The holidays are full of food our dogs should never touch, so it helps to have a tin of festive treats they actually can enjoy. These 15 easy homemade Christmas dog treat recipes use simple pantry ingredients like plain pumpkin, oats, eggs, sweet potato and xylitol-free peanut butter, and they skip everything risky that hides in human holiday baking.
You will find rolled cookies cut into trees and stars, no-bake snowballs, frozen yogurt ornaments and chewy stocking stuffers. Every recipe lists exact measures, oven temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, baking or freezing times, yield and storage, so you can bake one batch or build a whole gift box for the dogs in your life.
Quick Facts
- Number of recipes: 15
- Skill level: Beginner
- Typical oven setting: 350°F (175°C)
- Prep time: 10–25 minutes per recipe
- Best for: Stocking stuffers, dog-friendly gifts, Christmas morning
Before You Start: Christmas Baking Rules for Dogs
Christmas recipes for people often contain chocolate, raisins, nutmeg, xylitol-sweetened products and lots of sugar. Dog treats look similar but are built differently: no added salt or sugar, no artificial sweeteners and no spice blends. For icing, we use plain unsweetened Greek yogurt thickened with a little tapioca starch instead of sugar icing. It sets softly in the fridge, so iced treats should stay refrigerated.
Natural colors are optional. A teaspoon of beet juice or beet powder gives pink and red, and a pinch of spirulina or blended spinach gives green. Use tiny amounts; these are decorations, not supplements.
1. Gingerbread-Shape Pumpkin Dog Cookies
These look like classic gingerbread people but are made with pumpkin and whole wheat flour. Ginger is optional and only a pinch is used.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp (28 g) melted coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 2–4 tbsp water, as needed
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line two baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk pumpkin, eggs and coconut oil, then stir in flour and ginger until a stiff dough forms. Add water a spoonful at a time if crumbly.
- Roll the dough 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick on a floured surface and cut with a gingerbread-person cutter.
- Bake until firm and lightly browned at the edges.
- Cool completely on a rack before decorating or storing.
Storage: Airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.
Tip: For crunchier cookies, turn off the oven and leave them inside with the door cracked for 30 minutes.
2. Candy Cane Twist Biscuits (No Peppermint)
Two simple doughs, one plain and one tinted with beet, twisted together for a candy-cane look without any candy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) oat flour
- 1/2 cup (130 g) natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- 1 tsp beet powder or 2 tsp beet juice
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Mix oat flour, peanut butter, egg and water into a soft dough. Divide in half and knead beet powder into one half.
- Roll each half into thin ropes about 5 inches (13 cm) long, twist one plain and one red rope together and bend the top into a hook.
- Bake until dry to the touch.
- Cool fully; the twists firm up as they cool.
Storage: Airtight container for 5 days or freeze for 2 months.
Tip: Keep ropes the same thickness so they bake evenly.
3. Yogurt-Iced Snowflake Biscuits
A plain oat biscuit with a snowy yogurt glaze that sets in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (180 g) rolled oats, blended into flour
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- For icing: 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp tapioca starch
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Combine oat flour, banana, egg and water to form a dough; chill 10 minutes if sticky.
- Roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and cut snowflakes or stars.
- Bake until firm, then cool completely.
- Whisk yogurt and tapioca starch, pipe snowflake lines with a zip-top bag, and refrigerate 2 hours to set.
Storage: Iced: refrigerate in a single layer up to 5 days. Un-iced: room temperature 1 week.
4. Cranberry Oat Christmas Bites
Fresh cranberries add festive color. Use fresh or frozen plain cranberries, not sweetened dried ones.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (135 g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (50 g) fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Stir all ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Roll tablespoon portions into balls and flatten slightly on the sheet.
- Bake until set and golden underneath.
- Cool on a rack.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 1 week or freeze 3 months.
Tip: Cranberries are tart and fibrous, so keep portions small.
5. Spinach Christmas Tree Biscuits
Fresh spinach turns these biscuits a soft green that is perfect for tree shapes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (30 g) packed fresh baby spinach
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) water
- 2 tbsp (28 g) melted coconut oil
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Blend spinach, egg, water and coconut oil until smooth.
- Stir the green mixture into the flour to make a firm dough.
- Roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, cut tree shapes and bake until firm.
- Cool completely before storing.
Storage: Airtight container for 1 week, or freeze 3 months.
6. Turkey and Sweet Potato Holiday Bites
A savory treat that uses plain cooked turkey breast, not seasoned leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (140 g) plain cooked skinless turkey breast, finely chopped
- 1 cup (240 g) mashed cooked sweet potato
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (120 g) oat flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a mini muffin tin or sheet with parchment.
- Mix everything into a thick paste.
- Scoop level tablespoons into the tin or onto the sheet.
- Bake until firm and lightly browned.
- Cool completely.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Tip: Make sure the turkey has no skin, gravy, stuffing or seasoning.
7. Snowball Yogurt Pops
Frozen white bites that look like snowballs and need only two ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Instructions
- Stir yogurt and banana until smooth.
- Spoon into a small silicone mold or drop teaspoon-size mounds onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze until solid.
- Pop out and transfer to a freezer bag.
Storage: Freezer bag up to 2 months. Serve straight from the freezer.
8. Carob Reindeer Cookies
Carob is a dog-safe alternative to cocoa; it has none of chocolate’s theobromine.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour
- 2 tbsp carob powder
- 1/2 cup (130 g) natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Mix flour and carob, then add peanut butter, egg and water to form a dough.
- Roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick and cut reindeer or round shapes.
- Bake until firm.
- Cool on a rack.
Storage: Room temperature airtight for 1 week or frozen for 3 months.
Tip: Never substitute cocoa powder or chocolate for carob.
9. Apple Wreath Rings
Thin, chewy apple rings dried low and slow. Always remove the core and seeds.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, cored with all seeds removed
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line two sheets with parchment.
- Slice apples into 1/8 inch (3 mm) rings; the cored center makes the wreath hole.
- Arrange in a single layer without overlapping.
- Bake, flipping halfway, until dry and leathery.
- Cool; they crisp slightly as they cool.
Storage: Airtight container for 1 week or refrigerate 2 weeks.
10. Pumpkin Pie Bites (No Spice)
All the color of pumpkin pie without nutmeg, sugar or spice blends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (245 g) plain unsweetened pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (60 g) oat flour
Instructions
- Heat the oven and grease a mini muffin tin with a little coconut oil.
- Whisk all ingredients until smooth.
- Fill each cup two-thirds full.
- Bake until the centers are set.
- Cool in the tin 10 minutes, then remove.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 2 months.
11. Sweet Potato Stocking Chews
Chewy stocking stuffers made from one ingredient.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line two sheets with parchment.
- Slice sweet potatoes lengthwise into 1/3 inch (8 mm) planks.
- Lay flat without touching.
- Bake, flipping once halfway, until leathery and dry on the outside but still slightly flexible.
- Cool completely on the sheet.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks; freeze up to 3 months.
Tip: See our homemade sweet potato dog chews guide for dryng tips.
12. Banana Carob Snowballs (No-Bake)
Rolled in unsweetened coconut for a snowy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 1/4 cups (115 g) rolled oats
- 1 tbsp carob powder
- 1/4 cup (20 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Mash banana with oats and carob until it holds together.
- Roll into 1 inch (2.5 cm) balls.
- Roll each ball in coconut.
- Chill on a parchment-lined plate until firm.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze 2 months.
13. Blueberry Ornament Drops
Round frozen yogurt drops dotted with blueberries look like tiny ornaments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Line a small tray with parchment.
- Spoon teaspoon-size dots of yogurt onto the tray.
- Press one blueberry into each dot (halve them for small dogs).
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag.
Storage: Freezer bag up to 2 months.
14. Peanut Butter Star Cookies
A simple crunchy star that works well for gifting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (130 g) natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a sheet with parchment.
- Mix into a firm dough and roll 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick.
- Cut stars and place close together.
- Bake until golden.
- Cool fully before packing.
Storage: Airtight at room temperature for 2 weeks or frozen 3 months.
Tip: Our peanut butter dog treats with simple ingredients post explains texture swaps.
15. Christmas Morning Carrot Apple Pupcakes
Mini muffins topped with a swirl of yogurt frosting for a special breakfast treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (55 g) finely grated carrot
- 1/2 apple, cored, seeds removed, grated
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup (80 g) plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
- Frosting: 1/2 cup (120 g) Greek yogurt + 1 tbsp tapioca starch
Instructions
- Heat the oven and line a mini muffin tin.
- Stir batter ingredients together until just combined.
- Fill cups three-quarters full and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely.
- Pipe the frosting on just before serving.
Storage: Unfrosted: refrigerate 4 days or freeze 2 months. Frosted: serve the same day.
How to Package Homemade Dog Treats as Gifts
Pack only fully cooled, dry treats into gift bags or tins, and keep refrigerated or frozen treats separate. Add a small label with the ingredients and a use-by date, since the recipient may have a dog with allergies. Kraft paper bags tied with twine, mason jars and cookie tins with parchment dividers all work well.
Dog-Safe Holiday Decorating Ideas
- Plain Greek yogurt + tapioca starch icing (refrigerate after decorating).
- Beet powder for red or pink, spirulina for green, plain pumpkin for orange.
- Carob powder dusted through a small sieve for a “cocoa” look.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut for snow, in small amounts.
For more ideas built around cookie cutters, see homemade christmas cookies for dogs, and for small, soft options for young dogs see 15 cute christmas treat ideas for puppies.
Dog Safety Notes
- Peanut butter: use only natural, unsalted peanut butter with no xylitol (check the label for “xylitol” or “birch sugar”). Choose unsalted and unsweetened.
- Never add: chocolate or cocoa, grapes, raisins or currants, onion, garlic, chives or leeks, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, alcohol, raw yeast dough, cooked bones, added salt or sugar, or artificial sweeteners.
- Fruit and veg prep: remove apple cores and seeds, use seedless watermelon without rind, and use plain unsweetened pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) and plain unsweetened yogurt.
- Portions: treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Cut pieces to suit your dog’s size and supervise chewing.
- Check with your vet before introducing new foods if your dog has allergies, a sensitive stomach, diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease or is on a prescription diet. Introduce one new treat at a time.
- Holiday table hazards: keep fatty meat trimmings, gravy, stuffing, mince pies, Christmas pudding, fruitcake and chocolate well out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat Christmas cookies made for people?
No. Human cookies often contain sugar, chocolate, raisins, nutmeg, macadamia nuts or xylitol. Offer cookies made specifically for dogs, like the recipes above.
What icing is safe for dog treats?
Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt thickened with tapioca starch works well. It stays soft, so keep iced treats in the fridge. Avoid powdered sugar icing and store-bought frostings.
How many Christmas treats can my dog have a day?
Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For most dogs that means one or two small cookies, not a handful.
Can I freeze homemade Christmas dog treats?
Yes. Most baked treats freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or serve frozen treats straight from the freezer.
More Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
- Homemade Christmas Cookies for Dogs
- 15 Cute Christmas Treat Ideas for Puppies
- Dog-Friendly Christmas Dinner Ideas
- Homemade Peanut Butter Dog Treats With Simple Ingredients
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.