How a True Crime Obsession Could Be Affecting Your Mental Health

May 17, 2018

For most of us, it started with Serial. Then came Making a Murderer. Now our weeks revolve around Mondays and Thursdays, when My Favorite Murder releases new podcasts to make the afternoon commute a little more grim (but in a good way). If it seems like everyone you know is obsessed with true crime, you’re probably right. The genre has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years, picking up a huge following among women, especially. But sometimes the crimes and circumstances discussed can be brutal and haunting. What does that mean for our mental health?

The MFM Effect

My Favorite Murder (MFM) hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark have spoken about their own mental health issues since the early days of the podcast, which launched in 2016. Their candidness has inspired a huge response from their community of listeners, who refer to themselves as “Murderinos.” Many have written in to ask the podcast hosts for advice on finding a therapist. Others were simply relieved to feel less alone — not only in their true crime obsessions but also in their mental health struggles.

As the MFM community has grown — a private Facebook group is now home to over 200,000 members — the link between mental health and true crime fandom has not gone unnoticed. In 2017, The Atlantic published an article entitled “How a True-Crime Podcast Became a Mental-Health Support Group,” which highlighted the empowerment derived from mental health discussions in the Facebook group. And among the community’s hundreds of interest- and location-based spinoff groups, several have been established specifically to support Murderinos with mental health issues.

finding a therapist who “Gets it”

Erin Parisi is a licensed mental health counselor and certified addictions professional in Orlando, Florida. She’s also a dedicated Murderino. After Parisi “outed” herself as a therapist in her local Murderino Facebook group, she was surprised by the responses she received.

“Way more people reached out than I anticipated, and several thanked me — thanked me! — for my ad, so that they could see a therapist that would ‘get’ them,” she says. “It helps that we both know the sayings and inside jokes, and apply some of the mantras to the way we talk about mental health in session.”

For true crime buffs — especially those who identify as part of a special fandom, like Murderinos — the fascination with grisly tales can feel like another barrier when seeking mental health support.

Parisi has experienced the difficulty of finding a therapist who “gets it” firsthand. “To me, having a curiosity about how people operate, all people, nonetheless people extremely outside the ‘norm,’ was natural,” she says. “Then the first therapist I sought out as an adult told me that my interest in these areas meant I would marry a serial killer or addict (neither of which is true… as far as I know… ).” Parisi switched therapists immediately.

But even among therapists who understand the true crime genre, opinions are mixed.

the trouble with triggers

Dr. Ashley Hampton is a licensed psychologist and business coach with experience working in the federal prison system; she has worked with survivors and perpetrators of trauma. Hampton cautions that, as far as mental health is concerned, the true crime trend has some benefits, but many more drawbacks.

On the plus side, Hampton says, “people feel less alone, as they understand others have experienced trauma and survived, as they did.”

But engaging with the genre in any medium, whether listening to a podcast or reading true crime books, can be triggering for trauma survivors. “This is not an effective way to remove a trigger,” says Hampton. “Instead it is likely to remove the sensitivity to a crime being a horrendous event. People like to say their trigger has been removed, but in fact, they have just numbed the emotion surrounding said trigger.”

Parisi echoes these concerns. “For someone who has their own trauma, especially of a violent or sexually violent nature, it can be really triggering to listen to stories that are similar, or even that don’t seem similar on the surface,” she says. “For some, it could be like picking a scab off of a wound over and over and over again… never giving it enough time to heal. This is especially true for someone who hasn’t had their own treatment, hasn’t talked to someone about what happened to them, or did talk to someone about it but the outcome wasn’t favorable for some reason.”

Additionally, Parisi points out that immersing yourself in true crime can be overwhelming. “For someone who doesn’t feel like they have enough ‘positive’ to balance it out in their lives, adding this much negative could worsen a mental health condition by giving you the illusion that these crimes/acts are more common than they really are,” she says.

Stay Balanced

On MFM, Parisi notes, Kilgariff and Hardstark keep things balanced with humor and positive messaging, including an end-of-show segment called “F*cking Hooray.”

In fact, many of the podcast’s recurring ideas are about self-care in one form or another. Slogans like “get a job, buy your own sh*t, stay out of the forest” and “pepper spray first, apologize later” have become Murderino shorthand for being smart and safe. “What it is that makes people feel more safe and more secure differs from person to person,” says Parisi. But she points out that there are plenty of reasonable steps to protect yourself from harm.

As for the not-so-reasonable stuff, she suggests confronting negative thoughts head-on. “Like, how common are serial killers actually?” she says. “How likely are you really to be murdered? Is there a possibility? Sure. But it’s actually pretty small.”

What’s your favorite true crime show? Tell us about it @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

The '1923' Season 2 First Look Is Finally Here

The final season of Yellowstone might be nearing its end, but prequel series 1923 is just getting started. The TV show follows Jacob Dutton, ancestor to Kevin Costner's John Dutton, and after a finale in 2022 that left the family scattered and recovering from devastating blows, we FINALLY have a look 1923 season 2, coming to Paramount+ soon.

The new episodes are going to be incredible, but you don't have to take our word for it. It Ends With Us & 1923 star Brandon Sklenar thinks so too! "It's the most fun I've had as an actor in my life — shooting this season — and I cannot wait for people to see it," he told People. "I know they'll love it."

Keep reading for everything you need to know about the dramatic, sexy, and addictive 1923 season 2.

Is there a season 2 of 1923 coming out?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

Yes, 1923 season 2 is on its way! The new season was confirmed in 2022, before the season 1 finale aired, and I couldn't be happier. I can't imagine getting to that cliffhanger and not knowing if we'd see this generation of the Duttons again!

Is Alex in season 2 of 1923?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Cast

Yes, Julia Schlaepfer will reprise her role as Alex, alongside Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton, Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton, Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton, Michelle Randolph as Elizabeth Dutton, Darren Mann as Jack Dutton, Jerome Flynn as Banner Creighton, Aminah Nieves as Teonna Rainwater, and Isabel May as Elsa Dutton.

Brandon has loved working with Harrison and Helen throughout their time on 1923, and couldn't help but praise their "humility and humanity and kindness" in an interview with People.

"To see people at their level and to be able to maintain such a deep level of humility and humanity and kindness is something that I'll take with me forever because they are both just really special human beings and I think that that's reflective in their work and how they're revered by audiences and have been revered for so many years," he says.

When is 1923 season 2 coming out?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Release Date

1923 season 2 will premiere on Paramount+ on February 23, 2025.

What happens in 1923 season 2?

Trae Patton/Paramount+

1923 Season 2 Plot

Fans of the first season will remember the finale was a MESS. After getting married, Alex and Spencer got split up on their transatlantic journey (read: Spencer's duel with her ex-fiancé led to his death & Spencer got kicked off the ship). But thankfully Alex has some letters Cara addressed from the ranch, so I'm crossing all my fingers and toes she's able to make it to Yellowstone sooner rather than later.

Teonna survives a fight with Hank but is still on the run for killing Sister Mary, while Cara and Jacob continue to defend themselves against Whitfield (hate him). Thankfully in this 1923 season 2 first look image, it looks like after Elizabeth miscarried her baby, Jack is helping her find joy in the little things.

“I can confidently say that it’s going to be absolutely incredible,” Brandon said in an interview with Forbes. “The tone shifts a lot and it’s definitely a bit darker. It’s very beautiful.” Hopefully we see all the Duttons reunited before the season 2 finale!

Will there be a season 3 of 1923?

Lo Smith/Paramount+

It looks like right now, we won't be getting a season 3 of 1923. “No, no, it’s bookend," Brandon Skelnar told The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s still limited, but I think of it as one piece — there’s just a split in the middle, but it’s all one piece. It will conclude."

Are you excited to see 1923 season 2? Read the latest news on Yellowstone spinoff The Madison!

Trader Joe’s Fans Say These New Holiday Cookies Are “Dangerously Delicious"

I have to be very, very careful when I cross paths with Trader Joe’s bakery section. From their Sea Salt Brownie Bites to their Chocolate Brooklyn Babka, sometimes my sweet tooth is too strong to not add a dessert (or two!) to my cart.

This dilemma is especially prevalent around the holiday season – the famed grocery chain just dropped some irresistible sweet treats like Teeny Tiny Pecan Pies andPetit Fours, for which I am so grateful.

But there’s one brand-new treat I truly cannot deny, and it’s downright perfect for every seasonal occasion, from cozy Christmas movie nights to holiday parties.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe’s new Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies have started a riot amongst TJ’s fanatics like me. And what’s not to love about them? They boast two “perfectly spiced, luxuriously soft-textured, rich and molasses-y” cookies that house a deliciously-sweet vanilla frosting.

I’m a massive fan of Little Debbie’s everything, and this version is an undeniable step-up from their beloved Oatmeal Creme Pies (IYKYK).

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TJ’s fan account @trader_joes_treasure_hunt highlighted the Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies on their page, and tons of followers chimed in on just how good they are.

“These are my favorite holiday cookies ever,” one commenter wrote.

“Omg this is my kryptonite,” another said.

“They go down like water,” someone else commented.

The Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Sandwich Cookies go for $5.99 for 9 bodaciously icing-stuffed treats (score!). Whether you bring them to the company Christmas party or a gals-only potluck this year, they’re sure to deliver holiday joy at a quality reminiscent of your local bakery.

Subscribe to our newsletter to discover more Trader Joe's hidden gems!

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OMG The Spooky First Look At 'Wednesday' Season 2 Is Here!

We might have been in our Barbie era last year, but we're already looking forward to season 2 of Wednesday in all its lacy, gothic glory. The first season offered the perfect balance of spooky horror, friendships, and romance, and it looks like the next installment will give us even MORE classic Tim Burton details we love. Keep reading to see what lead actress Jenna Ortega has to say about Wednesday season 2!

Keep reading for the latest news on Wednesday season 2, including the release date, cast, and first look!

Your first official look at Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams!

Bernard Walsh/Netflix

I was overjoyed to see that we got a Wednesday season 2 first look on December 4 — and then promptly started asking myself why Wednesday is standing in a graveyard. Although, it's typical behavior from our favorite spooky gothic teen. And in true Wednesday fashion (literally), she's wearing a black dress over a white blouse with a Peter Pan collar, as well as her signature braids. Oh it's good to be back at Nevermore!

Who's in the Wednesday season 2 cast?

Helen Sloan/Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Cast

On November 13, it was announced that Lady Gaga was joining the cast in a yet-to-be-announced role. We can't wait to see her alongside Jenna...and hopefully we get to see her dance a bit ;).

This photo from set confirms the Wednesday season 2 cast list! We now know for sure that we'll see Georgie Farmer, Victor Dorobantu, Luyanda Unati Lewis-Nayo, Joy Sunday, Owen Painter, Emma Myers, Billie Piper, Jenna Ortega, Evie Templeton, Luis Guzmán, Isaac Ordonez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Alfred Gough, Noah Taylor, Miles Millar, Tim Burton, Steve Buscemi, Moosa Mostafa, and Hunter Doohan in season 2 of Wednesday. Deadline confirmed that season 1 regulars Percy Hynes White, Jamie McShane, and Naomi J Ogawa will not be returning.

We know that Jenna Ortega will return as Wednesday, but during her Actors on Actors chat with Elle Fanning, Fanning REALLY wants to know if Weems (the principal of Wednesday's Nevermore Academy, played by Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie) will return, Ortega doesn't hesitate to voice how much she loved working with the actress: "I would die to work with Gwendolyn Christie for the rest of my life."

"Wednesday's relationship with Weems is one of my favorite because they're very, very different women and they're constantly against each other but simultaneously they both want to watch each other's successes," she continues. "And Gwendolyn being as talented as she is, she's just really, really a pleasure to work with, so I'm doing everything in my power to throw out the most insane plots that would possibly bring this woman back from the dead." Never say never!

What is Wednesday season 2 about?

Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Plot

"We've had a lot of conversations and I think we've decided things that we definitely want to enhance or dive a little bit deeper in," Ortega says during her Actors on Actors interview with Elle Fanning.

In addition to leading the cast, Ortega is serving as producer this time around. She's mentioned how collaborative and welcoming series director Tim Burton has been throughout the whole process, and how excited she is to voice her own ideas. "I think we want to lean into the horror aspect of the show a little bit more because it is so lighthearted," she continues. "A show like this, you know, with vampires and werewolves and superpowers, [you don't] want to take yourself too seriously. So I think that we're ditching any romantic love interest for Wednesday which is really great, and then also we have such incredible female leads in the show."

On January 15, Jenna Ortega revealed she's got her hands on the first few scripts for Wednesday season 2. “We’re definitely leaning into a little bit more horror,” Ortega tells E! News. "There’s really, really good one-liners and I think everything’s bigger. It’s a lot more action-packed. Each episode will probably feel a little bit more like a movie, which is nice.”

When is season 2 of Wednesday coming out?

Vlad Cioplea/Netflix

Wednesday Season 2 Release Date

Wednesday season 2 will stream on Netflix in 2025. You can stream Wednesday season 1 on Netflix now!

Is season 2 Wednesday going to be scary?

Netflix

"We’re definitely expanding on the supernatural world," Jenna Ortega tells Vanity Fair. "Our show had all sorts of werewolves and vampires and da-ta-da. And I think we expand on that a little bit."

"In the first season we had episodes that really stood out visually, like the dance episode was a really big one for people, and that setting was very particular and it felt like Prom Night, a little bit, or Carrie," she continues. "Every episode [of season two] that I’ve read so far is like that. It just stands out on its own as a very memorable scene or bit or setting, which I think is what I’m most excited for."

Your First Look At 'Wednesday' Season 2!

Netflix/YouTube

For Netflix's Geeked Week, the streamer gave us a behind the scenes first look at Wednesday season 2, which actress Catherine Zeta Jones promises will be "bigger and more twisted" than we could hope for. And Tim Burton's aesthetic is exactly the kind of gothic moodiness we were hoping to see!

We see brief glimpses of Wednesday and Enid at Nevermore, and a shot of Wednesday giving a passionate speech onstage. Maybe she's rallying the student body to fight another evil? Or providing a distraction for Enid to do some snooping? We'll have to wait until 2025 to find out.

Where is Wednesday season 2 filmed?

Vlad Cioplea/Netflix

Via Deadline, season 2 of Wednesday moved from Romania (where they shot season 1) to Ireland, and became the country's "largest production."The show wrapped production in December.

How old is Wednesday Addams?

Netflix

Wednesday Addams is 15 years old at the beginning of the Netflix series. This version of the character is older than other versions, and in the past, we've seen her at six years old and 13.

Are you excited for season 2 of Wednesday? What do you think about the series adding more horror elements? Let us know in the comments and check out the rest of the New TV Shows coming this year!

This post has been updated.

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60 Festive Christmas Desserts To Get In The Holiday Spirit

It's time for apple, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice desserts to take a backseat – Christmas desserts with peppermint and spiked sweets are here to shine. Festive food gets us in even more of a holiday mood than we're already in, and you really can't decorate your space or watch a holiday movie marathon without some sweet treats, can you? Get ready to yank your baking supplies out of the pantry at least once or twice this holiday season.

Take a break from traditional Christmas desserts and make candy recipes instead! Who knows, someone may request that you make frozen chocolate peanut butter yogurt cups for their birthday next year. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mini Gingerbread Cheesecakes

If regular slices of cheesecake are too rich for you, try these mini bite-sized options for your next get-together. They're a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of creamy. (via Brit + Co)

Even Santa Will Want A Bite Of These Christmas Desserts!

Sugar and Cloth

Peppermint Bark Cannoli

You just can’t get through the snowy season without indulging in some sweet and cool peppermint bark. No surprise, it's amazing in cannolis. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Mott's

Mott's Gingerbread Cups

These lil cups are a fun, festive, and fabulous treat to make with and for your little ones — or for anyone else, frankly! Just look how cute they are! (via Mott's)

Liv for Cake

Rum and Eggnog Bundt Cake

We like big bundts and we cannot lie; a slice of this, we can't deny! Flavored with rum and eggnog, this luscious cake is slathered with a generous coating of eggnog cream cheese icing that will make your tastebuds sing. (via Liv for Cake)

Veggie Society

Vegan Christmas Cookies Recipe

Packed with nutty almonds and made without butter, eggs or oil, these gluten-free cookies are actually delicious and easy to make. Powdered sugar for the win! (via Veggie Society)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Chocolate Molasses Crinkle Cookies

Serve up a plate of melt-in-your-mouth crinkle cookies with a rich chocolate flavor.(via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Woman Scribbles

Black Forest Trifle Cake

Get creative with this trifle cake made with Black Forest layers. (via Woman Scribbles)

The Fast Recipe

Coconut Balls

Make it snow with these easy and delicious coconut balls! (via The Fast Recipe)

A Cookie Named Desire

Eggnog Cheesecake Brownies

With creamy eggnog cheesecake swirling into fudgy goodness, these brownies will make even eggnog naysayers fall in love with the soft and chewy bites. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake

We know you’re thinking it because we’re thinking it — be still, my heart! This rich, minty, and chocolatey cake is dripping with glaze and topped with crushed candy canes. Can you say flavor bomb? (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Sugar and Cloth

Champagne Donuts With White Chocolate Glaze

One of the best things about donuts is they can be enjoyed as both a dessert *and* as a sweet breakfast option. The Champagne-infused dough and white chocolate glaze create the ultimate holiday treat. (via Sugar and Cloth)

Domestic Gothess

Apple and Mincemeat Filo Wreath

This swoon-worthy recipe stuffs crisp apples and mincemeat into a flaky filo pastry, resulting in complete dessert heaven. Adorned with cranberries and drizzled with custard, this treat is guaranteed to be a hit at any holiday party. (via Domestic Gothess)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Mexican Wedding Cookies

These tiny snowballs are slightly salty, nutty, buttery, and downright delish. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Pinch of Yum

Cranberry Dark Chocolate Biscotti

We hope you’re ready for additional caffeine, because you’ll be brewing an extra cup a day just for an excuse to dip and devour these beauties. Totally addicting, these munchies are packed with nuts and cranberries and drizzled with chocolate. (via Pinch of Yum)

The Real Food Dietitians

Homemade Marshmallows

Storebought marshmallows will never taste the same after you make these. Dip them in chocolate or add them to your hot cocoa for a truly decadent treat. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sprinkle Bakes

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Silky smooth panna cotta may seem like a summery dessert, but when made with eggnog and topped with orange liqueur-spiked cranberry sauce, it's completely festive. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

You Won't Want To Share These Delicious Christmas Desserts

How Sweet Eats

White Christmas Sparkle Cake

If you prefer snowflakes and twinkly lights to bright red and green decorations, you'll love this fluffy vanilla almond cake with cream cheese frosting. (via How Sweet Eats)

You Won't Believe How Tasty These Christmas Desserts Are

Sprinkle Bakes

Meringue Christmas Wreath Cake

But if you do love colorful decorations, opt for this wreath cake, decked out with nonpareils and candy canes. (via Sprinkle Bakes)

Averie Cooks

Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instead of rolling out dough to make individual cookies, bake up these bars, and have fun making your own sprinkle design on top. (via Averie Cooks)

The View From Great Island

Marmalade Thumbprint Cookies

It truly isn’t the holidays without some jam-filled thumbprint cookies to munch on. Though a berry jam is most commonly used, the choice of this orange jam is brilliant. (via The View From Great Island)

My Life Cookbook

Christmas Tree Mousse Cups

You don't have to be an artist to make an adorable tree-shaped dollop of mousse in these chocolate cups. (via My Life Cookbook)

Best Friends for Frosting

Peppermint Cream Puffs

Bite-size cream puffs are the ideal treat, and with a light peppermint ganache and festive sprinkles, they're holiday-ready. (via Best Friends for Frosting)

Feel Good Foodie

Chocolate Peppermint Mousse

We love how fluffy mousse is, and this Christmas dessert (which only needs four ingredients, FYI!!) mixes in peppermint extract for the perfect seasonal flavor. Add some crushed candy canes on top for an extra cute detail. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Passion for Savings

Funfetti Christmas Cake Roll

Don't be intimidated by the cylindrical shape; this colorful cake is both easy to bake and easy to roll up while hot. (via Passion for Savings)

Just a Little Bit of Bacon

Italian Pear Cranberry Tart

If the cranberry sauce at your Thanksgiving dinner didn’t satisfy your cranberry needs, this festive tart will. Fresh cranberries are piled into a shortbread crust over a luscious layer of almond cream, and it’s kind of the best thing ever. (via Just a Little Bit of Bacon)

Leite's Culinaria

Viennese Crescent Cookies

Popular in Austria, these melt-in-your-mouth Christmas cookies are a simple blend of hazelnuts, butter, and powdered sugar. (via Leite's Culinaria)

We'd Recommend These Christmas Desserts To Everyone

Domestic Gothess

Mincemeat, Marzipan, and Apple Bread Wreath

Filled with mincemeat, marzipan, and apricot jam, this impressive buttery wreath is packed with flavor. And since it's fruity, you can get away with eating it for breakfast. (via Domestic Gothess)

Half Baked Harvest

Sugar Cookie Chocolate Crème Brûlée

Have more Christmas cookies than you know what to do with? Use them to top these velvety, chocolate-rich crème brûlées. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The View From Great Island

Gingerbread Bundt Cake

If you want to get real fancy, haul out your bundt cake pan and try this recipe. The patterned cake looks even more impressive when laden with a shiny glaze. (via The View From Great Island)

Crowded Kitchen

Slice and Bake Heart Cookies

These heart-shaped cookies are so much easier to make than you'd think. Impress your Christmas guests with a bout of sugar cookies! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Brit + Co

Easy Puppy Chow Recipe

You probably already have everything you need for this DIY dessert recipe: peanut butter (or another nut butter), chocolate chips, Chex cereal, butter, and powdered sugar. The red and green candies are just a bonus! (via Brit + Co)

Forks and Foliage

Tahini Brownies

If you can't handle full-on sweetness, try these brownies that mix in some tahini for a nutty flavor addition. The flaky salt on top adds an edge that you do not want to miss out on. (via Forks and Foliage)

Rachel Mansfield

Vegan Peanut Butter Blossoms

Is there a better duo than chocolate and peanut butter? These blossoms feature creamy peanut butter and dark chocolate chips for a rich, smooth take on the classic combo. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Averie Cooks

Olive Oil Orange Cake

This citrusy, just slightly olive-oily cake will brighten up your winter diet, and the touch of Grand Marnier makes it taste extra-elegant. (via Averie Cooks)

Vanilla and Bean

Hazelnut Shortbread with Salted Ganache Sandwich Cookies

Okay, regular Oreos. We raise you one with these uniquely delicious (and super festive!) homemade sandwich cookies! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

Sugar Dusted Donut Christmas Tree by Chef Genevieve LaMonaca

For this delicious Christmas dessert, roll 60 (3lbs) white donut holes in 2.25oz green sugar sprinkles, then cover a 5.5 x 13.5-inch foam cone in plastic wrap. Insert your toothpicks (you'll need 60) into the foam, then push donut hole on the toothpick. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Add 1/2 cup peanut M&M’s to fill holes to resemble Christmas ornaments. Top with gold star cupcake topper. Cover with saran wrap until ready to use. Make up to 3 days ahead of time!

Clean Cuisine

Cookies and Milk Shot Glass Dessert

Made in a shot glass, you can make this cookie dessert boozy or kid-friendly. It's play on Santa's milk and cookies, and a cute way to share with friends. (via Clean Cuisine)

Hello Little Home

Dark Chocolate Peppermint Bark

Chocolate bark makes the perfect gift for everyone on your list. (via Hello Little Home)

This Wife Cooks

Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

Try this peppermint twist on the Hershey's Kiss thumbprint cookies. (via This Wife Cooks)

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our online baking classes for more festive Christmas desserts!

This article has been updated with additional reporting by Justina Huddleston, Dana Sandonato, Meredith Holser, and Chloe Williams.

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Amazon

Amazon shoppers rave about this bodycon dress that has a ribbed knit fabric and pullover design. The stretchy fabric ensures comfort, while the mini length leaves room for styling with tights or tall boots.

See it on Amazon