This M&M's Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe Stands No Chance of Survival at Holiday Parties

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups of Christmas M&M’s, plus more for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, and leave some overhang to make removal easier.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until fluffy.

Add in eggs and vanilla extract and continue to beat.

Lower the speed of mixer and add flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until combined.

Add chocolate chips and give a final stir, reserving M&M’s for topping cookie bars.

Press additional M&M’S onto top of cookie dough.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes on an oven rack in lower third of oven to prevent over-browning.

Let cool completely and cut.

I know you've just started thawing off after a very long and very gloomy winter, but it's never too early to think about the holidays IMO. The whole season emphasizes goodness, hope, and love which is way more than a one-month trend. And apparently, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner agree because they're bringing us a new Christmas movie! This duo are best friends IRL, and they've teamed up on projects like The Last Thing He Told Me and last year's Hello Sunshine event. Now, they're working on a brand new project that revolves around our favorite holly jolly lady: Mrs. Claus.

What is Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner's new movie?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Mrs. Claus is a new movie coming from Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine production company. Jennifer Garner is also serving as a producer, as well as the movie's star! According to Deadline sources, the movie is being written by Scrambled's Leah McKendrick.

We don't have official plot details yet, but considering the movie called Mrs. Claus, I'd love to see a film about our leading lady taking over for Santa on Christmas Eve. (TBH, it would probably be a little more organized). After hundreds of years with Santa getting all the credit, I think it's more than fair for Mrs. Claus to get her share in the action — and I know if Reese Witherspoon is involved, it's going to be a story full of heart, confidence, and light.

When is Mrs. Claus coming out?

Image via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

We don't have an official release date for the new movie yet. I'm guessing we'll see it next holiday season! Anywhere after September 1 is a great holiday movie release window because as soon as it starts getting chilly, I am ready for hot cocoa, cozy sweaters, and all the Christmas cookies I can eat ;).

Who else is in the Mrs. Claus cast?

Image via Netflix

There isn't an official cast list yet, which means the studio is probably still holding auditions. I'd love to see anyone from Millie Bobby Brown to Madelyn Cline to Lily Collins and Ashley Park. If you ask me, these Netflix darlings would bring enough Christmas cheer to brighten up the whole movie!

Have Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner worked together before?

Image via Apple TV+

Yes, Jennifer Garner is currently starring in Hello Sunshine's The Last Thing He Told Me. They also love posting about each other on Instagram! Even though the two friends haven't been onscreen together, I'm hoping we could see them star in a project together soon.

What other Christmas movies can I see Jennifer Garner in?

Image via Netflix

Jennifer Garner stars in Family Switch, which you can watch on Netflix now. The movie also stars Ed Helms, Emma Myers, and Brady Noon, and you can watch our interviews with Emma and Jen and Brady on YouTube!

Are you excited for Mrs. Claus? Let us know in the comments and check out all the 2024 Movies you'll want to bookmark.

Lead images via Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

There's something appealing about an anthology show. You know, the ones where we get a new cast every season but the location or the themes remain the same (hello White Lotus and American Horror Story!). Your next TV show obsession is right around the corner because Hulu just announced the full lead cast for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 and it's literally almost too good to be true. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

When does Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 come out?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

We don't have an official release date for Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 yet, so feel free to rewatch season 1 as many times as you want ;). Production *did* begin in January of 2024, and considering there was a year between the filming of season 1 and its release, it's safe to assume we'll see Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.

Who's in the Nine Perfect Strangers cast?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Hulu just announced that Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 will star Murray Bartlett from The White Lotus and The Last of Us, Annie Murphy from Schitt's Creek, and Christine Baranski from Mamma Mia. We'll also see Dolly De Leon, Aras Aydin, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, musician King Princess, and Lucas Englander. The latest additions to the cast include our AMC queen Nicole Kidman and A Simple Favor's Henry Golding, as well as Mark Strong and Lena Olin.

What is Nine Perfect Strangers about?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Nine Perfect Strangers season 1, which is based on the book by Big Little Lies author Liane Moriarty and stars Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Regina Hall, and Samara Weaving, follows nine strangers who meet at a health and wellness resort to unwind from the stress of city life. However, their 10-day retreat quickly spirals into something completely different — and a little more sinister — than they expected.

Will there be a season 2 for Nine Perfect Strangers?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Yes, we're getting a Nine Perfect Strangers season 2! Even though the show was supposed to be a limited series, it was so popular Hulu decided to announce the renewal in June 2023. Thank goodness.

How is Nine Perfect Strangers different from the book?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

There are some pretty big difference between Nine Perfect Strangers and its novel. It seems like they just wanted to up the ante for television viewers because the main differences are in the intensity of scenes or character traits, like Carmel being much more expressive than she is in the book, and the series cutting out a five-day silence. It's super cool to see how Hulu adapted this series — and since it's based on a single book, Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 will feature a whole new plot!

What does the ending of Nine Perfect Strangers mean?

Image via Vance Valitutti/Hulu

Throughout the series, there are lots of themes of trust and whether or not we're actually able to find happiness as humans. The Nine Perfect Strangers ending during season 1 wraps it up perfectly by leaving happiness as a more open-ended concept full of hope — one that shows it's never outside the realm of possibility, even if it's not a definite guarantee.

Keep checking back here for the latest news on Nine Perfect Strangers season 2, and check out our TikTok for more pop culture news!

Lead image via Hulu

The Passover Seder is steeped in tradition, but that doesn't mean your meal has to be completely conventional. Here are 20 modern takes on classic Passover dishes, like Manischewitz-spiked cocktails and matzo-based chocolate bars. (Don't let the word "modern" scare you; there's still plenty of smoked fish, matzo ball soup, and kugel in the mix.)

When is Passover this year in 2024?

Passover begins the evening of April 22, 2024, and lasts through the evening of Apr 30, 2024.

What is the traditional meal for Passover?

The traditional meal for Passover includes a mix of symbolic foods. Meat, eggs, fruit and vegetables, herbs, and saltwater all have a place on the Seder plate, though more modern passover meals make some variations on the ingredients included.

What are the 6 foods of Passover?

A lamb’s bone (Zeroah), roasted egg (Beitzah), fruit and nut paste (Haroset), bitter herbs like horseradish (Mar’or), green vegetables (Karpas), and a small bowl of salt water are the 6 main foods of Passover.

What food is forbidden on Passover?

Some traditions celebrate the jewish holiday with restrictions on leavened bread (chometz). Breads made from wheat, oat, spelt, rye or barley are not eaten on Passover.

The Best Foods To Make For Your Passover Meals

Smoked Salmon Platter

Now that everyone has a drink, get the party started with a show-stopping salmon platter, complete with cukes, tomatoes, red onion, and tons of shmear. Replace the bagels with matzo to hold all those toppings. (via How Sweet Eats)

Matzo Ball Soup

This Passover classic is traditionally made with chicken. Welcome your vegetarian friends to the table with a meat-free version. (via Foodal)

Salmon Instant Pot Dinner

If you're hosting a small Passover Seder, use your Instant Pot to create a full meal of steamed fish, potatoes, and veg. (via Brit + Co.)

Roasted Beef Tenderloin With French Onion Au Jus

Feeling fancier than brisket? This thyme-crusted tenderloin is simpler than it looks but is definitely main-course worthy. Just be sure to omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free substitute. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Matzo Schnitzel

With matzo meal and potato starch, crispy breaded chicken free of leavened ingredients can be yours for your Passover crowd to enjoy. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant-Pot Pot Roast

Embrace the modern-day craze for the Instant Pot (and the Whole30 diet) with this nourishing pot roast, which incorporates more veggies than the traditional version. (via Life Made Sweeter)

Kofta Kebabs

These kebabs have just six ingredients but are intensely flavorful from cozy cinnamon and aromatic basil. Swap out Passover Panko or matzo meal for the breadcrumbs. These have a tahini dressing, which can be left out depending on if your family consumes kitniyot during Passover or not. (via Jamie Geller)

Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

Celebrate the classic fried artichokes of the Roman Jewish Ghetto with this lighter version, which steams in 10 minutes in the Instant Pot. (via Cotter Crunch)

Beet and Carrot Fritters

Switch up the Passover table's very beige (yet delicious) color scheme with these bright and healthy beet fritters. (via Leite's Culinaria)

Creamy Vegan Risotto With Asparagus and Quinoa

Quinoa is technically a seed, not a grain, so many people give it the seal of approval on Passover. Use it to concoct this risotto, which gets its creamy texture from a purée of roasted cauliflower, beans, and almond milk. However, if you are avoiding beans, just sub in more cauliflower. (via Well Plated by Erin)

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

Dates add an unexpected sweetness to this comforting tray of matzo pieces, mushrooms, and aromatic veggies. (via Jamie Geller)

Roasted Eggplant Salad

Juicy pomegranate seeds can make any dish look festive, as proven by this bed of seasoned roasted eggplant and pine nuts. Dress it in lemon juice, sea salt, and olive oil if you are not consuming kitniyot like tahini sauce. (via Foraged Dish)

Make These Delicious Desserts And Sweets For Passover

Vanilla Noodle Kugel

Use Passover-friendly (usually matzo-based) egg noodles and wafer cookies for this kugel, which balances the sweet notes of vanilla and sugar with the tangier flavor of sour cream. (via Tori Avey)

Flourless Chocolate Fudge Cake

Butter, chocolate, eggs, and sugar make a shockingly fudgy cake — no flour necessary. You can always sub in vegan butter if you plan on eating the meal less than two hours after consuming meat. (via Baker by Nature)

Waffle-Iron Latkes 5 Ways

Modernize the traditional latke by cooking it in a waffle iron and adorning it with updated toppings, like crème fraîche and apple butter or Greek yogurt and pomegranate. (via Brit + Co.)

Dessert-Wine Poached Pears

A holiday without flour is an opportunity to get creative with fruit. These pears are poached in simple syrup, honey, and dessert wine until warm and tender. Serve them with non-dairy vanilla ice cream for a glorious temperature contrast. (via Drizzle and Dip)

Passover Apple Cake

Matzo cake meal is the secret ingredient in this nutty, apple-rich, and raisin-studded cake. (via Leite's Culinaria)

5-Ingredient Magic Matzo Chocolate Bars

Have the kids in the family make these crunchy-chewy chocolate bars. The recipe is a simple matter of layering, sprinkling, and drizzling, so it can't go too awry. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Passover Chocolate Chip Cookies

As long as you have matzo meal, you don't have to give up chocolate chip cookies during Passover. (via Tori Avey)

Classic Red Sangria

You could pass around standard glasses of Manischewitz, or you could use the red wine to make a fruity sangria. Since Manischewitz is already so sweet, you don't need to add any sugar to the mix. (via Kitchen Treaty)

Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

This post has been updated.

Header image via How Sweet Eats

Before they were publicly seen together, we were dying to know if singer Sabrina Carpenter was actually dating actor Barry Keoghan. Rumors about their relationship cropped up in late 2023, and they're definitely not rumors anymore!

The pair made their *official* debut at the 2024 Met Gala, and they looked so cute together. Barry also enthusiastically supported Sabrina's Coachella performance last month, and we've been obsessed ever since. Since the two have been romantically linked for a while now, we’re taking a deeper look at their history and their chemistry.

Here’s everything you need to know about Sabrina Carpenter and her boyfriend, Barry Keoghan!

Who is Sabrina Carpenter?

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Sabrina Carpenter is a 24-year-old actress and singer. Her most popular acting roles began on Disney Channel from 2014 to 2017 with Girl Meets World and 2016’s Adventures in Babysitting.

Sabrina has been releasing original music since 2014, and her 2022 album titled Emails I Can’t Send landed her her first-ever top-40 chart entry. Her songs “Nonsense” and “Feather” are two of her top-listened tracks on Spotify.

Sabrina also opened for Taylor Swift at the Eras Tour in 2023.

Additionally, she's worked as a brand ambassador for Converse, Aeropostale, and Samsung, and launched a fragrance line in collaboration with Scent Beauty.

Sabrina was suspected to be dating singer Shawn Mendes last year, but he dispelled rumors about it very publicly in March 2023.

Who is Barry Keoghan?

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Barry Keoghan is an award-winning 31-year-old Irish actor. He’s well-known for his roles in Dunkirk, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Eternals, and Saltburn. He has also been in several TV series, from HBO’s Chernobyl to Apple TV+’s Masters of the Air.

Barry was previously dating girlfriend Alyson Kieran since September 2021, but the pairbroke up in July 2023 after Barry started seeing success for his performance in the film The Banshees of Inisherin. An inside source close to the couple said “they’ve grown apart over recent months and things have finally come to a head. As far as [Alyson is] concerned, it’s over.”

Barry and Alyson still share a young son named Brando, born in August 2022.

Is Barry Keoghan Sabrina Carpenter's Boyfriend? A Relationship Timeline

Catherine Powell / Getty Images for MTV

September 2023

In late September 2023, Sabrina attended an NYC advanced screening of Saltburn, a dark comedy film in which Barry stars. The pair was not seen together, but they were definitely in the same place at the same time.

The pair reportedly met for the first time during Paris Fashion Week at the Givenchy spring/summer 2024 show, just a week after the advanced screening.

Amy Sussman / Getty Images

December 2023

Sabrina and Barry were spotted on a casual dinner date in Los Angeles in December 2023. They weren’t quite visibly affectionate or close together in photos, but shared the same car.

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

January 2024

Sabrina and Barry were suspected to attend the 2024 Golden Globes together to debut their relationship, but the pair ended up attending separately.

The two were later spotted out and about at LA’s Luna Luna interactive art installation later in January.Eyewitness accounts said "it definitely seemed like a date.” 👀

February 2024

In early February 2024, the duo was seen gettin’ cozy with each other at a Grammys after party. Someone had snapped a pic of them sitting next to each other, but it appeared they were pretty shy about showing their whole faces. Cute!

The couple confirmed their romance just around Valentine's Day with a fun-filled weekend in Los Angeles (with plenty of PDA, of course). They started out with dinner at Nobu before checking into Hotel Bel-Air. They next day, they spent time together at Sabrina's house in Hollywood and then went out on the town in style!

As much as we can tell, Sabrina and Barry are just having fun with it!

Amy Sussman and Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for Vanity Fair

March 2024

The 2024 Oscars marked Sabrina and Barry's first red carpet appearance as a couple! The pair pulled up in semi-coordinating outfits – her wearing a black sequined Tory Burch gown, him wearing a sleek black suit by Amiri.

Barry also accessorized his Oscars look with a beaded friendship bracelet (a la Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) that spelled out Sabrina's name!

Photographed side-by-side several times, the couple also took the chance to reference their silly Grammys photo by hiding their faces for the camera. Love!

IG @sabrinacarpenter

April 2024

On April 1, Barry left a fiery comment on Sabrina's Instagram. She posted a carousel promoting the new spring 2024 intimates collection from Skims, packed with steamy pics of her wearing pieces from the drop.

Barry's comment was "🔥🥵 barbie emoji," which is just too cute. Since Sabrina is known over social media as a Bratz doll, we love to see this brand new Barbie side!

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella

April 2024

Barry – being the supportive boyfriend he is – was spotted in the crowd at Sabrina's Coachella weekend 1 set, and the couple shared a few cute moments even when they were apart!

Barry was seen happily snapping pictures on his phone like a proud parent during the high-energy performance. Sabrina also cutely waved to Barry from the stage, and he was definitely fangirling over it! We would be fangirling too, TBH! 🔥

After Sabrina's set, the pair was spotted together in the crowd at Ice Spice's performance alongside friends Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The four appeared to just be hanging out and chatting among themselves in between songs!

May 2024

The couple stepped out together to attend the 2024 Met Gala. Sabrina sported a gorgeous black gown with blooming blue details while Barry's look channeled a 19th century Englishman. They posed together with their signature 'hands over the face' pose, with Barry using his hat as a shield. We are enamored by these two!

Stay updated on the latest celebrity relationships with Brit + Co!

Lead photos by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue and Jamie McCarthy / Getty Images.

This post has been updated.

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids — and every single time Ryan Gosling was the ultimate girl dad.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

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Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures