Easy Christmas-Themed Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home

The holidays aren’t just for humans—our four-legged friends deserve to enjoy the festive season, too! What better way to spoil your pup than with some homemade Christmas-themed dog treats? Packed with dog-friendly ingredients, these recipes are simple to make, fun to customize, and sure to make tails wag. Whether you're baking for your own dog or making holiday gifts for fellow dog parents, these treats bring the festive spirit right to your kitchen.

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1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Christmas Cookies

These delicious cookies are perfect for pups who love peanut butter and pumpkin—a winning combo in the dog world! Shaping them into festive designs like Christmas trees, stockings, or snowflakes adds an extra holiday touch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
• 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix pumpkin, peanut butter, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Slowly add flour until a firm dough forms.
3. Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and use holiday-themed cookie cutters to shape.
4. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
5. Let cool completely before serving.

Pro Tip: Package these treats in a festive tin or bag as a thoughtful gift for dog-loving friends!

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2. Frozen Peppermint Woofies

Perfect for dogs who love a cool, refreshing snack, these peppermint woofies add a wintery twist to a frozen treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• A few dog-safe mint leaves, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Blend yogurt, applesauce, and mint until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into silicone molds shaped like snowflakes or candy canes.
3. Freeze for 3-4 hours or until solid.

Tip: These are great for calming your dog after a fun but busy day of holiday activities!

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3. Gingerbread Pupcakes

These soft and festive gingerbread-inspired cupcakes are a great way to include your pup in the holiday baking fun. They’re easy to make and can double as a special treat for holiday celebrations with other dogs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper or silicone liners.
2. In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, ginger, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together molasses, applesauce, and egg. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients.
4. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool before serving.

Optional Topping: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt “frosting” for an extra festive touch.

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4. Cheesy Snowball Bites

These savory cheese bites are as tasty as they are festive! Roll them into “snowballs” for a fun winter-themed snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix shredded cheese, oats, and egg in a bowl until a sticky dough forms.
3. Roll the dough into small bite-sized balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow to cool completely before serving.

Serving Idea: Stack these “snowballs” on a small platter for a festive display at your next dog-friendly holiday gathering!

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5. Sweet Potato & Cranberry Holiday Bites

These chewy treats combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the festive flair of cranberries, making them a perfect seasonal snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato
• ½ cup dried unsweetened cranberries (chopped)
• 1 cup oat flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine mashed sweet potato and cranberries in a bowl. Slowly mix in oat flour until a sticky dough forms.
3. Roll into small balls or flatten into cookie shapes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm.
5. Let cool completely before serving.

Tip: Ensure cranberries are unsweetened and free from additives, as sweetened varieties can be harmful to dogs.

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Tips for Safe Dog Holiday Treat Baking

• Avoid Toxic Ingredients: Never include chocolate, raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, or xylitol in your recipes.
• Use Dog-Safe Substitutes: If a recipe calls for butter or sugar, opt for unsweetened applesauce or plain Greek yogurt instead.
• Moderation is Key: Even though these treats are dog-friendly, keep portion sizes small to avoid upsetting their stomachs.
• Storage: Store treats in an airtight container or freeze for longer shelf life.

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Final Thoughts

Making Christmas-themed treats for your dog is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the holidays. These recipes are simple to customize, easy to make, and sure to bring joy to your pup and dog-loving friends. Whether it’s a festive cookie, a refreshing frozen treat, or a savory snack, your dog will love being part of the holiday festivities.

This holiday season, bake up some joy and make memories with your furry family member. Happy Holidays and happy tails!

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Sources and Recipe Inspiration:

The recipes provided are inspired by various sources that offer dog-friendly treat ideas. Here are the specific inspirations for each recipe:

1. Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Christmas Cookies: This recipe is adapted from the "Easy Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Treats" by Minimalist Baker, which combines pumpkin purée, oats, and peanut butter to create wholesome dog treats.

   Minimalist Baker

    

2. Frozen Peppermint Woofies: Inspired by the "Homemade Doggie Breath Freshener Treats" from The Nerdy Farm Wife, this recipe uses plain yogurt, fresh mint leaves, and parsley to create refreshing frozen treats that help freshen your dog's breath.

   The Nerdy Farm Wife

    

3. Gingerbread Pupcakes: This recipe draws inspiration from the "Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Treats" by It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken, which uses oat flour, pumpkin, and peanut butter to create dog-friendly treats.

   It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken

    

4. Cheesy Snowball Bites: Inspired by the "Cheesy Dog Treats" from The Cookie Rookie, this recipe combines shredded cheddar cheese, rolled oats, and eggs to create savory bite-sized treats for dogs.

5. Sweet Potato & Cranberry Holiday Bites: This recipe is adapted from the "Sweet Potato Cranberry Dog Treats" by Kol's Notes, which combines mashed sweet potatoes and dried cranberries to create festive dog treats.

These adaptations ensure the treats are safe and enjoyable for your dog during the holiday season.