These Amazing Salted Tahini Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies Have a Healthy Twist

Tieghan Gerard Of Half Baked Harvest
Feb 24, 2021
Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe

These are some of the best cookies… rich and decadent, but slightly healthier too. They're made with almond flour and honey and lightly sweetened. Every bite is slightly crisp on the edges, but soft and chewy in the center. So DELICIOUS. Absolutely nothing not to love about these salty, sweet tahini cookies (originally published on The Half Baked Harvest blog). Bonus? These cookies are easy to make, use simple ingredients, and are gluten-free too.


Photo by Half Baked Harvest

The process for baking up the perfect tahini cookie…

Honestly, these cookies are almost too good to be true. They're healthy AND they're the easiest to make.

First up, I like to use quality butter in my cookies. I think the butter, along with the tahini and honey, are the elements that really make these cookies GOOD! I use a lightly salted stick of organic European style butter and it makes all the difference.

You'll cream the butter with the smallest amount of brown sugar and honey to sweeten these cookies. Next, add the tahini. For anyone who is unfamiliar, tahini is simply ground sesame seeds. I know that using tahini to bake with might sound weird, but it's actually so delicious when baked up in a sweet way. It's used in a lot of Middle Eastern food, in both savory and sweet recipes.

Now add in a mix of almond flour and coconut flour. The mix of the two flours creates the perfect crispy edge, but soft in the center cookie. However, if you only have almond flour on hand, that can be used to replace the coconut flour in a pinch.

I usually buy Bob's Red Mill Almond and Coconut flour. You can find both in most major grocery stores, Whole Foods, and I believe Trader Joe's as well.

Now stir in lots of chocolate chips (or chocolate chunks) and bake away. No chilling required! Simple. Simple.

Photo by Half Baked Harvest

A couple of notes:

As with a lot of my cookie recipes, this one requires tapping that baking sheet on the counter midway through baking, then continue finish baking. When the cookies have completely finished baking, remove them from the oven, and tap the baking sheet once more. You guys, this step is KEY. It will ensure you have the least cakey tahini cookie. Instead, you'll get a cookie with crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. Tapping the baking pan on the counter deflates the center of the cookie, pushing the edges out.

I pretty much do this whenever I bake any cookies…because it works.

For the flours, I know some of you love to bake with almond flour, and I know some of you love to bake with good ole' all-purpose flour. These cookies are actually best with a mix of almond and coconut flour. But if you only bake with all-purpose flour, that will work just fine too. You'll get a slightly thicker, sturdier cookie and it will be delicious. So use what you love/have on hand.

What I love about these cookies is that they're easy to make, require no chilling, and take less than thirty minutes. And yes, they are even pretty healthy too! They also don't get hard once cooled.

My best advice? Bake these tonight…because everyone has thirty minutes to bake up cookies. Then eat a few warm, and welcome in the weekend…couldn't think of a better way to really welcome in the New Year!


Photo by Half Baked Harvest

INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, honey, and tahini until combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla, beating until creamy. Add the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Fold in the chocolate chips/chunks.
  3. Scoop the dough out into rounded 1 tablespoon size balls, the dough will be a little wet. Place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and tap the baking sheet on the counter 2 times to flatten them down. The cookies will have brown edges at this point, that is OK. Return to the oven and bake another 2-3 minutes, the cookies will be browning, but still doughy in the center. Remove from the oven and gently tap the baking sheet on the counter 1-2 times to flatten them down again.
  5. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet. They're going to look weird, but as they cool, they'll set nicely. They will continue to cook slightly as they sit on the baking sheet. Sprinkle with flaky salt. Eat warm (highly recommended) or let cool and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
RECIPE NOTES

Alternate flour:if you prefer, you can bake these cookies using a total of 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour. The cookies will come out a little thicker, but be just as delicious!

Honey Replacement: you can use an equal amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar in place of the honey.

Freezing:the cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw, then bake as directed.

Want more food inspo? Check out Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest on Teach Me Something New with Brit Morin!

Make This Chocolate Banana Bread Mug Cake In Just 5 Minutes

All made in one bowl, with pantry staple ingredients, super quick to mix up, healthy, and SO DELICIOUS! Yes, that pretty much sums up this mini banana bread mug cake, and it's the perfect individual little cake to bake up this weekend. With over-ripe bananas, good honey, and your favorite chocolate bar, this is sure to become your favorite banana bread in minutes. Perfect for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a late-night dessert.

When you're looking for something sweet, but you still need something healthy and quick to bake up? Make these cute little mug cakes.

Half Baked Harvest

The quick details.

This banana bread cake comes together in five minutes tops, so the details are pretty darn quick.

Start with your wet ingredients. I like to use coconut oil for these cakes. Melt it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Once melted, add a very overripe banana and give it a good mashing with a fork. The key to any sweet banana recipe is to use bananas that are way past their prime and pretty black all over. Black bananas create the best sweet recipes due to their natural amount of sweetness.

When you have the banana all mashed up, whisk in a squeeze of honey, a single egg, and a splash of vanilla. I personally like to use honey as my sweetener as I've found it creates a perfectly soft, tender, and moist banana bread cake. But maple syrup works well too.

Once the wet ingredients are combined. Stir in the flour, baking soda, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. At this point, the cake is almost ready for "baking".

Half Baked Harvest

But I have a couple of secrets.

First, chocolate chunks…and a generous helping too. The chunks are a must and create the most luscious banana mug cake. You will fold them into the batter as the final ingredient. As the cake bakes, the chocolate sinks in, melting as it sinks. It leaves you with a puddle of warm melted chocolate throughout your cake. And with every bite, a little of that melted chocolate is scooped up.

And it is delicious.

Second, instead of mixing the batter in the mug you plan to "bake" in, mix the batter up in a small bowl, then transfer to a microwave-safe mug. Yes, it's one additional dish to dirty. However, I found this ensures that the batter is more easily mixed up and in turn bakes up nicer too.

But the real key to success?

Eat this mug of banana bread warm, just after cooking. This isn't a cake you want to eat leftover, it's meant as a quick chocolate fix. It should be eaten right away and preferably with a small pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkling of sea salt on top. Nothing is better.

I will say that that every microwave is different, so the cooking time is a little tricky. That said, I tested this on two different microwaves and found two minutes to be just the right amount of time. You may need to adjust slightly by fifteen seconds, give or take.

Soo, have I convinced you that you need a banana bread mug cake in your life tonight?

This is the best afternoon pick me up…warm after-dinner dessert…or late-night treat while cozied up by the fire. AND if you happen to have a snowy weekend in the forecast, you really need to bake this up. It's great any day, but it's best enjoyed on the coldest of days.

How To Make Your Own Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe

Half Baked Harvest

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 medium overly ripe banana, mashed (about 1/3 cup mashed)
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil (or butter)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour, or all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks

Half Baked Harvest

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a bowl, stir together the mashed bananas, coconut oil, honey, egg, and vanilla until combined. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
  2. Pour the batter into a (10-12 ounce) microwave-safe mug. Microwave on full power for 1 minute and 35 seconds to 2 minutes (I always do 1 minute 35 seconds, but it's better to under "bake"). Eat warm with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey (you should do this!). Enjoy!

RECIPE NOTES

To Oven Bake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2 cup oven safe ramekin/mug or 2 muffin tins. Add the batter and bake 22-25 minutes.

Microwave: every microwave is very different, so results may vary slightly. I have a 1200 watt microwave and found 2 minutes to be the perfect cooking time. You may need to cook 1 minute 45 seconds or 2 minutes 15 seconds. Start with 2 minutes.

Want more food inspo like this banana bread recipe? Check out Tieghan Gerard of Half Baked Harvest on Teach Me Something New with Brit Morin!

This post has been updated.

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These 14 Breezy Old Navy Dresses Have Me So Excited For Summer

All I’ve been able to focus on as of late is my summer outfits. And as much as I love a denim shorts and graphic tee combo, dresses just make the whole shebang so much easier.

These Old Navy dresses make getting ready for hot summer days a total breeze – a one-and-done, if you will! The retailer is doing some super buzzy stuff with their current styles, so you can be sure your warm weather look will be on trend, too.

We’re talking lotsa linen. We’re talking adorable gingham prints. The current lineup of Old Navy dresses even includes strappier styles that look downright iconic in the summer sun. Scroll on for 14 top-tier summer dresses you can snag for such a good price!

Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Mini Dress

Starting off strong with this sexy strapless number! This linen mini lets you look super chic without exerting too much effort. It goes on easy and stays secure with a smocked stretchy bodice, while the skirt stays straight and breezy. This pick earns even more bonus points for having *pockets*!

The Fit & Flare Linen-Blend Mini Dress comes in 4 other summer-ready colors and regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $35.

Sleeveless Linen-Blend Mini Dress in 'Blue Gingham'

Gingham is undoubtedly a cool fashion girl staple, so it's a must to work into your summer wardrobe this year. This gorgeous linen-blend mini dress makes perfect use of the pattern in a serene blue and white combo that's easy to pair with any type of summer shoe or light layer. The wide straps and smocked back keep the top half of this style in check, so you can move around comfortably.

The Sleeveless Linen-Blend Mini Dress in 'Blue Gingham' comes in 5 other colorways in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $35.

Fit & Flare Cami Mini Dress

When life gives you lemons (AKA a good weather day), wear bright colors! You'll be reaching for this cheery mini dress every time the sun's shining. The cami-inspired top is made to hug your figure, while the short skirt allows for some breathing room. The adjustable spaghetti straps and elastic smocked bodice help you find the comfiest fit possible.

The Fit & Flare Cami Mini Dress comes in 12 other playful colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $20 (on sale for a limited time, was $35).

Sleeveless Crochet Midi Dress

This crochet get-up is the coolest way to channel your California surfer girl summer fantasy. The woven textures and details intertwined in this midi dress perfectly recall 70's vibes. The v-neck makes way for you to get some more sun, all while feeling light and breezy, thanks to the airy cotton yarn construction. The midsection features a more open, see-through design to break up the monotony.

The Sleeveless Crochet Midi Dress also comes in black and is shoppable in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $50.

Fit & Flare Sleeveless Midi Dress

Time to feel CUTE! The sweetheart neckline amps up the femme vibes of this midi dress, and it's the perfect thing for summertime soirees and outdoor adventures. The straps on this adorable lil' number aren't adjustable, though the back to smocked with a stretchy material that snugly hugs your bust. This dress' hem hits around the calf, and this color in particular flaunts a playful eyelet layer with a slip underneath for coverage.

The Fit & Flare Sleeveless Midi Dress is shoppable in 9 other colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $35 (on sale for a limited time, was $50).

Fit & Flare Smocked Midi Dress

This bold blue will turn all the heads your way this summer! It'd also make for a stellar swimsuit cover-up since it's made to be loose-fitting and light when you wear it. The top is all the way stretchy, as the straps and bodice move with you with a smocked material.

The Fit & Flare Smocked Midi Dress comes in 2 other color options in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $24 (on sale for a limited time, was $40).

Short-Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress

Think of this piece like an elevated polo dress. It's got the collar and the buttons, but this time, it's more loose-fitting and free-flowing. This soft twill shirt dress even flaunts pockets on both sides along the seams. The wide, vented design means you get constant airflow, keeping you cool as a cucumber in the summer heat.

The Short-Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress comes in 3 more colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $28 (was $40).

Waist-Defined Midi Dress

This Old Navy dress is oh-so romantic. The buttons that line the length of the dress, alongside a pair of gorgeous flutter sleeves, make for an elegant look without sacrificing comfort one bit. This pick is easy to pull on and just as easy to take off. You'll appreciate that the shirred front shapes and sculpts your figure without restricting your movement.

The Waist-Defined Midi Dress comes in 3 other colors and patterns in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $45.

Sleeveless Linen-Blend Mini Dress in 'Lemons'

This colorful print is the one to wear for summer vacations. It's got illustrations of lemons, leaves, flowers, and other fruits in all sorts of different colors for a lively feel. It's very easy-fitting and doesn't require any extra bits or bobs like zippers or clasps. Wear it easily with your fave trendy sneakers or you go-to summer sandals to complete the look.

The Sleeveless Linen-Blend Mini Dress is shoppable in 5 other colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $35.

Sleeveless Racerback Maxi Dress

We all need a maxi in our lives, and luckily, this one is peak comfort. It's made from a stretchy ribbed knit fabric comprised of 40% cotton and 38% polyester, so it fits against your figure quite nicely. It boasts a high neckline (hello, coverage!) and a high leg slit for extra sexiness.

The Sleeveless Racerback Maxi Dress comes in 2 other colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $15 (on sale for a limited time, was $40).

Cloud+ Strappy Athletic Dress

If you're on the sportier side, this athletic dress is gonna become your new summer uniform. The moisture-wicking fabric keeps the vibes light and cool, no matter what you're up to. It stays on snugly with the help of built-in spandex shorts and secure, stretchy crossback straps.

In addition to this dark blue color, the Cloud+ Strappy Athletic Dress comes in gray, peach, black, and lilac. You can shop it in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $40.

Sleeveless Mini Swing Dress

Your next date night dress: found. This adorable polka dot ensemble has a playful v-neck, spaghetti straps, and a mini cut for the moments you might want to show more skin. Its 100% cotton construction means it's gonna be super breathable, and the limited color palette ensures you'll find something to style it with very easily.

The Sleeveless Mini Swing Dress is also shoppable in blue and black in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $15 (on sale for a limited time, was $30).

Fit & Flare Strappy Mini Dress

For the days where you just can't bear to put on some pants, this mini dress saves the day. It wears unbelievably light with a short length and tons of straps on the open back. The empire waist sits higher than your actual waistline to give your look a flattering elongated effect.

The Fit & Flare Strappy Mini Dress comes in 7 different colors in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $15 (on sale for a limited time, was $30).

Fit & Flare Rib-Knit Maxi Dress

This long dress makes we want to be on a tropical island somewhere, sipping away at a fruit smoothie with my toes in the sand. It's made of a thick ribbed knit material that feels loungey and flowy at the same time. It's rid of any zippers, buttons, or clasps to save you time when getting ready – but you'll still look very put-together in this neutral style.

The Fit & Flare Rib-Knit Maxi Dress comes in 4 other colors and is shoppable in regular sizes XS-4X, tall sizes XS-XXL, and petite sizes XS-XXL for $40.

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

Images via Old Navy.

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Half Baked Harvest's Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka

This silky, smooth and extra creamy Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka is the perfect cozy winter recipe. Fresh pasta tossed in a spicy tomato pesto vodka sauce that's creamy and so delicious! The secret to this one-pot pasta? Basil pesto and plenty of cheese on top. The pesto adds a vibrant layer of flavor and richness to this silky and smooth pasta. Serve this 30-minute dinner up any night of the week. It's delicious and looks pretty on any table…not to mention that everyone LOVES a GOOD creamy vodka pasta. This dish will be your new go-to.

So what does the vodka actually do?

The vodka adds a sharp bite that helps to balance out the sweetness of the tomatoes. When used in small amounts, the vodka will boost and intensify the aroma of the sauce. The key is to slowly simmer vodka into the sauce. This will release its flavors and cook out the alcohol.

If you prefer to not cook with alcohol, swap the vodka for chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even just water. That will be totally fine and your sauce will still be great.

All the spicy details…

This pasta is simple. I didn't go over the top with it but instead wanted to really focus on the traditional flavors of a great vodka pasta…garlic, tomatoes, and cream. The key is to slowly cook the garlic in oil. I learned this trick when I first started cooking from a friend of our family's, Mrs. Mooney, as I called her, and actually still call her to this day.

Mrs. Mooney taught me to slowly caramelize garlic in olive oil to really infuse flavor into a recipe, especially within an Italian-style red sauce. So, don't skip this step! Once the garlic is extra fragrant and turns golden, I like to stir in the tomato paste and chili flakes. Then cook those for a bit to really help intensify the flavors in the sauce.

Once that's cooked for a bit, stir in lots of cream. Then let the sauce simmer while you boil the pasta.

For the pasta, I just used short cut rigatoni (to be honest, it's really the best kind of short cut pasta I can find in my area). But use any short cut pasta you love or have on hand.

You'll want to first boil off the pasta, then just before draining reserve some of the pasta cooking water. This step is so important, so be sure to not dump the water before reserving a cup. The pasta water is used to finish the creamy vodka sauce.

Now add in some of the pasta cooking water and simmer the sauce until it has reduced down a bit and thickened. At this point, your kitchen is going to smell amazing. There should be hints of garlic and butter throughout…it's the best of Italian scents.

Once the pasta is cooked, toss it with the sauce and that pasta water. Add some butter and toss until the sauce is very creamy. Stir in the parmesan and basil. Immediately the heat from the pasta intensifies the smell of the basil…leaving you with nothing but excitement for dinner.

And trust me, you should be excited. Every bowl of pasta is creamy, just oh so slightly spicy, with a subtle pesto touch, and just the right amount of butter and cheese.

It's is so very good. Roll your eyes back, go for that second bowl, and finish the pasta all in one sitting, GOOD. Dramatic, but true.

The leftovers are just as delicious! You can prepare the dish in advance, keep it fully assembled in the fridge, and then bake before serving. I love dishes like this for holiday entertaining…they make life so easy!

You can even prepare the sauce way ahead of time, then just add the pasta before you're ready to serve. This would make a great dinner party meal with a side salad and some bread. Usually, I keep it simple with my 5 Ingredient Beer Bread or Salted Butter Parker House Rolls. It's one of those pasta dishes that's easily loved by all.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vodka
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
  • kosher salt and black pepper
  • 1 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
  • 1 pound short cut pasta
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. When the oil shimmers, add the shallot, garlic, and oregano. Cook until the shallots begin to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add the tomato paste and red pepper flakes, cook 4-5 minutes, until thickened. Stir in the vodka, cook another 2 minutes. Stir in the pesto and cream. Season with salt and pepper. Keep warm over low heat.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, remove 1 1/2 cups of the pasta cooking water. Drain.
  3. To the vodka sauce, add the pasta, 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, and the butter, tossing until the butter has melted. Add the parmesan and basil. If needed, thin the sauce with additional pasta cooking water.
  4. Divide the pasta among plates and top with basil and cheese. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

To Replace the Vodka: use an equal amount of chicken or vegetable broth.

To Make Ahead: prepare the alla vodka sauce through step 1. The sauce can be made 4 days ahead of time and chilled in the fridge. To serve, warm on the stove, follow the directions through step 2.

To Freeze: the alla vodka sauce can be made, then frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw, then use as directed.

Tune into the Teach Me Something New podcast Wednesday 2/24 when Half Baked Harvest's Tieghan dishes on all things food with Brit.

This article was originally published on Half Baked Harvest. This post has been updated.

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Capri Pants Are Back — Here’s How To Style Them Better Than You Did In Middle School

The return of the capri pants is here, and it ACTUALLY isbetter than ever. We've all fallen prey to the 2000s madras bermuda and capri pants of our youth, so I was hesitant on these at first. Could this seemingly less-than-flattering length actually look good? But the more I see them styled in a fun, French-inspired way, the more I love them! This trend is definitely here to stay, so I rounded up everything from simple, denim capri pants to unique, polka dotted ones for you to shop! You're not gonna wanna miss these!

Shop Capri Pants Here!

ASOS Capri Trousers

If you're wanting to opt for more of a casual look then I'd suggest donning this pair from ASOS. It's a casual and more effortless look than your typical, structured capris we normally see.

Gloria Vanderbilt Capri

You can't do a capri pants roundup without some perfect white, Y2K pairs! These look straight out of a Hilary Duff (A Cinderella Story, anyone?!) movie, and I'm in love! They look incredibly comfortable while remaining put together at the same time.

Maeve Red Capris

I feel like this outfit would be worn by Bridgette Bardot with some curtain bangs and a raffia or straw basket bag and I'm in love! It's so cute and screams "summer at the beach" to me! Anthro always has the best finds!

Urban Outfitters Gingham Capris

Want to get a little more brave and out-there with the trend? This look would be perfect for you then! It is charming and quirky and oh-so-fun! I love the red detailing in the shoes but would love to see the capris paired with a black off-the-shoulder sweater!

Mango Belted Capri Trousers

This incredibly chic pair of capris are stylish and affordable at under $50! I love the Parisian way they're styled above with the sleek off-the-shoulder and kitten heels. Tres chic!

Maeve Polka Dot Capri Pants

Another incredible French-inspired option that will make you look like you're meant to be walking the streets of Paris in the nighttime. I adore the whole look here and the polka dots really pull the whole outfit together. Adding this to my cart as we speak!

Levi's 311 Capri Jeans

This Canadian tuxedo is the quintessential styling I imagine for these capris. A denim-on-denim moment is adorable and great for a night out where you can pair them with heels like above. Throw in a sequin purse for added measure, and you're ready to rock this throwback trend!

Topshop Zip Front Capris

This entire outfit looks like it was taken right off of the Grease set, and I'm not mad about it. I love the sultry effect of this outfit with the crop top and the heels that help to elongate the leg. I'm in love with this look!

NYDJ Utility Pants

These pants are probably my favorite in this whole roundup because they give off such a cool-girl vibe. The utility styles adds a masculine element to the feminine-style that is great for outfit juxtaposition. Strappy heels and a white tee shirt are the perfect pairing for these cute pants!

NYDJ Bridgette Pants

I love wide-leg cropped pants and these take cropped to a whole other level! I'm predicting that this style of capri will be everywhere for summertime. For under $100 that's a great deal as well!

Target Plus Size Cargo Capri

Cargo capris give me such Kim Possible vibes, and I'm so obsessed! I love this look and also love that it comes in extensive sizing as well! It's such a great affordable alternative to try the trend on a budget!

Target High Rise Capris

I actually have a pair extremely similar to these that I wear nonstop because of how comfortable they are. They almost feel like leggings but give the appearance of a put-together silhouette which I love. And Target is such an affordable option to try trends and not feel like you're wasting money on too many trends over time.

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

Header image via Anthropologie

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Hilary Duff Officially Gave Birth To Baby #4!

I don't think there's a better way to describe Hilary Duff other than an icon. Starring in coming-of-age classics like Lizzie McGuireandA Cinderella Story, she shaped so many people's childhoods with her incredible acting skills and quirky antics. In her adult life, she continues to be a star, working on projects like How I Met Your Father and Younger. And, while her career accomplishments are beyond impressive, it really is how she manages to have it all that is truly inspirational.

Duff shared that she's expanding her sweet family with baby #4 in last December, and we couldn't be more excited for her! Here's everything we know about the wonderful big news.

Did Hilary Duff give birth?

Image via Hilary Duff/Instagram Stories

Yes! Hilary Duff gave birth to her fourth baby, Townes, on May 2, 2024. "Townes Meadow Bair 🧸 , now we know why she made us wait so long…She was perfecting those Cheeks!" Hilary said on Instagram. "I Have been dreaming of holding you in my arms for months and the past 5 days of getting to know you, stare at you and smell you has been pure moments of magic. We all love you like you’ve been here all along beauty."

How did Hilary Duff announce her pregnancy?

Image via Instagram

Hilary Duff dropped the big news on December 12 with an adorable set of Instagram pictures. The first one is of the front of the family's Christmas card and shows Duff with her family, as she holds her belly and looks surprised. The card says, "So much for silent nights."

We know never to just assume someone's pregnant, and, luckily, the second picture provided plenty of confirmation outside of Hilary's belly holding! The back of the card reads, "Buckle up Buttercups, we're adding one more to this crazy bunch!" So cute!

Hilary's husband, Matthew Koma, had his own cheeky way of announcing the big news. He posted the front of the Christmas card to his own Instagram account with the caption, "baby #4 is loading..." He also chose to add in a little cheeky location to the picture, which says "Vasectomy Clinic." I see what you did there, Matthew! 😂

Did any fellow celebs comment on Hilary's baby news?

Yup! Mandy Moore, Lucy Hale, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Benson, and many more shared their love and excitement for the expecting mommy. Alyson Stoner commented a super cute message on Duff's post that read "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ just 8 more to complete the pack." This adorable nod to their Cheaper By the Dozen days is everything! We're so glad baby #4 already has such a strong village to welcome them.

How many kids does Hilary Duff have?

Image via Instagram

Hilary and her ex-husband, Mike Comrie, share an 11-year-old son named Luca.

In 2019, Hilary got re-married to Matthew Koma, and the couple welcomed two daughters — Banks and Violet. Banks is currently five and Mae is currently two. While it definitely seems like Duff has her hands full, she told Peoplethat she "loves this mayhem" and is "so in love with all my kids."

Has Hilary Duff shared anymore cute pictures of her growing baby bump?

Image via Hilary Duff/Instagram

Towards the end of January, Hilary shared a carousel on Instagram where the first image shows her taking a cute selfie in the mirror. She has a faux surprised expression on her face which makes us feel like she's bringing back the mirror selfie era. Aside from that, the carousel features candid images of her family and he beloved homemade sourdough bread which made her write this caption, "Soon this will all just be sourdough content," to sum up the content she shared.

Hilary Duff's latest pregnancy update on Instagram shows her sharing a touching moment with her husband Matthew Koma and their kids. She's seen wear ruched knit top that exposes her baby bump and it's almost giving us baby fever! And on March 20, Hilary shared a set of photos to Instagram that are getting us in the mood for spring. Sitting on a comfy white chair in a tank and shorts, armed with nothing but gold rings, tulips, and an amazing spring nail color, she lets us know she's still in the middle of "The wait…." It won't be long now!

As we count down to the days she gives birth, we'll share more updates throughout her pregnancy journey!

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Header image via Amy Sussman/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

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