late girl's guide | holiday sugar cookies

Christmas time is the perfect excuse to overindulge. I am a lover of cookies (among other things), and with my set of skills, my go-to are sugar cookies. Well, elevated sugar cookies.  

By adding a mix of candies and sweet flavors, the sugar cookies feel more special and homemade.  

1. Slice cookie dough 1/2 inch thick ( I followed the directions according to Pillsbury Sugar Cookie Dough). 

2. Smash candy canes into bits and roll caramels into smaller balls. Top cookies with candies.  

3. Bake at 350°F for 11-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool and enjoy with a glass of milk or wrap for a quick, sweet Christmas treat!

late girl's guide | pumpkin pie parfait

I am one of the few members of my family with a sweet tooth, so come holiday season desserts are an afterthought. After years of disappointment, I decided to take sweets into my own hands.

Aside from being delicious and easy to make, it's a little bit healthier than a slice of pie because of the secret ingredient (shh, it's greek yogurt). 

1. Mix yogurt, pumpkin, condensed milk and cinnamon together until smooth. 

The yogurt gives it the creamy, tart taste, similar to cheesecake. 

2. Put mixture in fridge to solidify for at least an hour. 

3. Layer crumbled shortbread cookies, whipped cream and pumpkin mixture. Keep in fridge until ready to serve. 

 4. Before serving, top with more whipped cream and cookie crumbs.