The holidays are here — which means festive treats, glowing lights, and plenty of excuses to spoil your four-legged best friend. If your pup gives you those eyes every time you’re baking Christmas cookies, we’ve got you covered. These five dog-safe holiday cookie recipes are easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and free of anything that could land your pup on the naughty list.
Whether you’re filling a treat jar, packing stocking stuffers, or prepping goodies for your local pup playdate, these recipes deliver festive flavor with DogTuff-approved safety
1. Peanut Butter & Gingerbread Dog Cookies
A holiday classic — pup-style. Ginger adds tummy-friendly warmth, and peanut butter brings the crowd-favorite flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix peanut butter, egg, and water.
- Add flour, ginger, and cinnamon; stir until dough forms.
- Roll out and cut with holiday cookie cutters.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until firm.
Tuff Tester Tip: Add a pawprint press before baking for extra cuteness.
2. Cranberry & Oat Holiday Biscuit Bites
These pretty red-flecked cookies look festive on any cookie tray and offer antioxidants from dog-safe unsweetened dried cranberries.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- ½ cup unsweetened dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Pulse oats into coarse flour.
- Combine dry ingredients; fold in egg and broth.
- Form small round bites.
- Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Bonus: Perfect for stuffing into a Tuffy® Mega Ring or West Paw Toppl once cooled.
3. Apple Cinnamon Holiday Snaps
Think apple pie… for dogs! These crunchy snaps smell incredible and are gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups oat flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F for a slower, crunchier bake.
- Mix all ingredients into a dough.
- Roll into thin sheets and cut into squares.
- Bake 35–40 minutes or until crisp.
Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
4. Holiday Pumpkin Spice Dog Cookies
Pumpkin is a vitamin-rich favorite for pups — perfect for festive winter treats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 2 ½ cups brown rice flour
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Whisk pumpkin and eggs.
- Add dry ingredients until dough forms.
- Roll out and cut shapes.
- Bake 25 minutes.
Why pups love it: Pumpkin is great for digestion, and the mild spices add warmth without irritation.
5. Banana & Carob Holiday Stars
Carob is the dog-safe alternative to chocolate — and it makes these holiday stars extra festive.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 ¼ cups oat flour
- 2 tbsp carob powder
- 1 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2–3 tbsp water as needed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Mix banana and peanut butter.
- Add oat flour and carob.
- Add water until dough is workable.
- Cut into star shapes.
- Bake 18–20 minutes.
For extra flair: Dust lightly with a sprinkle of carob after baking.
Holiday Treat Safety Reminders
To keep your pup’s holiday extra merry:
- Avoid chocolate, nutmeg, raisins, artificial sweeteners, and rich human holiday foods.
- Always choose xylitol-free peanut butter.
- Introduce new treats slowly — especially for sensitive stomachs.
- When gifting homemade treats, label ingredients for other pet parents.
Final Thoughts
Holiday baking is one of the best parts of the season — and now your best friend can join the fun safely. These five dog-friendly cookie recipes are simple, festive, budget-friendly, and perfect for treat jars, stockings, or holiday gift bags for your favorite dog-loving friends.
If you want matching holiday-themed tough toys, DogTuff has you covered with ultra-durable favorites from Tuffy, Mighty, SodaPup, West Paw®, and more — ready to slide under the tree.
