21 Festive Dog Friendly Christmas Cookies for Holiday Gifting

You can’t go wrong with a classic! Peanut butter is a flavor most dogs go absolutely bonkers for. This simple, no-fuss recipe is perfect for first-time dog bakers and yields a crunchy, delicious treat that’s impossible to resist.

Key Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, all-natural xylitol-free peanut butter, egg, and water. It’s that simple! Always double-check your peanut butter label to ensure it does not contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs.

Verdict: This is the perfect starter recipe for any pet parent looking to dip their toes into homemade treat making. It’s quick, easy, and a surefire hit with almost any dog.

Nothing says ‘Christmas’ quite like gingerbread! This recipe captures the festive spirit with dog-safe ingredients. Ginger is great for digestion, and a touch of molasses adds that classic flavor without harmful sugars. Remember, no nutmeg for dogs!

Key Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, blackstrap molasses, ginger, cinnamon, coconut oil, and water. These ingredients create that iconic gingerbread flavor and texture, safely.

Verdict: For the pet parent who wants to create a truly festive, classic Christmas cookie for their dog. The aroma alone will get everyone in the holiday spirit!

These delightful little ‘snowballs’ are packed with flavor and texture. Dried cranberries provide a tart, festive burst of flavor and antioxidants, while rolled oats add fiber. They look adorable packaged in a clear jar for gifting.

Key Ingredients: Rolled oats (or oat flour), unsweetened dried cranberries, coconut oil, and a little honey. Roll them in unsweetened shredded coconut for that ‘snowball’ effect.

Verdict: A fantastic, healthy option for active dogs. They are perfect for gifting because they look so festive and unique.

Pumpkin isn’t just for the fall! It’s a superfood for dogs, fantastic for digestive health. This recipe combines pure pumpkin puree with dog-safe spices for a soft, chewy cookie that’s gentle on the tummy.

Key Ingredients: Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling), oat flour, eggs, and a dash of cinnamon. The pumpkin acts as a natural binder, making these treats wonderfully moist.

Verdict: Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or older dogs who prefer a softer treat. These are the ultimate comfort cookie for canines.

The combination of apple and cinnamon is a timeless classic. These treats are slightly sweet from the applesauce and have a warming flavor from the cinnamon. They make the whole house smell incredible while they bake!

Key Ingredients: Unsweetened applesauce, whole wheat or almond flour, an egg, and cinnamon. You can also add finely chopped fresh apple for more texture.

Verdict: A wonderful choice for dogs who enjoy sweeter flavors. They’re a healthy, low-fat option that feels like a special indulgence.

For the pup who prefers savory over sweet, these tidbits are a holiday dinner in a cookie. The combination of sweet potato and ground turkey is both delicious and packed with protein and nutrients.

Key Ingredients: Cooked and mashed sweet potato, lean ground turkey (cooked), a little rice flour, and a sprig of fresh parsley for breath-freshening benefits.

Verdict: The perfect holiday treat for the meat-loving dog. It’s a hearty, nutritious cookie that feels extra special.

Want to give your dog a ‘chocolate’ chip cookie without the danger? Carob is your answer! It’s a dog-safe substitute that looks like chocolate but is naturally sweet and caffeine-free. Now you and your pup can enjoy similar-looking treats!

Key Ingredients: A base cookie dough (like the peanut butter recipe) with unsweetened carob chips mixed in. Carob powder can also be used for a ‘double chocolate’ effect.

Verdict: Perfect for the pet parent who wants to create a fun, photo-worthy treat that looks just like a classic chocolate chip cookie. A great novelty gift!

These grain-free macaroons are light, chewy, and surprisingly easy to make. Coconut is excellent for a dog’s skin and coat, making this a beautiful and beneficial treat.

Key Ingredients: Unsweetened shredded coconut, coconut flour, egg, and a touch of coconut oil. That’s it! Simple, clean, and delicious.

Verdict: An elegant and healthy choice, especially for dogs with grain sensitivities or skin issues. They look chic in a gift box.

Naturally sweetened with banana and a tiny bit of honey, these treats are a favorite among dogs with a sweet tooth. The banana provides potassium and vitamins, while honey has natural antibacterial properties.

Key Ingredients: Mashed ripe banana, whole wheat flour, an egg, and a small amount of raw honey. The riper the banana, the sweeter the treat!

Verdict: A great way to use up those brown bananas on your counter! Perfect for dogs who love fruit and a softer, chewier cookie.

For the cheese lover in your house! These savory treats are packed with real cheddar cheese for a flavor that will have your dog sitting, staying, and rolling over for more. Cut them into star shapes for a festive touch.

Key Ingredients: Shredded cheddar cheese, almond or whole wheat flour, egg, and a little water or olive oil to bind.

Verdict: The ultimate high-value treat for the cheese-obsessed pup. Their strong aroma makes them perfect for holiday training sessions.

A sophisticated treat for the discerning canine. These savory shortbread-style biscuits feature canned salmon and a hint of dill. The omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon are fantastic for a healthy coat and joints.

Key Ingredients: Canned salmon (in water, no salt), oat flour, egg, and fresh or dried dill. The dill also helps to combat fishy breath.

Verdict: An excellent choice for dogs with dry skin or dull coats. It’s a unique, healthy gift for the foodie dog owner.

Who says Christmas treats have to be baked? For a super simple, no-oven-required option, these frozen bites are perfect. They’re refreshing and packed with the goodness of blueberries and probiotics from yogurt.

Key Ingredients: Plain Greek yogurt, fresh or frozen blueberries, and a little water. Simply blend and freeze in festive silicone molds (like snowflakes or stars).

Verdict: The perfect, easy treat for a pet parent who doesn’t like to bake. A great gift for local friends—just deliver them frozen!

Give the gift of fresh puppy kisses! These treats are specifically designed to help combat bad breath with the natural power of mint and parsley. They’re a practical and appreciated gift for any dog owner.

Key Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, rolled oats, fresh parsley, fresh mint, egg, and a touch of coconut oil.

Verdict: A fantastic gift for any dog owner, but especially for those with small breeds or older dogs prone to dental issues. Functional and festive!

Inspired by the classic human crinkle cookie, this dog-friendly version uses blackstrap molasses for that rich, deep flavor and chewy texture. The oats add a wonderful heartiness to the treat.

Key Ingredients: Rolled oats, whole wheat flour, blackstrap molasses, coconut oil, egg, and ginger. The molasses is a good source of iron and calcium.

Verdict: For the dog who appreciates a substantial, chewy cookie. It’s a rustic, old-fashioned treat that feels very wholesome.

Combine two of the most epic dog flavors—bacon and peanut butter—into one ultimate treat. This recipe involves making two separate doughs and rolling them together for a beautiful swirl effect.

Key Ingredients: A peanut butter dough and a separate dough with crumbled, cooked bacon and a little bacon grease (in moderation!) for flavor. Swirl, slice, and bake.

Verdict: This is the showstopper cookie. If you want to create a truly decadent, impressive-looking and -tasting treat for a very special pup, this is the one.

Another fantastic no-bake option for those short on time or oven space. These are essentially energy balls for dogs, held together with peanut butter and packed with healthy oats.

Key Ingredients: Natural xylitol-free peanut butter, rolled oats, and a touch of honey or molasses. You can roll them in crushed peanuts or parsley for flair.

Verdict: The perfect recipe for a last-minute gift or a fun holiday activity with the family. They’re simple, quick, and dog-approved.

A healthy and crunchy treat that’s reminiscent of a classic gingersnap. Shredded carrots provide natural sweetness and beta-carotene, while ginger aids digestion and gives a zesty kick.

Key Ingredients: Finely shredded carrots, whole wheat flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, and an egg. These bake up into a wonderfully crisp biscuit.

Verdict: A fantastic, low-calorie, crunchy option for dogs on a diet or those who just love a good snap! The orange color is also very festive.

Get those greens in! This recipe is for the health-conscious pet parent looking to sneak some extra vitamins into their dog’s diet. These ‘greenies’ are packed with nutrient-dense spinach and kale.

Key Ingredients: Finely chopped spinach and kale, oat flour, chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium), and an egg. They bake into a savory, earthy treat.

Verdict: The perfect ‘detox’ treat after all the other rich holiday foods. A great gift for the super health-focused dog owner in your life.

A hearty, rustic biscuit that’s full of savory, meaty flavor. Using beef broth instead of water creates a deep, rich taste that dogs find irresistible. Barley flour adds a unique, slightly nutty flavor.

Key Ingredients: Barley flour, low-sodium beef broth, an egg, and a little oil. These are simple, satisfying, and very sturdy.

Verdict: A no-frills, deeply flavorful biscuit for the dog who loves all things meat. It’s a simple, wholesome, and economical choice.

For the pup with a sensitive tummy or grain allergy, this recipe is a lifesaver. Almond flour creates a tender, flavorful cookie that’s completely grain-free and easy to digest.

Key Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut oil, an egg, and a flavor like pumpkin puree or peanut butter. The dough is soft and easy to work with for cutout shapes.

Verdict: The absolute best choice for dogs with known grain allergies or sensitivities. It allows them to enjoy holiday treats without any tummy troubles.

This isn’t a cookie recipe itself, but a way to decorate any of the other cookies on this list! A dog-safe ‘frosting’ allows you to add festive colors and designs to your creations, making them perfect for gifting.

Key Ingredients: The ‘frosting’ is a simple mixture of a base like plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese, mixed with a binder like tapioca starch or arrowroot powder. For color, use natural food powders like beet powder (for pink/red) or spirulina (for green).

Verdict: For the artistic pet parent who wants to go the extra mile. Decorating cookies with this safe frosting is a fun holiday activity and makes your gifts look stunning.

Baking for your pup is a blast, but safety comes first. Unlike humans, dogs can’t handle many common baking ingredients. Keep this guide handy to ensure your holiday treats are full of love, not hazards.

Dog-Safe Pantry Staples

• Flours: Whole wheat, oat, almond, coconut, and rice flour are all great choices.
• Binders: Eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, and bananas work well.
• Fats: Coconut oil, olive oil, and xylitol-free peanut butter are good options in moderation.
• Flavors: Cinnamon, ginger, parsley, mint, carob, and low-sodium broths are excellent.
• Fruits & Veggies: Pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, apples, bananas, blueberries, and cranberries are all fantastic additions.

DANGEROUS Ingredients to AVOID

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are the most common holiday baking ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Never use them in your dog’s treats.

• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener found in many peanut butters and sugar-free products. It is extremely toxic.
• Chocolate: All types of chocolate are toxic to dogs. Use carob as a safe alternative.
• Nutmeg: This festive spice can cause hallucinations and nervous system problems in dogs.
• Grapes & Raisins: Highly toxic and can cause kidney failure.
• Macadamia Nuts: Very dangerous for dogs.
• Onions & Garlic: Can damage red blood cells. Avoid powders as well.
• Excessive Salt & Sugar: Not toxic in small amounts, but unhealthy and should be avoided.

Tips for Gifting & Storage

Most homemade dog treats lack the preservatives of store-bought versions. Store treats with meat or yogurt in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for a few months. Hard, crunchy biscuits can last a couple of weeks in a cookie jar. When gifting, package them in breathable bags or jars and include a little note with the ingredients and storage instructions. It’s a thoughtful touch your friends will appreciate!

How long do homemade dog cookies last?

It depends on the ingredients and texture. Hard, crunchy biscuits (like the Ginger Snaps) can last for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature. Softer, moister treats or those with meat/dairy (like the Pumpkin Delights or Frosted Cookies) should be refrigerated and eaten within 5-7 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use all-purpose white flour for dog treats?

While a small amount isn’t toxic, it’s not the best choice. White flour is heavily processed and offers little nutritional value. Whole wheat, oat, or other whole-grain flours are much healthier options that provide fiber and nutrients for your dog.

What can I use for dog-safe ‘frosting’ or ‘sprinkles’?

A great frosting base is plain Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese mixed with a little tapioca starch to thicken it. For colors, use natural food powders like beet powder (red), turmeric (yellow), or spirulina (green). For ‘sprinkles,’ use unsweetened shredded coconut, crushed peanuts (if no allergies), or finely chopped parsley.

My dog has allergies. What are some good substitute ingredients?

Baking for an allergic dog is easy with swaps! If your dog is allergic to wheat, use oat, almond, or coconut flour. For chicken or beef allergies, try recipes with fish, turkey, or simply stick to fruit and veggie-based treats. If eggs are an issue, you can often use a ‘flax egg’ (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or mashed banana as a binder.