28 Insanely Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes For The Holidays

Dec 21, 2023

Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle that looks like a Snowmen easy christmas cookies

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like baking easy Christmas cookies (and making a mess in the kitchen with sugar, flour, and *all* the sprinkles). Thankfully, you don't have to be a trained pastry chef to create the best holiday cookies for Santa. Christmas cookie decorating doesn't necessarily mean sitting down with fancy candy topping and buckets of royal icing. It could be as simple as throwing together some easy Christmas cookie recipes with few ingredients or hacking cake mix to make the dough. Now that you have the confidence to get started, check out these easy Christmas recipes and get to baking!

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Cranberry Christmas Cookies

You can make the cookie dough in this recipe ahead of time and freeze it to save you time during the Christmas rush. When you're ready for this baking recipe, just take them out of the freezer and arrange on a baking sheet. Fourteen minutes later, you'll be enjoying one of the best Christmas cookie recipes: warm cranberry white chocolate chunk cookies — filled with melty chocolate chips. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Christmas Sugar Cookie Recipe

Is all that red and green cramping your style? Give typical holiday colors a break with these pink pastel ornament Christmas cookie idea, complete with crushed candy cane sprinkles. Eloise would definitely approve. (via Brit + Co)

Basic Gingerbread Cookies

This warmly spiced gingerbread cookie dough can act as a base for your favorite holiday shapes and decorations. Personally, we're suckers for this making snuggly sweaters with this easy Christmas cookie recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Hot Cocoa Cookies

Need a cup-shaped cookie to go with your steaming cup of hot cocoa? Try this frosted, easy holiday cookie recipe, made with store-bought ingredients. (via Brit + Co)

Cinnamon Bun Palmiers

These crunchy, delicate, heart-shaped cookies come together with puff pastry, cream cheese, and a cinnamon sugar coating. (via Brit + Co)

White Chocolate Candy Cane Fortune Cookies

This lightly pink holiday cookie idea is homemade, but in a pinch, just stock up at a Chinese restaurant and dip in white chocolate and crushed candy canes at home. (via Brit + Co)

Best Cookie Christmas Trees

These fun Christmas cookies are sure to wow all your holiday guests, including Santa himself. Plus, it's awesome to add a twist to the Christmas cookie game with zero baking. (via Brit + Co)

Gingerbread Emoji Cookies

Express those fond holiday emotions not with words but with a custom-made emoji expression. (via Brit + Co)

Peanut Butter Sugar Cookies

The holidays can be nutty, but baking Christmas cookies definitely makes things better. These goodies can be rolled out, cut, and decorated to your liking. Plus it makes for a fun date night or girls' day activity. (via Brit + Co)

Animal Cracker Sugar Cookies

Though there aren't any animal crackers in the actual recipe, the addition of honey and oat flour will make you think otherwise. Use the dough for all of your fave rolled or cut cookies. (via Brit + Co)

Oreo Chocolate Christmas Cookie Recipe

Though you can make any cut-and-bake cookies with the chocolate dough, we're partial to using it for these edible hot cocoa mugs. They are finished off with a sprinkle rim, Rudolph face, and candy cane handle. They're so cute they can almost pass for the real thing! (via Brit + Co)

Peppermint Sandwich Easy Christmas Cookies

Who needs store-bought Oreos when you can impress your friends with the homemade version? We also think that the scalloped edges are the perfect finishing touch. (via Brit + Co)

Olde Fashioned Einkorn Gingerbread Cookies

These Christmas cookies can also double as cute decor, at least until they're all gobbled up. Add some powdered sugar before serving or add peppercorn eyes and buttons and bake until all the moisture is gone (around 10 minutes) to display them through the holiday. (via Calico and Twine)

Vegan Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies

Not only are these cookies tasty but they're extra cute. The hearts are perfect for Valentine's Day but for the holiday season swap your cookie cutters for some Classic Holiday Cookie Cutters. (via Two Spoons)

Slice 'n' Bake Vanilla Bean Sugar Cookies + Whipped Buttercream Frosting

It's just not the holiday season without frosted sugar Christmas cookies. Ditch the idea of a perfect cookie and instead, top yours with a fluffy buttercream and whimsical decorations. The messier the better! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Frosted Peppermint Brownie Cookies

Why choose between cookies and brownies if you don't have to? This hybrid is the best of both worlds, with a luscious peppermint frosting on top. It's the thing of our candy cane dreams! It's oh-so-tempting to serve these warm with ice cream in lieu of the frosting! (via Cooking Classy)

Toffee White Chocolate Macadamia Cookies

Buttery toffee, smooth white chocolate, and rich macadamia nuts make these homemade Christmas cookies a natural pairing with hot chocolate. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies

Any combo of cinnamon and sugar tastes like the holidays to us. This easy Christmas cookie is great for all kinds of gatherings and is plain enough that even picky eaters will want one. (via Cozy Cravings)

Eggnog Frosted Chai Snickerdoodle Snowmen

Just when you thought mini Reese's cups couldn't get any better, they make impressively convincing snowmen hats on these unique Christmas cookies. Don't forget to save a couple cups to snack on later! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Ginger Spiced Sugar Cookies

The trick in these cute Christmas cookies is making a depression in the cookies with the bottom of a glass before sticking them in the oven, so you can fill each one with as much icing as you like. Load 'em up! (via The View from Great Island)

Cinnamon Spiced Almond Sugar Cookies

These cookies are made with healthier ingredients (like coconut sugar, cinnamon, and almonds) and are also grain-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. That means you can gift them to pretty much everyone on your list. (via Cotter Crunch)

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Trees

If you're going to give your kids a cookie, you might as well hide a strawberry on top to balance it out. Dip the strawberry in green candy melts, add sprinkle ornaments, and let it fully harden before attaching it to the cookie with a blanket of white frosting snow. (via Lovely Little Kitchen)

Paleo Caramel Apple Gingersnaps

Gingerbread cookies are a mainstay of the easy holiday cookie table. This recipe is made healthier with dried apples, then drizzled with a paleo-friendly caramel sauce. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Hot Chocolate Cookies

Turn your favorite cup of cocoa into a festive + easy Christmas cookie with this recipe. This is definitely for the chocolate lovers out there — it's got double the chocolate and a cocoa powder topping for good measure. (via Amanda Wilens)

Eggnog Cookies

If you don't usually love eggnog, give this recipe a try before you write it off completely. There's only a touch of spice, but it's just enough to keep things interesting. (via Half Full)

No-Roll, Softbatch Sprinkles Cookies

If you love cookies but dread rolling out the dough and meticulously decorating them, use this recipe. The dough doesn't need to be rolled out before you form the cookies, and since the sprinkles go directly into the dough, the decorations are already done. (via Averie Cooks)

Chewy Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy molasses cookies are a hallmark of the holidays. And unlike some, these don't need to be chilled before baking, so they can go from the bowl to the oven to your mouth in record time. (via A Cookie Named Desire)

Gluten-Free Chocolate Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate, caramel, and nuts form the traditional turtle cookie — but these are a deliciously gluten-free version. (via The Skinny Fork)

Easiest Christmas Cookie: Whipped Shortbread

If you're more of a visual learner, follow along with the easiest Christmas cookie recipe of all, the whipped shortbread cookie.

Check out our online baking classes for more easy Christmas cookie recipe ideas and inspiration and follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston and Sara Cagle

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest

15 Paloma Cocktail Recipe Ideas That'll Help Quench Your Thirst This Summer

We can tell summer is on it's way because we're seeing temps rise quickly. To keep cool this weekend and fight the heat index, we are just planning on kicking back with some *seriously* cooling cocktails. There are tons of amazing cocktail recipes, such as delicious daiquiri cocktails and extraordinary mojito cocktails to choose from, but if you are a little more picky and want a mix of bubbles and fruit, then Palomas are the boozy drink for you.

Whether you stay classic with tequila or mix it up with some bourbon or gin, you need to check out these 15 unique Paloma cocktails that are perfect for sipping on at yourpool party.

Frozen Paloma

Step up your Paloma cocktail recipe game by turning this classic cocktail into an icy slush. It’s perfect for an afternoon by the pool or your next backyard barbeque. (via Blender Happy)

Mango Paloma Cocktail

Mango is the fruit of the summer, so why not put it in your favorite cocktail? Pull out this stone fruit and a little grapefruit to create this zesty and colorful drink. (via Summerfield Delight)

Blood Orange Bourbon Paloma

Bourbon lovers, this one’s for you! Give your Paloma cocktail recipe a little boost with a touch of bourbon and some blood orange for a citrusy touch. (via Girl in the Little Red Kitchen)

Spicy Paloma

Beat the summer heat by adding just a little more heat to this drink. Top this classic cocktail off with a jalapeño for a *lot* of flavor with just one tiny pepper. (via Alice and Lois)

Sauvignon Blanc Paloma

Wine lovers REJOICE. We have found you a cocktail that boasts the amazing flavor of white wine with the sweet-and-bitter bite of grapefruit. (via This Mama Cooks)

Pineapple Palomas

Wishing you were sitting on a tropical island? Well, now you can drink like you are! These delicious sips are sure to have you feeling the ocean breeze. (via Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Boozy Paloma Popsicles with Tequila, Grapefruit, and Lime

Cocktail pops are popping up everywhere, but this recipe is sure to stand out. Topped off with a little lime, this Paloma cocktail recipe will easily become your summertime go-to. (via Feast in Thyme)

Blood Orange Thyme Paloma Cocktail

Herbs in a cocktail are always a good idea. Add a savory side to your robust drink by adding some thyme and salting the rim of your highball glass. Trust us, you won’t be able to resist this drink. (via Salt and Wind)

Paloma Mimosas

Sunday would not be complete without this cocktail. As much as we love the classic mimosa, this drink brings a whole new side to brunch. Whip it up to leave your BFFs asking for another glass (and the recipe, of course). (via Delish)

Hibiscus Paloma

Floral flavors? Yes, please! This tart recipe creates a seriously delicious drink that has amazing aromas and gorgeous colors. (via Honey and Birch)

Strawberry Chamomile Paloma

Tea-infused cocktails aren’t everyone’s favorite cuppa, but this one won’t disappoint. Grab your shopping bag and head to your local market to find the fresh ingredients that make up this lovely Paloma cocktail recipe. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Honey Paloma

Talk about a seriously yummy and sweet sip. This recipe switches simple syrup for honey to give a little extra flavor to a drink that you will want to savor every single day. (via The Little Epicurean)

Sparkling Rosemary Paloma

Rosemary cocktails are a serious game-changer. This yummy cocktail only takes 12-minutes to make and is perfect for your next girl’s night in. (via Style Me Pretty)

Spicy Raspberry Paloma

It’s time to spice things up. Mix together this bright and colorful drink for the perfect summer sip. Pro Tip: Make a full pitcher, then bring it to your next beach day for you and your gals. (via Heather Christo)

Classic Paloma

We couldn’t leave out the drink that started it all. This amazing concoction is one that should be in everyone’s cocktail armory. It should probably even be the star, we think. (via BS in the Kitchen)

It’s time to get sipping! Follow us on Pinterest for more summery cocktail ideas.

Lead image via Half Baked Harvest.

This post has been updated.

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Elle Fanning & Timothée Chalamet Get Cozy In Leaks From "A Complete Unknown"

Austin Butler as Elvis, Selena Gomez as Linda Rondstat, and now Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan — there will never be enough biopics for me! (The real question is when are we going to get a Taylor Swift movie?). When pictures from the set of the new Bob Dylan movie, A Complete Unknown, hit Twitter, I had to do a double take because Timothée Chalamet looks so much like the musician I couldn't believe my eyes!

Timothée is going to be joined by Met Gala queen Elle Fanning, as well as Top Gun superstar Monica Barbaro. Here's everything you need to know about the movie — and our favorite Bob Dylan songs to listen to while you wait for its release.

Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet In "A Complete Unknown"

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Elle Fanning totally embodies the late '60s vibe in this fall outfit. The bold maroon blazer, the long straight hair, and the striped turtleneck — I love it all! Elle is starring this Bob Dylan movie as Sylvie Russo, a university student and artist Bob falls for in the '60s.

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Thanks to some onset leaks, we also got a glimpse of the movie's version of The Freewheelin'! Elle Fanning and Timothée Chalamet look incredible as Sylvia Russo and Bob Dylan. I'm a sucker for any kind of recreation, so seeing this new version of the classic record cover is incredible!!

Monica Barbaro Sings Her Heart Out

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We also got a look at Monica Barbaro as singer-songwriter Joan Baez, who was one of the first major artists in the 1960s to record Bob Dylan's music!

The First Pictures From Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan Movie

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Timothée Chalamet has totally transformed into Bob Dylan on the set of A Complete Unknown. And when I saw the pictures of Timothée carrying the guitar my jaw dropped!! He completely engrossed himself in Wonka and Dune 2 and I'm so excited to see him do the same for this Bob Dylan movie.

What is the movie about Bob Dylan called?

Images via H. Thompson/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie is called A Complete Unknown. As of March 2024, the movie is filming around New York City, and James Mangold is serving as director (you might recognize his name from Logan, Girl, Interrupted, and Walk the Line). The movie will reportedly cover the period during the 1960s when Bob Dylan shifted from folk to rock'n'roll, changing the face of pop culture (and culture in general, TBH), forever.

"When that movie finally comes out, people are going to be shocked because you're going to think you're hearing Bob Dylan sing," vocal coach Eric Vetro tells PEOPLE. "[Timothée Chalamet] just has this uncanny ability to not impersonate, but really breathe life into it. He's embodying Bob Dylan and what he was like at that age."

Who else is in A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet?

Images via Amy Sussman/Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute

The A Complete Unknown cast is incredible! Alongside Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan, we'll see Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash, and Nick Offerman as Alan Lomax.

When is the Bob Dylan movie coming out?

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We don't have an official release date for A Complete Unknown. However, since filming has already commenced, there's a good chance we'll see the movie in the fall of 2025. And since Timothée Chalamet has been seen in turtlenecks, hats, and jackets on set, this sounds like the perfect fall movie to me!

I always need some brand new music to listen to once the weather gets chilly, and I will for sure be listening to anything Timothée records.

What song did Bob Dylan write for a movie?

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Bob Dylan wrote "Things Have Changed" for the 2000 movie Wonder Boys, which starred Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, and Katie Holmes. This Bob Dylan song ended up winning the Academy Award for Best Original Songand the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song!

"Knockin' On Heaven's Door," which is arguably the singer's most popular track, was released two months after the 1973 premiere of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid as a part of the film's soundtrack.

What are some other Bob Dylan songs to listen to?

Image via Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

I totally agree that one of the best Bob Dylan songs is "Knockin' On Heaven's Door," but "Blowin' In The Wind" and "The Times They Are A-Changin'" are also great songs to listen to if you're a new Bob Dylan fan. So far, "The Times They Are A-Changin'" is my personal favorite song.

His style is the perfect blend of rock and folk that reminds me of summer picnics and walks in the woods. His sound also reportedly inspired Taylor Swift's Folklore!

What are you most excited to see in Timothée Chalamet's Bob Dylan movie A Complete Unknown? Check out our Facebook for more movie news!

Images via Pietro S. D'Aprano/Getty Images for L'Oreal Paris/Amy Sussman/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

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10 Slow Cooker Recipes Light Enough For Summertime

Slow cookers are synonymous with hearty soups and comforting meat dishes. But you don't have to let your Crock-Pot collect dust just because the warmer months have rolled around. You can continue using your slow cooker for the same reasons you love it in the winter: for making meat super tender, your kitchen smell incredible, and meals come together easier than ever. Here are 10 slow-cooker recipes that combine those awesome reasons with summer's light flavors and bright produce.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Nothing captures the combination of hot and cold quite like lettuce wraps with chicken, carrots, mushrooms, and a sweet and salty sauce. (via Well Plated)

Carne Asada Nachos

The chips are pretty hidden under this big pile o’ toppings, and there’s a very valid reason for that. These shareable nachos highlight the produce of the season with juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and a healthy pile of guac. (via How Sweet Eats)

Peanut Butter Chicken Curry

If the image of creamy peanut butter curry over rice makes you want to hibernate, you’ll be brought back to life with the knowledge that this dish is actually pretty light, thanks to broccoli and bell peppers. The fact that all you did was dump everything into the Crock-Pot will make it taste even better. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Chicken Cacciatore

Take all of the components of a summer antipasto platter (juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and salty capers), add that to tender chicken, and you have chicken cacciatore. The slow-cooker version is a bit easier than the stovetop method, since you’re adding everything to the pot at once. (via Well Plated)

Veggie-Packed Lasagna

Can’t let go of lasagna even when it’s sweltering outside? Try this veggie-centric version, which is much more energizing than the meaty original. (via Kristine's Kitchen)

Healthy Beef and Broccoli

If you want to feel like you’re eating Chinese takeout but are going for the low-carb thing, look to this lighter take on beef and broccoli. It calls for riced broccoli instead of whole florets. This way, you still get the texture of meat and “rice” in each bite. (via Well Plated)

Tex-Mex Pork Tostadas

Heartier refried beans and pork are the base of these crispy tostadas, brightened by creamy avocado and zingy red onion and cilantro. You can slow-cook the pork a couple of days ahead of time, so all that’s left at mealtime is assembly. (via A Communal Table)

Carnitas Tacos

Your slow cooker will make pork shoulder insanely easy to shred — ideal for piling onto corn tortillas with taco fixings like red onion, cilantro, and lime. (via Boulder Locavore)

Mango Chicken Curry

This produce-packed curry stars succulent chicken, crunchy veggies, and sweet mango for a bowl that will fuel you for any adventure. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Turmeric Chicken and Potatoes

This chicken dinner comes out so fork-tender, you'll hardly need a knife. (via Sweet Phi)

Want more slow-cooker inspo? Follow us on Pinterest!

(Additional reporting by Maggie McCracken)

This article has been updated from a previous post.

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

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"Sweet Magnolias" Season 4 Is Officially Filming!

Like any good comfort show, Sweet Magnolias feels like a warm hug (even if it's a nice spring day — the show is just that good!). Watching this series feels like drinking the perfect glass of iced tea...plus it'll make you appreciate your female friendships even more than you already do. Somehow, it's been almost a year since we saw Maddie, Dana Sue, and Helen, but the good news is that our favorite ladies are back in action because Sweet Magnolias Season 4 is officially filming! Here's everything to know about the new TV show.

Will there be Sweet Magnolias season 4?

Image via Netflix

Yes, we're getting a Sweet Magnolias season 4! The senior season was confirmed in October of 2023 after season 3 dropped in July. I can't wait to see what all our favorite Serenity residents are up to this time around!

When is Sweet Magnolias season 4 coming out?

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Sweet Magnolias season 4 started filming in February of 2024. Based on the timeline for season 3 (which released a year after it filmed), we could see it in February 2025!

How many episodes are in season 4 of Sweet Magnolias?

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Considering all three seasons of Sweet Magnolias have ten episodes, it's safe to assume Sweet Magnolias season 4 will have 10 episodes total. But we'll have to see if Netflix drops them all at one time, or if they do a two-part premiere like they're doing with Bridgerton!

Who's in the Sweet Magnolias cast this year?

Image via Netflix

We'll see JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Brooke Elliott, and Heather Headley return as our titular Sweet Magnolias, and I hope we see Logan Allen, Anneliese Judge, Carson Rowland, and Jamie Lynn Spears too!

What is Sweet Magnolias season 4 about?

Image via Netflix

Even though season 3 ended on a high note, showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson promises there will be more drama in the future (which feels true to life — when is there never not drama IRL?).

Sweet Magnolias season 4 will examine "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life," she tells TUDUM, "and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us, the people who fight for — and with — us, and the people who can make us laugh, whatever we’re going through.”

“True friendship is a living thing: It has to change and grow as we do," she continues. "And that’s not always easy. But that’s what makes it beautiful.”

Check back here for the latest news on Sweet Magnolias season 4!

Lead image via Netflix

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"Twilight" Star Kristen Stewart Has A Brand New Vampire Movie With Oscar Isaac

If you were anything like me, you spent all of the late 2000s and 2010s talking about whether you'd be a vampire or a werewolf (self-proclaimed vampire here). Twilight and The Vampire Diaries are totally to blame for the craze, and no matter how you feel about all those angsty immortal teens, romantasy fans are in for a treat thanks to the new vampy Kirsten Stewart movie. Here's everything you need to know.

What's the new Kristen Stewart movie?

Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Kristen Stewart's new movie is called Flesh of the Gods, and like all good things, the movie is set in 1980s Los Angeles. Kristen plays Alex, who's married to Raoul (played by Oscar Isaac). Every night, the wealthy couple swaps their luxury condo for the electricity of LA's nighttime scene. But when they come face-to-face with a mysterious and lively group, Alex and Raoul are swept up in a violent and glamorous world they never knew existed.

“Like Los Angeles itself Flesh of the Gods inhabits the liminal realm between fantasy and nightmare,” producer Gena Konstantinakos told Hollywood Reporter. “Both propulsive and hypnotic, Flesh will take you on a hot rod joy ride deep into the glittering heart of hell.”

When is Flesh of the Gods coming out?

Image via Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels

It looks like we could see the movie in 2025. THR reports that the Flesh of the Gods team is hoping to begin filming later this year.

Who's in the Flesh of the Gods cast?

Image via Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

No cast members have been announced aside from Kristen Stewart and Oscar Isaac.

Where are they filming the new Kristen Stewart movie Flesh of the Gods?

Image via Roberto Nickson/Pexels

Considering Flesh of the Gods takes place in LA, I'm expecting the movie to film on location. I can't wait to see how they take Los Angeles back to the 1980s!

What other Oscar Isaac and Kristen Stewart movies should I watch?

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If you're a Kristen Stewart fan then you've probably already seen Twilight, but one of my favorite movies as a kid was Catch That Kid. She most recently starred in Love Lies Bleeding, and Speak and Snow White and the Huntsman are fan favorites too!

Oscar Isaac starred in Marvel'sMoon Knight in 2022, and was recently on Broadway in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. He's also had roles in Dune, Scenes from a Marriage, and Ex Machina.

Let us know your thoughts on this vampy Kristen Stewart movie, and check out our Facebook for more movie news!

Lead image via Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

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