seems to only be true if you can keep yourself from eating five in one sitting. Trust us, it's harder than it sounds. The combination of spice and summer fruithere is extra hard to resist. (via A Cozy Kitchen)

Bakers Royale

Blackberry Lime Pie

While we're on the subject of new spins on summer fruits, this blackberry lime pie is infinitely worth your consideration. It's like a margarita that you can eat. (via Bakers Royale)

How Sweet It Is

Strawberry Mug Pies

This is pie in a mug. Pie. In. A. Mug. Plus, sweet summer strawberries always make things better. You can thank us later. (via How Sweet It Is)

Saveur

Plum Pie

Sweet and tart, this pie combines the flavor of grapes and fresh plums to make a summer pie with intense flavor. In addition to the killer flavor, we love that this pie comes with a hack: just use a can of grape jelly to help make the filling. (via Saveur)

Heart of Gold

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie With Rose Scented Whipped Cream

It's the rose-scented whipped cream that truly caught our attention here, and we're pretty sure that we're going to add it to every dessert recipe for the rest of the summer. (via Heart of Gold)

Averie Cooks

Crack Pie

The original pie can be found at Momfuku Milk Bar. To make it yourself, it demands a moderate chunk of time and has a lot of ingredients… but its name does not lie. So addicting! Don't worry about bringing any Tupperware. You won't need any. (via Averie Cooks)

Gimme Some Oven

Mojito Pie

A minty, Mojito-inspired twist on a classic Key Lime Pie. This is our idea of a great happy hour. (via Gimme Some Oven)

A Beautiful Mess

Buttermilk and Honey Pie

A custard-based pie, this sweet treat is easy to whip up and would taste fantastic alongside a pile of summer berries. Sprinkle some sugar overtop of the berries beforehand to make them extra sweet. (via A Beautiful Mess)

Bon Appetit

Sour Cherry Pie

Rumor has it you should eat this pie's leftovers for breakfast. Who'd say no to that? (Not us). (via Bon Appetit)

Port and Fin

Key Lime Pie

The coconut graham cracker crust on this pie sounds extra refreshing for summer weekends, and make sure you keep it in the fridge right up until you're ready to serve. (via Port and Fin)

Sprinkle Bakes

Deep Dish Berry Pie Tart

We'd never argue with a cream cheese pie crust. Or a deep dish pie. Ever. Grab some extra whipped cream to balance out all those extra berries. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Joy The Baker

Lemon Raspberry Pie Crust Hearts

Just in case you have a little extra crust left over at the end of your kitchen adventure, these pie crust hearts have your name written all over them. (via Joy The Baker)

Brit + Co

Raspberry Cream Pie

This pie features fresh berries and cream cheese, all wrapped up in a delicious Nilla Wafer crust. It's okay, our mouths are watering too. (via Brit + Co)

What's your favorite type of summer pie? Follow us on Pinterest for more summer recipe inspiration!

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.