Gift Your Friends Hand-Stamped Holiday Shortbread Cookies

Francesca Bean
Dec 19, 2014

We’re getting down to the wire, people. Christmas is less than a week away! Still scrambling to find a few last-minute presents? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve teamed up with Hallmark to hook you up with the easiest homemade gift idea ever… holiday shortbread cookies! You only need four ingredients to whip these up… so you really have no excuse NOT to make them. ;) Let’s get cookin’!

Ingredients: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla extract and flour.

  • 3 sticks salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • holiday cookie press set

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla extract and flour. Shape dough into a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use an upside-down glass to cut out large circles of dough. Press floured cookie press into each round. Place on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. Let cool. Enjoy!

Shape dough into a flat disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.

Use an upside-down glass to cut out large circles of dough. Press floured cookie press into each round. Place on a baking sheet.

Bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown.

Let cool for 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy with a glass of cold eggnog or milk.

Or, wrap ’em up in a holiday tin and gift them to friends and family! Happy Holidays!

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon
verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

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Olivia Munn Bravely Shares Mastectomy Scars In Latest Skims Ad

Olivia Munn bared it all in her latest SKIMS ad, proving you don't have to hide your scars. The actress posed in a campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, supporting Susan G. Komen®and highlighting her own journey with the disease. She looked absolutely stunning in every photo, but the most gorgeous moment was the way Munn didn't shy away from showing her mastectomy scars. She spoke to TODAY about her experience during the shoot, and why she ultimately decided to ditch her insecurities. Here's what she had to say!

SKIMS

Munn shared with TODAYthat she didn't initially plan to show her scars on the set. The campaign was focused on her recovery post-breast cancer diagnosis, but the makeup artist had a hard time covering up the scars throughout the shoot. She explained that she took a look in the mirror and thought, "I’m done being insecure about my scars." From there, she took the idea to show them off to the SKIMS team — and the rest is history.

SKIMS

And while she was scared to be so vulnerable on camera, this was ultimately a really empowering move for Munn. She elaborated that there are "so many women that have these same scars" who feel just as insecure as she did about them — and she really hopes those women see this ad. "Skims is so iconic and associated with beauty and sex appeal, and cancer really doesn't have that same connotation," she said. "So I just really hope that other women who have gone through my same path feel a little better after seeing it."

SKIMS

The star also took to Instagram to give a behind-the-scenes explanation of her experience. She reiterated that she was "done being insecure" about her scars. "Every mark life has left behind on my body is proof of how hard I fought," she wrote. "I hope other women who have been self-conscious about their scars see these photos and feel all the love I’m sending."

She also shared that SKIMS will donate 10% of their bra sales (except bralettes) to Susan G. Komen® — a charity dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer — from October 23-31 in stores and online. "It’s really meaningful to be part of an initiative that supports research and helps countless individuals impacted by breast cancer," she said.

SKIMS

All of this comes on the heels of Munn's announcement earlier this year that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She revealed the diagnosis came after recently tested negatively for well-known breast cancer genes and had normal results from her annual mammogram — but her doctor to check her Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Score. The test showed Munn had a 37% risk of breast cancer, so she pushed for more answers that eventually lead to her diagnosis.

Since then, Munn shared with PEOPLE that she had 4 surgeries in 10 months and underwent medically-induced menopause — all the while juggling being a new mom with husband John Mulaney. She shared, "I'm lucky. We caught it with enough time that I had options. I want the same for any woman who might have to face this one day."

SKIMS

After that March announcement, it's clear Munn is dedicated to raising awareness for women's health — and particularly their options. While chatting about the SKIMS campaign, Munn told TODAY, "You've got to go your doctor and you inundate them with information and you don't stop until they give you the test you need."

If you want to test your own risk for breast cancer, the National Institute of Health has resources here.

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14 Insanely Yummy Fall Cookie Recipes That Will Make Your Cravings Run Wild

For me, fall baking sessions are my Super Bowl – they’re a whole event, swarmed with countless bowls of all sizes, counters cluttered with flour and sugar, and screaming timers reminding me where I need to be and when. When it comes to the fans, my friends and family anxiously await a sweet treat on the sidelines, and I couldn't be happier to deliver!

Among all the seasonal desserts fit for fall, my favorite thing to make is fall cookie recipes of all kinds. Last year, Taylor Swift’s chai cookie recipe had a chokehold on me, but this year, I’m craving all things pumpkin. Luckily, there are so many delicious fall cookie recipes out there to choose from. Here are my 14 favorites that I can’t wait to bake up this fall!

Meredith Holser

Taylor Swift Chai Sugar Cookies

I probably made these 5 times last year, and I can't wait to do it all again this season! These chai cookies, popularized by none other than Taylor Swift herself, are perfectly plump, chewy, crispy, and sweet all at once. The warm chai spice is fall's best flavor match, especially when you enjoy 'em with a hot PSL or spiked coffee. The sweet icing is non-negotiable! (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin and chocolate, what more could you want?! These Paleo-approved cookies are crafted with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging any time of day. (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Lifestyle of a Foodie

Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Crumbl, who? These copycat cookies are like a tasty hybrid between a pie and a cookie, and they couldn't be yummier. Each one is super dense, so just one will do you in perfectly this fall. (via Chahinez of Lifestyle of a Foodie for Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fear not, gluten-free babes. Here's a fall cookie recipe for you! These GF chocolate chip cookies are just as ooey-gooey as their non-GF counterparts, and they're super easy to whip up. Plus, you can freeze the dough in individual portions to stretch the shelf life of this recipe and have cookies on-deck all fall long! (via Brit + Co)

Lifestyle of a Foodie

Spider Halloween Cookies

If you just can't wait for Halloween, these cute lil' spider cookies will help you dish up all the spooky vibes ahead of time. A Reese's cup spider sits atop an "oh-so tender" snickerdoodle cookie base, which is a total match made in Halloween dessert heaven. (via Chahinez of Lifestyle of a Foodie for Brit + Co)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies

Forget s'mores – these marshmallow cookies look entirely too appetizing. The chocolate cookie base is chewy and soft, complementing the melty 'mallow seamlessly. Each bite is topped off with a layer of melted chocolate to really seal the deal. Add this fall cookie recipe to your bake list, stat! (via Completely Delicious)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Bakery Style Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Oatmeal raisin cookies will always hit the spot no matter the time of year, but the warm spices and oatmeal notes they deliver seem especially perfect for eating on a cozy fall evening. This recipe emulates fresh cookies from a bakery, so you can snack on a high-quality sweet treat without ever leaving the house – or paying a premium price for a single cookie! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Vegan Peanut Butter Kisses

These vegan cookies are a total classic. The "tender and moist peanut butter cookie" will have you in a trance, while the "irresistible dark chocolate ganache center" will leave you craving more! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Half Baked Harvest

Brown Butter Pumpkin Oatmeal Latte Cookies

Brown butter is the best (and easiest) way to level up your fall cookie recipes. It adds some nuanced flavor notes that you just don't get from un-browned butter, plus a nice nuttiness that feels super fall-like. These oatmeal-packed cookies also boast pumpkin, so they'll work really well with your morning PSL. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Feel Good Foodie

Thumbprint Cookies

I love making thumbprint cookies because you can customize them based on the jam you have on-hand, or even make a few different varieties depending on your mood. These "buttery" shortbread cookies are complete with whatever you choose! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Bowl of Delicious

Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies with Cranberries and Chocolate Chunks

Talk about loaded. These fall cookies settle into the season in such a tasty way, thanks to dried cranberries and copious amounts of chocolate chunks. They're made with whole grains and no refined sugar, so they've gotta be healthy, right?! Sweetened with maple syrup and finished with a dash of cinnamon and pumpkin spice, you'll be baking these (and devouring them) every week. (via Bowl of Delicious)

Takes Two Eggs

Five Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies

These cookies boast star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds to form their flavor. Think of them like a more complex snickerdoodle! They come together in just 30 minutes, which is definitely preferred on busy fall evenings. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Rachel Mansfield

One-Bowl Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cookies

One bowl and 15 minutes is all you need to create some seriously good vegan chocolate chunk cookies. The best part about this recipe in particular is it leverages wholesome ingredients, so your cookies come out healthier than most other fall cookie recipes. They're totally snack-worthy, no matter what time of day it is! (via Rachel Mansfield)

Butternut Bakery

Brown Butter & Maple Chewy Pumpkin Cookies

These chewy cookies satisfy every fall craving you could possibly have: brown butter, maple, and pumpkin. Top 'em off with some chunky sea salt, and prepare to be impressed. (via Butternut Bakery)

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The 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer Is Finally Here & I Have So Many Questions

The cast and crew of Severance are finally returned to the office after months of waiting for production to resume, and we finally have a first look from the new season! Apple TV+ just posted a teaser image from season 2 of cast member Adam Scott holding a bunch of blue balloons. We don't quite know the significance of this picture to the plot, but we do know we are pumped to see it!

Executive producer, Ben Stiller, spread the news about the Apple TV+ series’ return back in January 2024 with a quote tweet simply commenting, "back to work.”

Adam Scott also teased the Severance season 2 production in an Instagram post the same month, saying it’s “lovely being back at the office.” Severance season 2 is officially back on track. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming season!

Watch The Official 'Severance' Season 2 Trailer!

Adam Scott is back in the first teaser trailer for Severance season 2 — and spends the entire trailer running from his problems (relatable). It appears that despite the fact Mark's innie retreats at the end of season 1, it looks like he wakes back up in the elevator and has lots of surprises waiting for him in the office.

Is there a release date for Severance Season 2?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Release Date

Yes, we finally have a release date for Severance season 2! The sophomore season will hit Apple TV+ on January 17, 2025.

What is Severance about?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Plot

Severance is a fictitious psychological thriller TV series that’s focused on a biotech company named Lumon Industries. In the show, Lumon Industries has popularized a procedure called ‘severance’ that separates their employees’ work selves from their personal lives. Essentially, when Lumon employees are at work, they can’t recall anything outside of work, and vice-versa when they aren’t at the office.

The first season of Severance follows Lumon Industries employee, Mark (portrayed by Adam Scott). Throughout the first season’s nine episodes, Mark and his coworkers begin to learn more about the severance procedure, their double-lives, and Lumon Industries’ true objectives – and it all begins to unravel in a mysterious way.

Who stars in Severance?

Apple TV+

Severance Season 2 Cast

Adam Scott, Patricia Arquette, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Jen Tullock, Dichen Lachman, and Michael Chernus are all part of the main cast in Severance.

Deadline confirmed in 2022 that Gwendoline Christie, Bob Balaban, Merritt Wever, Alia Shawkat, Robby Benson, Stefano Carannante, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and John Noble are part of the Severance season 2 cast.

Where can I watch Severance?

Apple TV+

You can stream season 1 of Severance on Apple TV+. If you don’t already have a subscription to Apple TV+, you can try the platform 7 days free before subscribing for $9.99/month.

Why is Severance season 2 taking so long?

Apple TV+

Severance season 2 is taking so long because production was halted in the wake of last year’s writers strike.

The cast and crew began filming season 2 on October 3, 2022, with production shutting down on May 8, 2023. Since SAG-AFTRA has struck a deal with AMPTP studios, it’s “back to work” on the Severance set per executive producer, Ben Stiller.

Is Severance creepy?

Apple TV+

Severance follows the horrors that come with working in an office, so yes, it’s creepy. Just kidding (sort of)!

The surreal tone of Severance definitely makes it creepy. There’s an ongoing feeling that someone – or something – is constantly keeping watch and wants to gain control. This tone, paired with the series’ clean, manicured (yet cold) visuals, chalks it up to be fairly disturbing.

The characters in the show become increasingly aware of this cryptic, surveillant presence, and the building tension definitely adds to the show’s creepiness. It’s also pretty existential, which is the creepiest feeling of them all.

Was Severance canceled?

Apple TV+

Severance was not canceled. (Thank goodness!) The production was put on pause due last May to 2023’s writers strikes, but it’s up and running now. We are enthused about the show’s return!

Never miss a new show or movie announcement by signing up for our weekly newsletter! Keep checking back here for more info.

This post has been updated.

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'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 Won't Feature This Controversial Couple

All it takes is a few episodes of Nobody Wants This to realize it's one of the best rom-coms of the year — and that Adam Brody is still super hot. The series, which also stars Kristen Bell, has gone viral for everything from its hilariously relatable approach to dating to "the best kiss of all time" to how eloquently it explains the fear that we're too much for a romantic partner. With an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, and literally millions of TikTok views, it's no surprise the show was just renewed for a second season. Here's everything we know about Nobody Wants This season 2.

What's going to happen in Nobody Wants This season 2?

Hopper Stone/Netflix

Creator Erin Foster just revealed Nobody Wants This season 2 is actually going to get rid of this tease from season 1: Morgan and Sasha's flirtationship. "I think we’re going to wrap up their weird 'Is it romantic?' thing. Because we want to see them together in season two, hanging out," she tells The Hollywood Reporter. "We want to see Esther. I think we went down that road enough that now we’re going to pull back and reposition so we can have them all in scenes together without [Morgan] being like, a full homewrecker. But we’re going to give Morgan something very fun. Justine [Lupe] came in and we pitched it to her and she was like, 'This is my dream storyline.'"

Is Morgan going to be swept off her feet? Or maybe she'll inherit a huge sum of money and become her own trophy wife. That would be SO Morgan.

Is there going to be a season 2 of Nobody Wants This?

Stefania Rosini/Netflix

Yes on October 10, Netflix announced that Nobody Wants This will be coming back for season 2. And (spoiler!!!) now that Joanne and Noah have decided to be together, and Noah's decided to give up his position as Head Rabbi, I have a feeling they'll have to deal with a lot of opinions. (Namely, Noah's mother).

"Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator Erin Foster says in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed. I’m so lucky to be able to continue this story, and to do it alongside Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan, who I've been such a fan of since Girls... Justice for healthy relationships being the most romantic!”

When is Nobody Wants This season 2 coming out?

Netflix

We know season 2 is coming out in 2025, but stay tuned for an official Nobody Wants This season 2 release date.

Who's in the cast of Nobody Wants This season 2?

Netflix

The Nobody Wants This cast includes Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe, Timothy Simons, Stephanie Faracy, Tovah Feldshuh, Paul Ben-Victor, Michael Hitchcock, Jackie Tohn, Sherry Cola, Shiloh Bearman, and Emily Arlook.

Does Nobody Wants This End on a Cliffhanger?

Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Nobody Wants This might not end on the same kind of thrilling, dramatic cliffhanger as Outer Banks season 4 part 1, but it definitely leaves us with a ton of questions. How will Joanne and Noah's families react to the news? What does life look like as a couple? Will Joanne be able to flaunt their relationship in front of all the teenagers? No matter what comes, these two are very much in love, and I can't wait to see them continue to heal and grow together.

Adam Rose/Netflix

Check out 10 Reasons Nobody Wants This Is The Best TV Show Of The Year — and all the other October TV shows to watch this month!

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