• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marilena's Kitchen

Mediterranean Cooking With an Accent

  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Classes
    • Private Cooking Classes
    • Personal Chef
    • Culinaria Cooking School Classes
    • Customer & Student Reviews
  • Let’s Work Together
  • Portfolio
  • Travel

Favorite Baking Treats for the Holidays

December 14, 2023 by Marilena Leavitt 6 Comments

Swedish Almond CoffeecakeChristmas is only 10 days away, which means there is plenty of time to bake something delicious to enjoy throughout the Holiday season!  Whether you are ahead with your baking schedule this year, or, are still undecided as to what to make, I have put together this post with some of my Favorite Baking Treats for the Holidays!

From Honey-Drenched Orange and Spice Greek Cookies, to Soft Italian Amaretti Cookies and Swedish Almond Butter Cookies, to Homemade Peppermint Bark, and my decadent Swedish Christmas Almond Coffeecake, these are my family’s favorite Holiday treats!  I hope that you will find something you like and try a few of these favorite recipes during the Holidays and throughout the months ahead!

It is the season to indulge in some extra treats; something we do not often do the rest of the year!  Please let me know in the comment section which treats you would like to try.  I hope you enjoy these recipes and I will be back next week with a delicious savory recipe, perfect for Holidays which I know you are going to love!

Favorite Baking Treats for the Holidays

Greek Almond Cookies (amygdalota)

Amygldalota (Greek Almond Cookies)

Honey-Drenched Orange and Spice Greek Cookies (melomakarona) 

Melomakarona

Greek Almond Shortbread Cookies (kourabiedes)

greek Christmas Almond shortbread cookies

Swedish Almond Butter Cookies

Swedish Almond Butter Cookies

Soft Italian Amaretti Cookies (amaretti morbidi)

soft amaretti cookies

Homemade Peppermint Bark 

Peppermint Bark

Swedish Christmas Almond Coffeecake

Swedish Almond Coffeecake

How to Make a Holiday Cookie Gift Box

Holiday cookie gift box

Filo-Wrapped Baked Brie with Fruit Preserves

Holiday Snack Board with Cranberry & Brie Filo Bites

Cranberry and Brie Filo Bites on Snack Board

THANK YOU FOR READING MY BLOG AND FOLLOWING ALONG!

If you are not already following my blog, please subscribe to Marilena’s Kitchen today! Each new post will be delivered right to your inbox!

Your support for my blog is greatly appreciated, please consider reviewing and rating my recipes! ?????

Share this:

  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Filed Under: Dessert, Recipe Roundups Tagged With: Christmas baking, christmas cookies, Christmas treats, favorite baking treats, Greek cookies, holiday baking, holiday cookies, holiday desserts, Italian cookies, swedish baking

Previous Post: « How to Make a Delicious Orange-Glazed, Chocolate Babka
Next Post: Holiday Appetizer: Spiced Beef Filo Rolls »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Estelle Speros says

    December 16, 2023 at 7:46 AM

    Sending you love and Best wishes For a wonderful holiday with your family. You have brought me such joy with your recipes.. I will be moving back to the East soon.. and hope we will be able to connect in the coming months. Until then Efharsto!! with much love, estelle

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      December 18, 2023 at 5:40 PM

      Wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays too, Estelle! It makes me so happy to know that you enjoy my recipes so much and I look forward to connect with you when you move back to the East coast soon!

      Reply
  2. Wanda says

    December 16, 2023 at 2:19 PM

    These truly are Christmas classics! I’ve tried every one of these recipes and each one is a guaranteed winner. The ultimate compliment is when friends ask if they can have the recipe…I steer them to your website. Thank you for making my holiday baking soooo easy.

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      December 18, 2023 at 5:43 PM

      This is just wonderful, Wanda! So glad to know that you have tried my baking recipes and that you shared them with your friends too! I can’t thank you enough for your kind comment!

      Reply
  3. Alice B says

    December 16, 2023 at 3:29 PM

    Your recipe for melomakarona is the best!! I look forward to them every year. Can’t wait to try some of these other ones too!

    Reply
    • Marilena Leavitt says

      December 18, 2023 at 5:45 PM

      Thank you so much Alice! The melomakarona recipe is a family recipe that we make every year for Christmas… Let me know which one are you going to try next!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Marilenas-Kitchen-Author-Bio
marilenas-kitchen-author-bio

more about me

Search

Marilena Leavitt

INSTAGRAM

Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh b Mini filo tartlets with almond custard and fresh berries 🍓A delightful springtime dessert that is light, seasonal, and elegant at the same time 🌼 Crispy filo layers form the base, with a delicious almond pastry cream custard, fresh strawberries and toasted almonds on top - so delicious! 🍓
.
A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#springdessert #strawberries #tarts #baking @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweettreats #bakingfromscratch #dessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #Easterdessert #bakedwithlove #mothersdaydessert #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versi Braided Mini Greek Sweet Rolls - the smaller versions of the traditional Greek Easter bread (tsoureki), a bread that everyone makes for Easter in Greece! 🧡 It is a brioche-like, slightly sweet, yeasted bread made using eggs, milk, and butter. 🧡 A delicious breakfast bread, the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea! 🧡☕️ 🫖☕️
.
✨ New recipe on the blog, linked in profile and in stories 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
#breadrolls #bread #Greekbread #Easterbread #tsoureki @kingarthurbaking #braidedbread #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #foodfluffer #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #sweetreats #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen 

.
Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt Crisp Spring Salad with a refreshing Greek yogurt dressing: seasonal, bright and tender vegetables that pair so well with this delicious, creamy dressing! So, so good! 🥗🥬🥒🌿
.
🌿Recipe linked in bio & on the blog: [Marilenaskitchen.com]👩🏻‍🍳🌿
.
.
.
#springsalad #summersalads #vegetarian #healthyrecipes #salad #homemadefood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #yogurtdressing #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #eathealthy #eattherainbow 
.
.
Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, s Crispy spiral filo pie with spinach, artichokes, shallots, fresh herbs and Feta cheese 🌿🌀 A delicious spring recipe inspired by the classic Greek spanakopita. Wholesome, flavorful vegetarian dish, perfectly crispy and flaky in every bite! 🌿
.
🌿This is a new recipe, in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 
.
🌿 Recipe linked in profile and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] 👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
#savorybaking #filo #filopastry  #appetizer @fillofactory #bakingtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #spinachpower #bakingathome #feedfeedbaking #foodblogfeed #fillofactory #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #foodstyling #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeedfood #buzzfeast #foodphotographer #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond f My favorite orange almond cake, made with almond flour and semolina flour. 🍊🍊 A super moist, not too sweet “snack cake”, with a great nutty flavor and a pronounced citrus flavor. So, so good, perfect with a cup of coffee and a great treat to have around the house for anytime of the day! 🍊🍊
.
✨Recipe linked in profile, and on my blog [Marilenaskitchen.com] ✨
.
.
#orangecake #coffeecake @kingarthurflour #bakelove #dessertsofinstagram #snackcake #mediterraneancuisine #bakefromscratch #fromscratch #greekfoodblogger #almondcake #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #droolclub #thecookfeed #thebakefeed #makeitdelicious @thefeedfeed #f52food #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautescuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #onthetable #allrecipes #foodphotography
Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a d Creamy Hummus with Crispy Homemade Pita Chips: a delicious and healthy recipe, full of good plant-based protein and fiber, a staple in the Mediterranean diet! ✨💯😋
.
✨New recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
Ingredients:
1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and with their skin removed
2-3 cloves garlic
¼ cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
3 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
pinch of ground cumin
pinch of Cayenne pepper (optional)
½ tsp. sea salt
⅓ cup ice-cold water 
.
(Full recipe on my site)
.
.
#hummusrecipe #pitachips #homemadepitachips #savoryfood #easydips #partyfood #gamesnacks  #appetizerideas #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #buzzfeast #homemade #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #snack #foodphotography
Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles fil Tiropitakia - traditional Greek filo triangles filled with Feta cheese and a tiny amount of spearmint 💙✨Crispy filo layers and sharp Greek Feta, such a delicious flavor and texture combination! 😋 Nobody can resist this favorite Greek snack! ✨💙🇬🇷
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
~ INGREDIENTS:

• ½ lb. Greek feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ lb. ricotta cheese (full fat) or Greek anthotiro (if you can find it)
•1 large egg, beaten
• ¼-½ tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
• ½ lb. filo dough, thawed
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, for brushing on the filo 
.
.
.
#filoappetizers #gamedayfood #tiropitakia #τυροπιτάκια  #greekfood #greekrecipes #filo #tiropitakia #greekgastronomy #filosnacks #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #Greeksnack #greekfoodblogger #foodandwine #thefeedfeed @dodoni_international #mediterraneanlifestyle #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #greekchef #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #fetacheese #yummyfood #allrecipes #lovefood #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-r Cold, winter Sundays call for comfort food: oven-roasted chicken with small red potatoes and lots of fresh lemon and garlic! A super simple and delicious recipe! ✨😋👌
.
.
✨Full recipe on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#roastedchicken #sundaydinners #comfortfood #chickenrecipes #familymeals #buttermilkchicken @ciaosamin #saltfatacidheatcookbook
Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of F Light as a cloud vegetable frittata with lots of Fontina cheese, a delicious dish - not only for breakfast or weekend brunch, but also for those busy weeknight evenings!  So, so good! 😋🌶️🌿🧀 🍠
.
✨Full recipe up on my site [marilenaskitchen.com], linked in bio!✨
.
.
#frittata #breakfastrecipes #savorybreakfast #brunchtime #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #bakingathome #myfoodphotography #mediterraneandiet #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #thebakefeedfeed #marilenaskitchen
Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delici Mini filo quiches with salmon and chives: a delicious and easy holiday appetizer! A box of good quality filo shells, some smoked salmon, and a simple custard of eggs & cream is all you need to make these flavorful little savory bites! 🥂🎄😋
.
🎄A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory🎄
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], also linked in stories!✨
.
.
.
#appetizerideas #holidayappetizer #brunchideas #filoappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #filodough #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography
A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puf A delicious holiday appetizer: four-ingredient Puff Pastry Parmesan Cheese Straws with fresh rosemary and sesame seeds! ✨😋 Crispy and flaky, savory and so flavorful, they are the perfect addition to a holiday buffet and any charcuterie board! ✨🧡💯
.
This new recipe is a collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡
.
✨Find the recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#cheesestraws #puffpastryrecipes #appetizerrecipe #vegetarianappetizer #savorybaking @fillofactory #bakingtime #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #bluezoneskitchen #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #foodandwine #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #buzzfeast #todayfood #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #filorecipes #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red Delicious Greek meatballs, creamy tzatziki and red onion slivers, ready to be wrapped in toasted pita bread! An all-time favorite family meal! 😋🥙 💙🇬🇷
.
✨Recipe linked in profile! 👩🏻‍🍳✨
.
.
.
#Greekmeatballs #keftedakia #greekcuisine #comfortfood #instagood #greekdish #mediterraneandiet #greekfoodblogger #yummyfood #mygreektable #thefeedfeed  #mediterraneanliving #huffposttaste #yahoofood #bonappetitmag #yummyfood #weeknightmeals #buzzfeedfood #epicurious #feedyoursoul #dailyfoodfeed #saveurmag #appetitejournal #allrecipes #marilenaskitchen
Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a gr Spiced Apple and Cheddar Cheese Filo Treats - a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall baking! 🍂🍎🍁
Crispy, buttery, flaky filo cups make the base for a delicious apple and spice filling. The addition of cheddar cheese adds an unexpected layer of flavor to this easy fall dessert! 🧡🍂🍎
.
🍂A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡🍂
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
#fallbaking #apples #bakingwithapples @fillofactory #bakingtime #sweetandsavory #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #fillofactory #cabotcheese #bakedwithlove #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Fe Tiropsomo, a delicious Greek skillet bread with Feta cheese, oregano and lots of good extra virgin olive oil - such an irresistible treat! 🧡🍞Super easy to make even for the novice baker, a favorite accompaniment to every Greek meal! 🇬🇷💙😋
.
✨A favorite recipe from my blog, linked in profile! ✨👩🏻‍🍳
.
.
.
#Greekbread #cheesebread #skilletbread #τυρόψωμο #freshbread #breadbaking #bread #bakingtime #fromscratch #goodmoodfood #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #droolclub #myfoodphotography #buzzfeast #eatrealfood  #makeitdelicious #photooftheday #yummyfood #realfood #eattheworld  #foodphotography #foodiesfeed #heresmyfood #chefsofinstagram #marilenaskitchen
A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of A delicious plum puff pastry tart ✨the flavor of cardamom-infused plums is a match-made-in-heaven! ✨ A wonderful combination of sweet and slightly tart plums that pair so well with the deep, earthy flavor of freshly ground cardamom! So, so good! 🧡😋 
.
✨ A new recipe in collaboration with my friends at @fillofactory 🧡 
.
✨You can find this recipe on the blog [marilenaskitchen.com], linked also in bio! ✨
.
.
.
#easydessert #fruitart #puffpastry @fillofactory #bakingtime #plums #bakingfromscratch #falldessert #bakingwithfruit #greekfoodlovers #fillofactory #bakedwithlove #greekgastronomy #Mediterraneandiet #fromscratch #thefeedfeed #foodblogfeed @thefeedfeed #comfortfood #huffposttaste #hautecuisines #gastronomia #eatrealfood  #photooftheday #yummyfood #greektreats #easybake #onthetable #foodphotography #marilenaskitchen
Follow on Instagram

PINTEREST

Archives

my foodgawker gallery

Terms of Use

© Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen, 2025. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Marilena Leavitt and Marilena’s Kitchen with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

Copyright © 2025 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress

 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d