15 DIY Holiday Dog Cookies You Need to Try

Be it Christmas or Hanukkah, Diwali or Eid, Thanksgiving or Easter, New Year’s Day or Independence Day, as the entire family gathers around for festivities, you wouldn’t want your furry buddy to miss out on the fun. As you prepare a lavish spread for your loved ones or gather up delectable snacks to watch the fireworks or a parade, chalk out some time to prepare some homemade festive dog treats so your pooch can feel special and extra loved. 

These treats don’t have to be too elaborate or complex either. A batch of tasty, nutritious cookies, made with love, is enough to send your pet over the moon with joy. Yes, that’s how easy it is to love them—but in the name of the festive spirit and spoiling them with your love, don’t feed them the entire batch at once (or even in one day) though. Now that we have that covered, let’s talk about how to make holiday dog cookies at home and explore some easy-peasy DIY recipes.  

DIY Holiday Dog Cookies You Need to Try

When the holidays roll around, we’re naturally gripped by a desire to spread joy and let our loved ones know how special they’re to us. I know that includes your furry baby. So, if you’re wondering how to show your mutt some love on special days and holidays, I suggest you give the usual gift-buying a rest (because how many squeaky toys will you get them?) and give holiday-themed dog cookies a try. These quick and easy holiday dog cookie recipes will have you hit the ground running: 

1. Peanut butter and pumpkin paw print cookies

This is among the easy Christmas dog treat recipes with peanut butter and pumpkin—the two universal dog favorites. Not only will the resulting cookies be packed with flavors your pet will go crazy over but also nutrients. The paw print design adds an adorable homemade touch.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
• ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 1 ½ cups oat flour
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and egg. Gradually add oat flour and knead into a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and cut out circles. Press your dog’s paw lightly into each cookie to create an imprint.
4. Bake for 15–18 minutes, then let them cool before serving.

Suggested Reading: 12 Vegan Treat Ideas for Dogs

2. Gingerbread dog cookies

A dog-friendly version of gingerbread cookies, these treats offer warm holiday spices without harmful ingredients like nutmeg or cloves. A perfect pick if you’re looking for DIY Christmas dog biscuits. 

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl. Add applesauce, molasses, and egg, stirring until combined.
3. Roll out dough and cut into festive shapes.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, then cool completely before serving.

3. Apple and cinnamon holiday biscuits

This is another one of the seasonal dog treat recipes that carry an inherent sense of warmth and comfort. Combining the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting scent of cinnamon yields a perfect holiday treat. I promise you, your pet will go bonkers sniffing about while these biscuits are baking in the oven. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough and cut into shapes.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes and allow to cool before serving.

4. Frozen yogurt and cranberry snowflakes

Not all homemade festive dog treats need to be warm and comforting. Remember, dogs (well, most dogs) are crazy about snow. So, I have for you one of those rare seasonal dog treat recipes that captures and celebrates that love perfectly. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
• ½ cup mashed banana
• ¼ cup finely chopped cranberries

Directions

1. Blend yogurt, banana, and cranberries until smooth.
2. Pour into silicone snowflake molds.
3. Freeze for 4–6 hours, then pop out of molds and serve.

5. Carrot and oat Christmas trees

Healthy homemade holiday treats for dogs needn’t be boring. These crunchy cookies in a festive tree shape are proof.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups oat flour
• ½ cup grated carrots
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients to form a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into tree shapes.
4. Bake for 15 minutes and cool completely.

Suggested Reading: 15 Dog Friendly Summer Smoothies

6. Peppermint pup bites

If you’re looking for holiday dog cookie recipes to prepare refreshing snacks for warmer days, here is one you’ve got to try this fresh, minty treat. It will also leave your dog’s breath smelling great—now that’s a win for everyone.  

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups coconut flour
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ½ teaspoon dog-safe peppermint extract
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Mix ingredients to form dough, roll out, and cut into small pieces.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes and let cool before serving.

7. Sweet potato and turkey mini bites

If you’re wondering how to make holiday dog cookies at home without having to fit another grocery run into your schedule, pay attention. These treats are a great way to use up holiday leftovers while giving your pup a protein-packed snack to much on.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cooked turkey (shredded)
• ½ cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix all ingredients into a dough and form small bite-sized pieces.
3. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool before serving.

8. Cranberry and oat Santa paws

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to town to bless your pupper with these special, delectable soft cookies that are loaded with antioxidants and healthy fiber. Didn’t I say trying your hand at these holiday dog cookie recipes is sure to elevate your festive spirit?

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries (finely chopped)
• ¼ cup flaxseed meal
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Blend oats into a flour, then mix with cranberries, flaxseed, and egg.
3. Form into small paw shapes and bake for 15 minutes.

9. Pumpkin spice and peanut butter snowballs

If you’re looking for easy seasonal dog treat recipes, these no-bake snowballs that are packed with flavor are the way to go. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ½ cup coconut flour

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients into a thick dough.
2. Roll into small balls and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

10. Christmas candy cane cookies

This step-by-step guide to DIY holiday dog cookies wouldn’t be complete without quintessential Christmas-themed candy cane cookies—without any artificial coloring or addivities. Use the natural color of beetroot to prepare these festive-looking treats for your pet.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups oat flour
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup beet puree (for red dough)
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Mix ingredients and divide into two portions. Add beet puree to one for color.
2. Roll each into long ropes, twist them together, and shape into candy canes.
3. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Suggested Reading: How to Make Frozen Fruit Treats for Dogs

11. Coconut and banana snowflake cookies

If you’re looking for seasonal dog treat recipes for winter holidays like Christmas or New Years, snowflake-shaped cookies with the warm flavors of coconut flour and banana are the way to go.

Ingredients

• 1 cup coconut flour
• 1 mashed banana
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Mix ingredients and roll out dough. Cut into snowflakes.
3. Bake for 12 minutes and cool before serving.

12. Cheesy holiday stars

These holiday-themed dog cookies are a savory, crunchy delight that your cheese-loving pup will thoroughly enjoy gorging on. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ingredients into a dough and roll out.
3. Cut into star shapes and bake for 15 minutes.

13. Salmon and oat holiday biscuits

I believe the best holiday dog cookie recipes are the ones that combine nutrition with flavor, and this protein-rich treat hits that balance perfectly. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ½ cup canned salmon (drained)
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ingredients and roll into small biscuits.
3. Bake for 15 minutes.

14. Carob and peanut butter holiday hearts

These healthy homemade holiday treats for dogs are a safe alternative to chocolate treats. Prepare them for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, you just can’t go wrong with these. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup oat flour
• ¼ cup carob powder
• ½ cup peanut butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Mix all ingredients, roll out dough, and cut into heart shapes.
3. Bake for 12–15 minutes.

15. Peanut butter and bacon Christmas cookies

This is among my favorite DIY Christmas dog biscuits. A salty-sweet indulgence your dog will love.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 egg

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Mix ingredients, roll out dough, and cut into festive shapes.
3. Bake for 15 minutes and cool completely.

Suggested Reading: 10 DIY Recipes for Dogs on a Weight Loss Diet

Storage Tips for DIY Holiday Dog Cookies

I promised you a step-by-step guide to DIY holiday dog cookies. That doesn’t just involve a low-down on how to make holiday dog cookies at home but also how to store them the right away. Here are some things to keep in mind: 

• Room temperature storage: Store dry, baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
• Refrigeration: For soft or moist cookies, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container
• Freezing: Freeze cookies in a sealed container or ziplock bag for up to three months. Thaw before serving
• Labeling: If making multiple types, label and date each batch to track freshness.
• Avoid moisture: Store cookies in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth. Use silica gel packs (food-safe) for extra freshness
• Check for spoilage: If a treat smells off, has mold, or feels overly soft, discard it immediately

Safety Considerations for Holiday Dog Cookies

These holiday dog cookies are meant to elevate your festive spirit, not cause your pet distress. To make sure they serve their intended purpose, here are some things you need to be mindful of:

• Use dog-safe ingredients: Make sure you work with the best ingredients for festive dog biscuits. For instance, ensure that the peanut butter you use is xylitol-free. Likewise, steer clear of added sugars, and stick to dog-friendly flours like oat or whole wheat
• Monitor portion size: Don’t go overboard with treats in the festive spirit. Even healthy treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calories
• Avoid toxic ingredients: Never use chocolate, raisins, nutmeg, cloves, artificial sweeteners, or excessive salt in dog treats
• Watch for allergies: Introduce new ingredients gradually to check for allergic reactions like itching or digestive issues
• No raw dough: Some ingredients (like eggs and flour) can carry bacteria. Ensure the treats are fully baked before serving
• Supervise treat time: Especially for hard treats, monitor your dog to prevent choking hazards

FAQs

Takeaway

Making DIY holiday dog cookies is a fun and rewarding way to include your furry friend in the festive celebrations. With a variety of flavors, textures, and shapes to choose from, you can customize these recipes to suit your pup’s taste and dietary needs. Just remember to store the cookies properly, follow safety guidelines, and serve them in moderation. Whether you’re baking for your own dog or gifting homemade treats to fellow pet parents, these holiday cookies are sure to bring joy and tail wags all season long!