It's the most wonderful time of the year - cookie tray season! I grew up in a very Italian home, and right around the holidays, the cookie trays with Italian butter cookies and more started to roll in. To me, there's nothing better than the chocolate-topped ones... or maybe the dipped cookies with sprinkles! Luckily, there are some incredible bakeries in Delaware, and I've never struggled to find a local spot to get my fix on homemade cookies, cakes, and desserts.

Check out some of the most incredible family-owned and local bakeries in Delaware, where you can grab your holiday cookie tray, an incredible occasion cake, a memorable cupcake, and even a loaf of homemade artisan bread. What a great state we live in, where all of these options are so close by!

Please note, The Birch Tree Café is temporarily closed.

1. Bing's Bakery, Newark

Bing’s Bakery is the oldest in Delaware, and it's been a Newark landmark since 1946. Bing's is a one-stop shop for bread, cakes and their famous butter cookies. If you need to bring an impressive and delicious cookie tray to your family festivities, Bing's will not let you down.

253 E Main St, Newark, Delaware

2. Sweeney's, Wilmington

Please note, Sweeney's is no longer in business.

Everything that leaves Sweeney's was made from scratch, and there's a reason this family-owned bakery in Delaware has been around since 1957! It's truly a Wilmington favorite, so get your holiday cookies or yule log cake from Sweeney's this holiday season.2068 Naamans Rd

Wilmington, Delaware

3. Sweet Somethings, Wilmington

If you need a jawdropping Birthday or Occasion cake, look no further than Sweet Somethings in Wilmington. There's no need to travel down to Baltimore for an overpriced TV show cake when local Delaware pastery artists make the most impressive and delicious creations right here in Delaware!1006 N Union St

Wilmington, Delaware

4. Cannon's Cakes, Newark

Cannon's in Newark has been a top bakery in Delaware for almost 30 years, and they've stuck around this long because they know how to whip up an incredible cake. Their seasonal cupcakes always make my mouth happy - stop in soon to try one of their hot chocolate cupcakes!228 Astro Shopping Center

Newark, DE 19711

5. The Upper Crust, Georgetown

Please note, The Upper Crust is no longer in business.

Slower lower has its fair share of amazing bakeries, too! The Upper Crust in Georgetown will blow you away with their homemade cakes and pasteries. As a bonus, The Upper Crust is a great little cafe, too, so you can grab lunch while you run out to grab the holiday cake.7 E Market St

Georgetown, Delaware

6. Lewes Bake Shop

Nottinghill Coffee and Lewes Bake Shop combine to create the ultimate bakery in Delaware - not only do you get the best sticky buns in the state, but you can also pick out fresh, local brews to round off your morning. Every trip to Lewes isn't complete untl you stop in to the Bake Shop.

124 2nd St Lewes, Delaware 19958

7. Old World Breads, Lewes

Old World Breads makes the best artisan loaves in Delaware, hands down. Their old style baking technique cannot be beat - so stop in when you want to try a rosemary foccata or a pumpernickel to die for.32191 Nassau Rd

Unit 4, Lewes, DE 19958

8. Three Little Birds, Georgetown

Three Little Birds is a home business that turns out incredible cakes, cupcakes and treats in Georgetown. If you're looking for a cake that will be the talk of your party, contact Three Little Birds through their Facebook page.10023 Iron Pointe Drive, Georgetown, Delaware

9. Serpe and Sons Bakery

The Elsmere landmark Serpe and Sons just reopened in October after a devastating fire. Now, they're back and better than ever. Try all of the Italian cookies, cakes and breads that you grew up with - Serpe and Sons certainly knows how to do them right! And don't forget about them if you're looking for a bakery in Delaware that makes killer spinach bread or pepperoni bread! They've been making the best for over 60 years.1411 Kirkwood Hwy

Elsmere, Delaware

10. Frankfurt Bakery & Deli

Please note, Frankfurt Bakery & Deli is no longer in business.

Frankfurt Bakery gets my pick for best Cookie Monster Cupcake in Delaware, and we all know that's the metric that really matters - to me, at least. Their cakes and cookies and second to none in the Dover area, so bring a cookie tray from Frankfurt Bakery to your holiday celebrations and become the party favorite.323 S Governors Ave

Dover, Delaware

11. The Birch Tree Cafe, Ocean View

The Birch Tree Cafe is the only dedicated gluten-free bakery in Delaware, which is wonderful for anyone with diet sensitivies.Their hours vary, so your best bet is to call them at (302) 539-2468 to be sure they'll be open.You can find them at 34738 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970

Mmmm - you might want to stop by one of these bakeries and pick up a holiday snack before embarking on our magical Delaware Christmas Lights Road Trip!