The Must-Have Tip Guide for the Holidays

Chances are, if you don’t tip your hairdresser, party planner or massage therapist appropriately this season, you’ll get coal in your stocking and definitely be called a Scrooge… or worse. There’s an easy way to avoid under-tipping (or not tipping appropriately) with this simple tip calculator from Racked.

First, pick the industry in which you’re tipping — Hair Care, Waxing, Body Maintenance, Home or Car Maintenance or Party Planning. From there, pick the specific occupation and if you’re tipping during the holidays. The calculator will not only tell you if you should tip, but how much you should tip.

We got an education ourselves. And now we know that we need to tip our trash collectors during the holidays. But what we’re really left wondering is… how much should we deliver to our dog walker? You can try out the tip calculator for yourself right here.

Are you one of these must-tip professionals? Let us know what your expectations are in the comments below!

When thinking about the holidays, a few things come to mind — decorating, gifts, family and indulgence. Sure, there is slow roasted poultry and ham, buckets of mac and cheese (or at least, we hope you have buckets of mac and cheese) and finally, holiday cookies. If you're guilty of under-appreciating these delicious and intricate delicacies, for that you owe the following 30 recipes an apology. Because here is the best list of holiday cookies ever. Bake them for your next holiday fete, wrap them as gifts, or just toss them in the cookie jar for yourself!

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookies

If there’s one recipe you 100 percent need to crank out some seriously festive Christmas dessert ideas, it’s the classic, basic sugar cookie. This vanilla-bean-speckled version sure holds its own under all that royal icing. (via Brit + Co)

Brown Sugar Maple Sugar Cookies

These chewy Brown Sugar Maple Ginger Cookies are a cross between a really great ginger cookie and a delicious chocolate chip cookie, made with dark brown sugar, rich molasses, ginger, and the real secret…chocolate chips! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Hot Chocolate Cookies

You're going to want a glass of milk with these gooey hot chocolate cookies, complete with big marshmallows and chunks of melted dark chocolate. (via Averie Cooks)

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookie

These chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are loaded with flavor, and they're so easy to make. Betcha can't eat just one! (via Hello Little Home)

Cannoli Cookies

We say take the cannoli...these delicious bites are packed with Italian classic cannoli flavors with a soft, fluffy texture. Have for breakfast or dessert! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Pecan Sandies Cookies

Made with buttery, crumbly shortbread cookie dough, warm spices, and holiday-perfect pecans, these cookies make the best edible gifts! (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Dark Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

The secret to these dark chocolate shortbread cookies? Two words: Cacao nibs. They’re like brownies but make it shortbread! This recipe is vegetarian and easily vegan too! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chocolate Kiss Cookies

From the cookbook, Sally’s Cookie Addiction, these classic cookies are fun to make with kids and are the perfect holiday treat to leave for Santa! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pumpkin Pie Cookie

This flavorful pumpkin pie cookies recipe by Chahinez of Lifestyle of a Foodie is totally share-worthy and is sure to pump up the party with pumpkin pie goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Melting Moments Cookies

These buttery eggless treats have a soft and crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, hence the name! (via Give Recipe)

Peppermint Sparkle Sugar Cookies

Make your sugar cookies sparkle with crushed peppermint and white sugar! Just one bowl needed! (via Bowl of Delicious)

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Roll these lemony treats in powdered sugar before baking to get this delightful texture. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Think Santa is a Swiftie? We followed Taylor Swift’s chai cookie recipe and were starstruck by how painless they were to make! Read on as B+C editor Meredith Holser tackles the ultimate Swiftie cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Hojicha Gingerbread Cookies

The hojicha (Japanese green tea) brings out a nutty flavor in these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies – the perfect canvases for holiday decorating! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Snowman Macarons With Eggnog Buttercream

How cute are these snowman macarons? Filled with eggnog buttercream and decorated with royal icing, they will be the star of your cookie party! (via Barley & Sage)

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

You can never go wrong with a classic chocolate chip cookie, add a dash of cinnamon to make them extra seasonal and delicious! (via Cozy Cravings)

Linzer Cookies

Crisp, buttery almond-scented cookies with a sweet raspberry filling say holidays without saying a word. (via Culinary Hill)

Peppermint Chocolate Brownie Cookies

Get all your holiday flavors in with this one cookie: peppermint, brownie and chocolate cookies. Say no more! (via Salt & Lavender)

Spritz Cookies

We might as well start with something healthy-ish and delicious (‘tis the season). With no egg and a whole wheat dough, these light and delicious lovelies just might shock you. (via Food Faith Fitness)

White Chocolate Covered Gingerbread Oreos

A great DIY hack. These tasty treats take no time at all and are great for a holiday party or to be wrapped up as little party favors. (via Pies and Plots)

Fennel and Rosemary Cookies

Every once in awhile a more savory dessert is what will hit the spot, and these will not disappoint. (via Local Milk)

Eggnog Cookies

If you don’t usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. (via Half Full)

Peppermint Macarons

Class it up with this fun twist on the French macaron, great for parties or just a lovely family dinner. (via Studio DIY)

Gingerbread Dreidles

We don’t usually associate dreidels with eating, but when we do, we do it with gingerbread batter. (via Could Be Parve)

Gluten-Free Rugelach With Cranberry Port Jam, Chocolate and Walnuts

The perfect way to keep rugelach relevant for all the holidays (via The Bojon Gourmet)

Italian Anisette Cookies

Usually these cookies have a strong licorice flavor, but this adaptations makes them a bit sweeter and lighter with vanilla and lemon. (via Cooking and Beer)

Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Otherwise known as “Rudolphs,” these chocolaty treats have it all — color, holiday flavor and chocolate. What more could you want? (via Eat in Eat Out)

Christmas Sugar Cookies

You can’t have a holiday cookie list without a sugar cookie, and these are some of the most beautiful we’ve seen. Get creative and have fun. (via Pastry Affair)

Shortbread Surprise

Talk about a surprise in the middle. These flaky cookies have an entire Hershey’s Kiss in the center. Sub in a Rolo if you want more of a caramel flavor. (via Baked in Arizona)

Cookie Christmas Trees

Take cookies and turn them into festive trees for the holidays — adorable, delicious, and super fun. (via Brit + Co)

Get more holiday recipe ideas on our Food page and be sure to sign up for our weekend scroll for more inspiration!

Lead image via Vanilla and Bean

  • Outer Banks Season 4 Part 1 finally brings the cast back to the OBX.
  • John B., Sarah, Cleo, Pope, Kiara, and JJ are up against the Kooks — and other treasure hunters.
  • Season 4 feels more grounded and relatable than past seasons, making it a very strong installment.

If you know me, you know I'm a die hard Outer Banks season 1 fan. I binge watched the entire thing with my family in 2020 while quarantining on the real OBX, I joined the Drew Starkey fan club the moment he stepped onscreen, and I was obsessed with JJ and Kiara way before the internet started shipping them. So, needless to say, I've been waiting for Outer Banks season 4 with baited breath — especially when I heard rumors it would focus on JJ (Rudy Pankow) the way previous seasons had focused on John B. (Chase Stokes) in season 1, Pope (Jonathan Daviss) in season 2, and Kiara (Madison Bailey) in season 3.

I think season 1 will always be my favorite, but Outer Banks season 4 part 1 pleasantly surprised me. We're far enough into the show that we really care about the characters, and they have enough history with one another that we're invested in their decisions. Plus, returning to the OBX provided real-world stakes I could relate to as a viewer: family drama, dealing with bullies, and more. No matter whether you really love JJ, or you're always dreaming about your next beach vacation, here's whyOuter Banks season 4 absolutely NEEDS to be your weekend binge. (Serious spoilers ahead!!!)

​We're Back On The Outer Banks!

Netflix

FINALLY! After a couple of seasons in the Caribbean and South America, Outer Banks is back, well, on the Outer Banks. Honestly, this automatically makes the season better because it provides a ton of familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort for readers. And it also provides a realistic, grounded aspect to the adventure. Because let's be honest, a group of teens hopping on a tiny plane and taking part in a jungle treasure hunt requires a little too much suspension of disbelief for me. Plus, just like Gossip Girl wouldn't be the same without Blair and Serena hitting up Bergdorf's, a Pogue beach & surfing day just feels right.

​The Pogues Open Their Own Shop

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

The first episode of Outer Banks season 4 catches us up on that season 3 time jump. After learning how much money they actually have their hands on, the Pogues move into JJ's old house (renaming it "Poguelandia 2.0"), and open a bait, tackle, and charter shop. While I have a few questions about how six teens literally built a business without the help of a contractor, I love seeing this group lead regular lives. The shop plays into their strengths and allows them to cultivate their relationships in normal settings instead of life-or-death ones. Friendships are made in those boring moments, IMO.

​The Pogues And Kooks Are Fighting Again

Netflix

Because so much of Outer Banks season 4 takes place on the OBX, it means John B., Sarah, JJ, Kie, Pope, and Cleo are once again clashing with Topper, Rafe, and the rest of the Kooks. Despite the fact this season features plenty of death-defying stunts, the scene that will stick with me the most is when the Pogues and Kooks wind up at the same beach access.

I audibly gasped when Ruthie, Topper's new girlfriend, plays chicken with the Pogues on the beach, almost hitting Kiara with her Jeep and running over a turtle hatch in the process. (IRL, protecting endangered sea turtles & their hatches are a big deal on the Outer Banks, so this definitely got a visceral reaction from me).

At the end of the day, the major (and arguably, the most painful) conflict of this teen drama is how the Kooks make the Pogues feel like they don't belong anywhere. And if you ask me, exploring this tension and these relationships is where the show truly shines.

​The Villains Are Actually Scary

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

That being said, I found the villains this season, Lightner and Dalia, to be way scarier than I expected — especially once Lightner killed Terrance and almost killed Cleo. Every time he showed up onscreen, my heart started pounding like he was chasing me! The thought of being stuck in my bait shop alone with a creepy guy, especially one brandishing a knife? Thank you, next.

​The Pogues Are Searching For More Than Blackbeard's Treasure

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After Outer Banks season 3, the one thing I said I didn't want the show to do was go into supernatural, ghost territory. Turns out, that's exactly where we're going. Wes Genrette and his son-in-law Chandler Groff hire the Pogues to find Blackbeard's treasure, but it doesn't take long for them to realize they're once again in over their heads.

Wes is a direct descendent of Francis Genrette, the man responsible for killing Blackbeard and his wife Elizabeth. Now, Elizabeth haunts every generation of the Genrette family, and once she appears, you don't have long to live. Wes reveals his daughter Larissa (Chandler's late wife) saw Elizabeth a week before she died, and Wes himself has seen her, which means his days are numbered.

Now the Pogues have to find Elizabeth's amulet to break the curse. Their race against Lightner and Dalia brings Pope, Cleo, Sarah, and John B. to Charleston — and leavesPope and Sarah trapped in a crypt as it slowly floods.

​Powers At Be Want To Bulldoze The Cut

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

If this show has proven anything, it's that the OBX is far from paradise. This season, some big names are trying to turn The Cut — including Poguelandia 2.0 — into an extension of the wealthier Figure Eight. Things get even more complicated when Hollis, who worked with Ward before he died, wants Rafe to be her financial partner...and then gets his girlfriend Sofia to convince him to sign her contract.

​Rafe Could Actually Be Getting A Redemption Arc

Netflix

Drew Starkey admitted after season 1 that he didn't care whether Rafe got a redemption arc, and I agreed at the time. I found the idea of Rafe, who was so driven to please his father he'd literally murder for him, incredibly compelling. Plus, he's been the ringleader of the War on Pogues this whole time, so suddenly making him sympathetic towards them felt like backtracking on his character.

But now that I've seen him with Sofia, the romantic in me is kicking her feet and giggling.

Rafe still has his moments (like saying he'd never date a Pogue after finding out Sofia was from The Cut), but for better or worse, Sofia brings out the best in him. And in the aftermath of Ward's death, and his ultimate wish that Sarah and Rafe would make up, feeling sympathy for the Pogues might be Rafe's way of staying loyal to his dad.

I just want to know how Rafe is going to respond when he finds out Sofia overheard his comments about never dating a Pogue...and then tricked him into signing Hollis' contract. Messy, messy.

​Luke Is Back

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

After JJ & Kiara said goodbye to JJ's dad Luke in Outer Banks season 2, he's been totally off the grid. Except, apparently, he hasn't? JJ learns Luke is back when he visits Barracuda Mike, but the father-son bonding quickly takes a turn for the crazy when Luke drops a piece of news that changes everything: he isn't JJ's biological father. Chandler Groff is.

JJ Has Actually Been A Kook This Whole Time

Netflix

JJ's entire character is based around the fact he's proud to be a Pogue. He hates the Kooks and everything they stand for, which is why when Luke reveals he isn't JJ's biological father, and that JJ is related to the Groff/Genrette clan, it totally sends JJ into orbit.

This Kook identity is something he's been running from the entire series — even before Kie had to reassure him that finding the gold didn't make them Kooks — and he's going to have to do some serious soul searching to figure out who he actually is now.

I was wholly sold on the theory Outer Banks 4 would reveal JJ and Sarah were siblings, but this is a pretty good alternative. And who knows? Maybe they're cousins. Fingers crossed JJ doesn't get a deadly visit from Elizabeth's ghost in part 2...

What did you think about Outer Banks season 4 part 1? Check out 9 Insane Outer Banks Theories That Would Totally Change The Show for more while you wait for part 2!

We love our holiday staples but sometimes we like to mix it up with someone new, whether it's a new appetizer to try (love this baked brie recipe), a new side dish, or even a new dessert or holiday cocktail. Conversations around the holiday table can't help but center on the food, and when you can drop a celeb name to the dish the conversation takes a juicy turn. This year, our holiday dinner goes to Hollywood for celebrity takes on holiday desserts, dishes and drinks. Make them now and well into winter. Who knows, they may become your family favorites too. Now scene!

SOMETHING SWEET

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Taylor Swift adapted this cookie recipe from Joy the Baker and our editor Meredith Holser gave them a go in her kitchen. She was starstruck by how easy they were to make!

Dolly Parton's Walnut Pie

  • 1 fold-out pie crust (thawed)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • whipped cream
Directions:
  1. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Roll out the crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with hand mixer. Gradually add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing until combined. Add the melted butter and beat until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell. Add the walnuts, spreading them evenly within the mixture. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake 45 minutes more. Place a collar of foil around the edge of the crust after 30 minutes.
  5. Serve with a Dolly-up of whipped cream.

Kristen Bell's Everything Cookies

For your next cookie party serve up the Bell's favorite Everything Cookie (oats, butterscotch and chocolate, oh my!). Get points for gluten-free too! (from Today)

Carly Pearce's Pumpkin Pie

The country music singer, based in Nashville, shared her mom's pumpkin pie recipe with us and we are all over it.

Dough:

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling:

  • 2 cups of unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves (we like to add an extra pinch!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions:
  1. For the dough, mix together flour, sugar and salt evenly in a bowl
  2. Lightly beat in butter and egg
  3. Cover the dough in plastic and let chill in refrigerator for 2 hours
  4. Once chilled, sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll out dough, then roll dough onto pie pan. Leave about half an inch extra around the edge and fold underneath the edge of the crust.
  5. Pinch edges of pie with your fingers, then freeze the shell for 30 minutes.
  6. Add parchment paper over the pie shell and fill with pie weights (this can be dried beans or even sugar)
  7. To prep the dough for the filling, bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 375 degrees, or until pie shell is golden brown
  8. Take the crust out of the oven and remove the weights, then let the crust cool.
  9. Set oven temp to 350 degrees
  10. For the filling, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, half-and-half, light brown sugar and spices and eggs into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  11. Pour mix into pie crust, bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
  12. Remove from oven, let pie cool for 30 minutes

Sarah Michelle Gellar's Gingerbread Cookies

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum makes this adorable Gingerbread family at home with her two little ones. (from Us)

Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Potato Streusel Pie

Buttery pecan topping? Yes, please! Thanks to Cravings by Chrissy Tiegen for the recipe.

Amy Grant's Fudge Sauce

The 6-time Grammy Award winner shared with us her mom Gloria's recipe for fudge sauce. Dip cookies, add to ice cream or drizzle on pie:

  • 4-5 unsweetened chocolate squares
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 stick butter

In a double-boiler, melt Chocolate Squares and Sweetened Condensed Milk, then fill empty can with water. Add water, a little at a time, to the melted chocolate mixture. Allow it to cook down, and add more water and repeat. After about 20 minutes, remove from heat, add butter and beat until shiny.

Martha Stewart's Shortbread Cookie Wreaths

Slay your cookie party with these candied flowered cookies from the baking queen.

SOMETHING SAVORY

Whether you're heading out to a potluck or tasked with the whole meal (or a meal) these recipes will give you a head start on what to prepare. We've got breakfast, lunch and dinner served.

Blake Lively's Sausage And Brie Puff Pastry

Lively recreates one of her favorite personal recipes using locally sourced meats and ingredients with Elletra's Goodness. (via Vogue)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Roast Chicken with Lemon Pepper Rub

If you're over turkey and turkey leftovers, this flavorful roast chicken from the Modern Family star will mix up your holiday meal with lemon-y deliciousness.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Potato Apple Latkes with Smoked Salmon

We never met a fried potato we didn't like. This Hanukkah hit from GP makes a great holiday breakfast or side dish. (from Goop)

Joanna Gaines' Friendsgiving Casserole

This chicken casserole is the perfect one-pot meal to take to your holiday potluck or just whip up for a delicious winter meal for days. (from Magnolia)

Kylie Jenner's Famous Matzo Ball Soup

Warm up a winter holiday day with a bowl of matzo ball soup courtesy of the Kardashians star. She walks you through her recipe — the matzo balls can be made by following the instructions on the box.

SOMETHING SPIRITED

Get in the spirit of the holidays with hot and cold spirits! Enjoy a cocktail or two with the help of a few celeb friends and ring in the new year right. Cheers!

Jamie Chung's The Moet 75

A twist on one of our faves, the French 75, this official Golden Globes cocktail created by the The Misfits star has a kick of tequila. (from Haute Living)

Meghan Markle's The TIG Cozy Cocktail

The duchess calls this warm and cinnamon-y bourbon-based drink "the very best apres ski drink I can think of." Cue the roasting fire. (from The Mail)

Kourtney Kardashian's Pomegranate Champagne Punch

So easy and so tasty! Give this festive Champagne-based cocktail a swig to ring in the new year in style. (from In Style)

Cheers and happy holidays! Want more trending entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook for the best pop culture updates.

Lead image via Today.

Some of us have sensitive tear ducts that seem to get triggered if the wind blows a little too hard — which can make it so tough for those of us who love a good liquid eyeliner. Suddenly, you look like you were just sobbing about a breakup, when in reality your allergies just got the best of you, leaving streaks of eyeliner and mascara.

However, it IS possible to find the best liquid eyeliner to wear that's long-lasting, waterproof, and perfectly pigmented. Skip the hard-to-grip and smudgy products for these 7 incredible options I found. Trust, you'll barely have to reapply them throughout the day, leaving your makeup flawless for hours and hours!

The Best Liquid Eyeliner Ever! 

Target

e.l.f. Expert Liquid Eyeliner (Set of 2)

This is virtually unheard of, but this is probably the best liquid eyeliner you're ever going to wear. 88% of Target's customers recommend it, feeling you're getting the best quality for your money. Though it doesn't have the highest long-lasting rating, it still gets the job done when wearers need it to.

What are customers saying about it?

e.l.f. Cosmetics

From Target:

  • "i got this eyeliner like a few months ago and let me tell you its the best eyeliner I've ever got, its so easy to apply and good for beginners and STAYS ALL DAY."
  • "goes on easily and dries with no cracks to create a flawless look"
  • "I've used this liquid eyeliner for years- really can't beat the price!"

From e.l.f. Cosmetics:

  • "It's a good liner but it does fade after about four hours so you have to touch it up."
  • "It's a great eyeliner especially for hooded eyes."
  • "I have tried many and these just seem to stay put and stay smooth for a long time over so many other brands."

Amazon

NYX Epic Ink Liner

There's a reason why this is considered the best liquid eyeliner on Amazon. It's the overall pick as it's been purchased over 30,000 times and has a 4.5 rating! Also, Amazon noted it's something most customers keep which speaks volumes. So, what makes it so great?

It's a matte, waterproof formula that's going to give you a long-lasting effect and it has a super short precision tip to make your lines look on point. Whether you're going for a cat-eye look or something to complete your Halloween costume, this is your best bet!

Other Popular Liquid Eyeliners

Amazon

Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner

Aside from NYX's Epic Ink Liner, Maybelline's liquid eyeliner is another popular pick on Amazon. It has a similar precise tip that ensures it'll glide on easily — even if your hand isn't the steadiest. It's also hooded eye-friendly (IYKYK) which should bring a sigh of relief to anyone who's tired of seeing smudged eye makeup.

Amazon

Stila Deluxe Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

This Stila waterproof liquid eyeliner is perfect for all-day wear! You can create so many looks, from lightly outlining your eyes to packing on the drama. Plus, Amazon customers love how this eyeliner allows them to get "super smooth, fine lines" with "no smudging or bleeding." Incredible!

Sephora

Glossier Pro Tip

Can I get a little commotion for his vegan liquid eyeliner? It's totally gonna become another beauty staple soon. It's easy to use and has a buildable formula that doesn't waste time drying. Did I mention it's also long-lasting? In the words of my favorite social media sound, "You better get one of these!"

Sephora

Anastasia Beverly Hills Waterproof Matte Liquid Eyeliner

It seems like the top-rated liquid eyeliners have one thing in common: they're waterproof. And this option from Anastasia Beverly Hills is no exception to that! Plus, this one claims to be highly-pigmented — which doesn't seem like a reach if you know how good Anastasia Beverly Hills' products are.

P.S. There's no parabens, phthalates, or mineral oils in it.

Sephora

One/Size by Patrick Starr Point Made Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Rounding this list out is this amazingly vegan liquid eyeliner by One/Size! I've already made a case for their setting spray so it doesn't surprise me that this makes other customers happy too. It glides on super smooth and fits comfortably in your hand so you won't experience a classic case of butter fingers when applying it.

It's also free of the following:

  • Parabens
  • Formaldehydes
  • Formaldehyde-releasing agents
  • Phthalates
  • Mineral oil
  • Retinyl palmitate
  • Oxybenzone
  • Coal tar
  • Hydroquinone
  • Triclocarban
  • Triclosan

Follow us on Pinterest for more beauty finds, tips, and tricks!

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

How is your day going? We bet a bit of chocolate cake would make it better — like, way better. And if a bit makes it better, then for good measure, let’s up the stakes to 24 different and divine chocolate cakes and just have a ball. From classic layered numbers to waffle cake masterpieces, we’ve got all your chocolate cake dreams covered. Tie back your hair, and let’s get to baking!

Sarah Anderson

Red Wine Pear Cake with Chocolate Ganache

This chocolate cake has a tinge of red wine to really complement all the flavors. It's the perfect delicacy for dinner parties or even a lil' Valentine's celebration! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Miso Chocolate Cake

The umami notes of miso work surprisingly well with chocolate. Bake up the power duo in this delicious (and easy!) sheet cake. (via Brit + Co)

Half Baked Harvest

Fudgy Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Pretzel Cake

When you get a bite of both the creamy ice cream and fudgy chocolate layers in this cake, you will experience absolute heaven. (via Half Baked Harvest for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Star-Studded Dark Chocolate Cake Bites

You need to make these festive chocolate-covered cake bites adorned with adorable star sprinkles. Since no slicing is involved, this is a great dessert to serve at parties or picnics. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Black & White Tuxedo Cake

Get pumped for Halloween with our beautiful, bugged out chocolate cake recipe! (via Brit + Co)

A Virtual Vegan

Vegan Chocolate Guinness Cake

Guinness cake?! Oh, we're so in. (via A Virtual Vegan)

Completely Delicious

Chocolate Sour Cream Cake

This chocolate cake is made with sour cream, which transforms each bite to be super tender and soft. (via Completely Delicious)

No Eggs Or Ham

Personal Chocolate Olive Oil Cakes

These single-serve chocolate cakes are topped with cinnamon-espresso whipped cream and cayenne dust to create an otherworldly tasting experience. You'll be surprised at just how well the spice works with this recipe's sweetness. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Earthly Provisions

Single Layer Blueberry Chocolate Cake

Just look at that beautiful blueberry icing! (via Earthly Provisions)

Vikalinka

Chocolate Cake Truffles

Once a chocolate cake recipe turns bite-sized, our cravings run wild. These truffles are easy to make and even easier to customize with toppings of your choice depending on the occasion! (via Vikalinka)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Peppermint Flourless Chocolate Cake

Your next Christmas dessert awaits! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Mug Cake

We are absolute fiends for mug cakes! This one is nothing but chocolatey, thanks to the easy chocolate batter dotted with many more chocolate chips. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The First Mess

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cakes

These rich mini cakes combine orange juice and orange zest to provide a little bit of a lighter end note to the dark chocolate glaze. (via The First Mess)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Midnight Dark Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

This chocolate cake slathered in peanut butter frosting earns its "midnight" nickname from the rich black cocoa powder that's worked into the decadent batter. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

The Original Dish

Molten Chocolate Cakes with Coffee & Rose

Coffee and rose are a match made in heaven when you add in a bit of chocolate. (via The Original Dish)

Foolproof Living

Dark Chocolate Waffle Cake

The perfect excuse to break out that waffle maker — and eat cake for breakfast. This pick layers dark chocolate waffles with a mascarpone filling for a unique twist on layer cake. (via Foolproof Living)

How Sweet Eats

Chocolate Frosted Cake Donuts

Homemade cake donuts – chocolate-frosted and sprinkled to perfection – are what we dream about before that alarm goes off in the AM. (via How Sweet Eats)

The Healthy Foodie

Paleo Zucchini Chocolate Cake

This chocolate cake recipe is packed with healthy goodness, but trust: you won’t miss any of the decadence. Zucchini, coconut oil and avocado stand in for unhealthy fats to give this recipe its richness. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Averie Cooks

Chocolate Cake Batter Milkshake

Sometimes a girl just needs a giant bowl of cake batter all to herself. This batter-inspired smoothie recipe has all the chocolate flavor you crave. (via Averie Cooks)

Sweetapolita

Six-Layer Malted Chocolate Toasted Marshmallow Cake

Stacks of rich chocolate cake layered between malted Belgian-chocolate frosting and toasted marshmallow filling, this sky-scraping piece of campfire-inspired heaven is truly a masterpiece. (via Sweetapolita)

Style Me Pretty

Chocolate Pansy Cake

With beauty and braun, this pansy-covered chocolate layer cake would be absolutely precious at a tea party or ladies’ lunch. (via Style Me Pretty)

Smitten Kitchen

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Since it has “banana bread” in the title, you have full permission to have this one for breakfast. (via Smitten Kitchen)

Green Kitchen Stories

Banana Almond Chocolate Cake

This simple, wholesome bundt cake has less than 10 ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, with no refined sugar or dairy. (via Green Kitchen Stories)

My Baking Addiction

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

This pick shares the secret to a perfectly pink, fluffy raspberry buttercream to slather on your cake (and eat by the spoonful). (via My Baking Addiction)

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