Not Your Grandma's Holiday Cookies for Dogs

‘Tis the season to treat your furry friends to some homemade delights. 

If you’re an avid DIY-baker—or if you just want to try your hand at pet-friendly pastries this holiday season—this dog cookie recipe is simple and rewarding.

These dog treats can be a healthy alternative to store bought options. Plus, you might have just as much fun making these as your dog will eating them (a lot, we hope). 

Let’s dive into the recipe.

Holiday dog treat recipe

[Yields about two dozen cookies]

Estimated prep time: 15 to 20 minutes

Estimated cook time: 25 to 30 minutes

Total time: approximately 70 to 80 minutes (including cool down time)

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with coconut flour or oat flour for grain-sensitive pups)
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup of natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup of water (or more, as needed)
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure cinnamon, which has antioxidant properties (optional, and be sure to skip the nutmeg, as it’s toxic to dogs)
• Cookie cutters in festive shapes—like stars, christmas trees, dog bones, gingerbread men

Then follow these instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine applesauce, peanut butter, egg, water, and honey. Whisk together until smooth.
3. Slowly add in the flour and cinnamon, if using, to the wet mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency.
4. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thick. Use your festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
5. Place the cut-out cookies on a baking sheet that’s lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown.
6. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a cooling rack, for about 30 minutes, before serving to your pup. Store in an airtight container.

Serve this treat in moderation! Even though the ingredients are dog-friendly, too much of anything can cause an upset stomach in dogs.

Always monitor your doggie when introducing a new food or treat to ensure there are no allergic reactions or sensitivities, that they are comfortable with the texture, and to avoid any potential choking hazards—especially if your dog is not used to crunchy foods.

Wondering what human foods your pooch can safely enjoy during the holiday season? Check out our cheat sheet.

This article was approved by Lemonade’s favorite vet, Dr. Stephanie Liff.