Looking for easy homemade Christmas dog treats your pup can safely enjoy? These healthy, festive holiday dog treat recipes use dog-safe ingredients and simple steps perfect for beginners.
Christmas is the season of sparkle, soft lights, and warm ovens. While summer has its charm and fall feels rejuvenating, Christmas? Christmas is pure enchantment. It’s the season of cozy blankets, favorite pajamas, twinkling trees, and something delicious baking in the oven at all hours.
And if I’m whipping up festive goodies for the humans in my house, you know the dogs are getting their own special treats too.
Our pups deserve a taste of the holiday spirit just as much as we do. These easy homemade Christmas dog treats are healthy, safe, and ridiculously simple to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking cute gingerbread-shaped biscuits or apple-cinnamon stars, these festive DIY treats will have tails wagging all season long.
Why Make Homemade Christmas Dog Treats?
Healthier holiday treats:
You know exactly what’s going into your pup’s cookies—no mystery ingredients or sugary fillers.
A festive bonding moment:
There’s something soothing about baking while the tree lights glow and holiday music plays. And your dog will love being part of your traditions.
Customizable shapes & textures:
Gingerbread people, Christmas trees, candy-cane cutters, make them soft, chewy, or crunchy depending on what your pup likes.
Budget-friendly gifts:
Homemade treats make adorable stocking stuffers for your dog or thoughtful little gifts for friends with pets.
And here’s the truth: they don’t have to be perfect. Your dog isn’t judging your icing skills, they just care that it’s made with love (and tastes amazing).
Dog-Safe Ingredients for Christmas Dog Treats + My Favorite Tools
Here are the true stars of Christmas—and yes, each one is safe for dogs in moderation. I’ve added italicized links for my personal recommendations, so you can bake these treats just the way I do.
Apples for dogs: Peeled, cored, and seeds removed. Crunchy and vitamin-packed, with Granny Smith often considered best for dogs since they’re lower in sugar and higher in certain nutrients than red varieties.
Bananas: The best bananas for dogs are ripe, yellow bananas. Always peel them and avoid unripe bananas, which are harder to digest, and overripe bananas, which contain excess sugar.
Blackstrap molasses: It’s lower in sugar than regular molasses and contains minerals like iron and calcium.
Blueberries: The best blueberries for dogs are fresh or frozen organic blueberries with no added sugars or preservatives. Avoid canned blueberries, sweetened dried blueberries, or any products containing sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always wash fresh blueberries before serving.
Cinnamon: Safe in small amounts and adds cozy warmth. Always avoid nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs. I like using ground cinnamon.
Eggs: Fresh farm eggs when possible, or organic grocery store eggs.
Best flour for dog treats: You can use whole wheat or oat flour; avoid bleached, enriched, or nut flours.
Honey: Optional, but adds a touch of natural sweetness. Local or raw honey is best.
Ground Ginger: Safe in small amounts and adds that gingerbread aroma.
Oats: Gentle on sensitive stomachs and a great base for treats. Rolled oats are my go-to.
Dog Safe Peanut Butter: Always xylitol-free! The dogs go crazy for Buddy Butter Peanut Butter.
Pumpkin Puree: I love using organic unsweetened pumpkin puree—safe for pups and so easy to keep on hand.
Unsweetened Applesauce: A great natural sweetener and binder.
Baking Molds: These reusable silicone baking molds keep things non-stick and eco-friendly. And here’s a Christmas silicone mold set and Christmas Tree Silicone Molds to make your treats extra festive.
Baking Trays: I recommend using aluminum baking sheets lined with silicone baking mats. Aluminum conducts heat evenly, which helps the treats bake consistently, while silicone mats keep them from sticking (and save on parchment paper waste).
Cookie Cutters: Seasonal shapes make these extra fun! I use these Christmas-themed, Snowflake Cookie Cutter Set, Reindeer Cookie Cutter Set, and dog-themed cookie cutters.
Cooling Rack: A sturdy cooling rack helps the treats cool evenly and stay crisp.
Flour Sifter: I use a handheld flour sifter to break up clumps and make mixing smoother.
Food Processor: Perfect for grinding oats into flour and blending doughs.
Mixing Bowls: A mixing bowl set is handy for keeping wet and dry ingredients separate.
Rolling Pin: A classic wooden rolling pin makes shaping the dough simple and smooth.
Silicone Rolling Mat: I use a silicone dough rolling mat to keep the counter clean and the dough from sticking.
Spatula Set: A flexible silicone spatula set makes folding, scraping, and mixing so much easier.
Stand Mixer: My trusty KitchenAid Stand Mixer with the paddle attachment makes mixing a breeze.
Storage: Once baked, I store treats in these airtight glass containers to keep them fresh.
Disclaimer: The links above are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase through them. I only recommend products I personally use and love here at Daffodil Cottage.
Gingerbread Christmas Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened)
- ½ cup dog-safe peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- 2–2 ½ cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment)
- Spatula
- Flour sifter (optional but helpful)
- Silicone rolling mat or lightly floured surface
- Rolling pin
- Christmas-shaped cookie cutters
- Baking tray
- Silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Airtight storage container (glass jar or similar)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 18–40 minutes
Total Time: 30–50 minutes
Yield: Approx. 30 treats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a mixer or large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, peanut butter, egg, and blackstrap molasses. Mix until smooth.
- Add the spices: Sprinkle in the ground ginger and cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour: Gradually add the whole wheat or oat flour until a soft, workable dough forms. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Roll & cut: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured silicone rolling mat to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes using your favorite Christmas cookie cutters.
- Bake: Place your tray on the center oven rack for the most even heat. Since cookie cutter sizes vary, use the following ranges as a guide:
Small treats:
18–20 minutes → soft & chewy (ideal for seniors)
22–25 minutes → crunchy, longer-lasting biscuits
Medium treats:
25–28 minutes → semi-soft
30–35 minutes → crisp, break-with-a-snap texture
Large treats:
35 minutes → soft center with crisp edges
40 minutes → fully crunchy, perfect for gift bags or treat jars
Cool completely: Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and let them cool fully before serving.
Store: Keep in an airtight jar for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Apple & Cinnamon Snowflake Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or finely grated apple, peeled & cored)
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Equipment:
- Food processor or blender
- Medium mixing bowl — or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment
- Spatula
- Silicone rolling mat
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or silicone molds
- Baking tray
- Silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 20–35 minutes (depending on size)
Total Time: 30–45 minutes
Yield: About 25 medium-sized treats (more if using small cutters or molds)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the oats: Place the rolled oats into a food processor or blender. Pulse until they reach a flour-like consistency. A few small pieces left behind are perfectly fine—they add texture.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl—or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment—whisk together the unsweetened applesauce, egg, and cinnamon until smooth.
If using a stand mixer, start on low, then increase to medium until fully combined (about 1 minute). - Add the oat flour: Gradually add the ground oats to the applesauce mixture. Stir with a spatula or mix on low speed using the paddle attachment. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides. Mix until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms—similar to a soft cookie dough.
If too wet: sprinkle in a little more oat flour.
If too dry: add a teaspoon of applesauce. - Shape the dough: On a lightly floured silicone rolling mat, roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Cut into shapes with your favorite cookie cutters—snowflakes, stars, or any festive design.
Alternatively, press portions of dough into silicone molds for uniform shapes. - Bake: Place the tray on the center oven rack. Bake until firm and lightly golden. Adjust times slightly depending on size and desired texture:
Tiny treats: 20–22 minutes
Small treats: 25–28 minutes
Medium treats: 28–32 minutes
Large treats: 32–35 minutes
Bake less time for softer chews (great for seniors).
Bake longer for crunchy, biscuit-like treats.
Cool completely: Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and let them cool fully before serving. This helps them set and keeps their texture just right.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer freshness.
Honey, Oat & Cinnamon Reindeer Bites
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
Equipment:
- Food processor or blender (if making oat flour from rolled oats)
- Small mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl — or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Spatula
- Silicone rolling mat
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or silicone molds
- Baking tray
- Silicone baking mat
- Cooling rack
- Airtight glass container
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 18–35 minutes (depending on size)
Total Time: 30–45 minutes
Yield: About 30 small–medium treats
Instructions:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with a silicone baking mat.
- Place rolled oats in a blender or food processor. Blend for 10–20 seconds, or until they turn into a soft, powdery oat flour.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour and cinnamon. If you have a flour sifter, you can sift the oat flour first for a smoother texture.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine: honey, applesauce, and egg. Mix until smooth and fully combined (about 1–2 minutes).
- Combine wet & dry: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed or fold with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. If too wet → add a tablespoon of oat flour. If too dry → add a teaspoon of applesauce
- Shape the dough: Roll the dough out on a lightly floured silicone rolling mat to ¼ inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes—reindeer, trees, stars, or snowflakes. Or press dough into silicone molds for uniform holiday bites.
- Bake: Place the tray on the center oven rack and bake until firm and lightly golden:
Tiny treats: 18–20 minutes
Small treats: 22–25 minutes
Medium treats: 25–28 minutes
Large treats: 30–35 minutes
Bake less for soft chews; bake longer for crispy biscuits.
Cool completely: Transfer treats to a cooling rack and allow them to cool fully before serving. Cooling helps them firm up and keeps the texture just right.
Store in an airtight glass container:
Fridge: up to 1 week
Freezer: up to 3 months
Frozen Yogurt + Blueberry Christmas Tree Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana (peeled and mashed)
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt (xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- ¼ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
Equipment:
- Small mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Christmas tree silicone molds
- Small spoon or spatula
- Freezer-safe baking tray (to stabilize the molds)
- Airtight freezer-safe container
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 2–4 hours
Total Time: 2–4 hours
Yield: About 12–16 Christmas tree treats (depending on mold size)
Instructions:
- Prepare the blueberry ornaments: Cut the blueberries in half. Place a few halves into the bottom of each Christmas tree mold cavity, cut side down. These will become the colorful “ornaments” once frozen.
- Mix the yogurt base: In a small mixing bowl, mash the banana with a fork until smooth. Add the Greek yogurt, applesauce (optional), and honey (optional). Stir or whisk until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Fill the molds: Set your Christmas tree silicone molds on top of a freezer-safe tray for support. Spoon the yogurt mixture into each cavity, covering the blueberry ornaments. Tap the tray gently to remove air bubbles and level the mixture.
- Freeze: Place the tray in the freezer and freeze for 2–4 hours, or until completely solid. Thinner molds freeze faster; thicker ones may need the full time.
- Remove from molds: Pop the frozen Christmas tree treats out of the silicone molds. Work quickly to prevent melting.
- Serve: Offer 1–2 as a refreshing, dog-safe frozen treat your pup will love.
Storage: Store in an airtight freezer-safe container:
Freezer: up to 2–3 months
Avoid refrigerating; keep them frozen so they hold their shape.
Festive Ways to Share Homemade Christmas Dog Treats
- Wrap them in parchment paper with red ribbon for charming holiday gifts.
- Fill a mason jar and tie with a sprig of rosemary for a rustic Christmas feel.
- Pop a few into your dog’s stocking for Christmas morning.
- Bring them to holiday outings or winter walks for a special treat.
- Use Christmas-shaped molds and give as gifts to clients, friends, or family with pets.
Dog Treat Safety Tips (Holiday Edition)
- Never use nutmeg, chocolate, raisins, grapes, xylitol, or artificial sweeteners.
- Introduce new treats slowly to avoid tummy upset.
- Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories.
- For senior dogs or dental sensitivities—bake for less time for softer chews.
- Always use plain pumpkin, applesauce, and peanut butter.
- Store refrigerated for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
The holiday season is all about slowing down, savoring the moments, and making memories with the ones we love—human and furry. These cozy homemade Christmas dog treats bring festive cheer straight into your pup’s bowl. They’re simple, wholesome, and guaranteed to spark a tail-wagging celebration.
So turn on the Christmas music, let the soft glow of the tree fill the kitchen, and bake something special for the pup who brings joy to your world every single day.
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