Base ingredients:

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free!)

• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup coconut flour

• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil

Optional Christmas add-ins:

• 1 tbsp pumpkin purée (natural orange color)

• 1 tbsp finely grated carrot

• 1 tsp ground flaxseed (omega boost)

Festive “sprinkle” options (dog-safe):

• Finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries (red)

• Unsweetened shredded coconut (snowflake effect)

Mix in pumpkin or grated carrot for a warm orange tone.
Fold in dog-safe “red sprinkles” (freeze-dried strawberry bits) if you want Christmas cookies that look straight off a Pinterest board.

Roll dough to ¼ inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters shaped like:

🎄 Christmas trees
⭐ stars
❄️ snowflakes
🐾 paw prints
🎁 gingerbread shapes

Place on parchment so nothing sticks

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden and the treats feel firm.

Let cool completely — they crisp up more as they rest.

According to both the American Kennel Club and PetMD, ingredients like plain peanut butter (as long as it’s xylitol-free), unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and coconut flour are generally considered safe for most dogs when offered in moderation. These simple, real-food ingredients are commonly used in homemade dog treat recipes because they’re gentle, easy to digest, and free from artificial additives.

That said, no two dogs are exactly the same. A treat that works perfectly for one pup may not be the right fit for another — especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach, food allergies, or hasn’t tried similar ingredients before. Dogs can react differently based on age, size, health history, or even excitement levels, so a slow, calm introduction is always best.

To keep your pup comfortable and safe:

✔ Introduce new treats gradually
Start with a pea-sized portion and observe your dog before offering more. Slow introduction helps you spot any sensitivities early.

✔ Watch for any signs of discomfort
Keep an eye on behavior, digestion, energy, and skin. Mild changes can indicate certain ingredients don’t agree with your dog.

✔ Adjust ingredients as needed
If your dog can’t have peanut butter, applesauce, or eggs, you can often swap ingredients for dog-safe alternatives. Small modifications can make the recipe work for your pup’s needs.

✔ Check with your veterinarian if unsure
Especially helpful for puppies, senior dogs, dogs with medical conditions, or dogs on special diets. A quick check can give you peace of mind.

Remember, homemade treats should complement your dog’s regular diet, not replace meals. Think of them as a fun, occasional way to bond with your pup — something small and special rather than an everyday staple.

By being mindful and introducing new treats with care, you can enjoy holiday baking while keeping your dog happy, safe, and healthy. 🐾❤️

Fridge Storage

Once the treats have fully cooled, place them in an airtight container to help lock in freshness.

They’ll stay good for 5–7 days when stored in the refrigerator.
Because these are made with real, natural ingredients and contain no preservatives, keeping them chilled helps maintain their texture, flavor, and safety.

If your dog prefers softer treats, fridge storage is perfect — the peanut butter and applesauce keep them slightly chewy and easy to bite.

Freezer Storage

These Christmas Peanut Butter Dog Treats freeze beautifully, making them ideal for holiday prep, gifting, or batching ahead.
Store them in a freezer-safe container or silicone bag and freeze for 2–3 months.

When you’re ready to use them, simply take out a few treats and let them thaw on the counter for 5–10 minutes.

They keep their shape, color, and flavor even after freezing — and many dogs actually enjoy the slightly chilled crunch!

Freezing is also a great option if you:

• Want fresh treats ready for Christmas week

• Are making multiple batches for gifts

• Have a small dog and don’t go through treats quickly

• Love prepping ahead before the December craziness hits

With the freezer on your side, you can bake once and enjoy festive treats all season long. 🎄🐾

These Christmas Peanut Butter Dog Treats bring together everything that makes the holiday season feel magical — the warmth of the kitchen, the sweetness of baking, the beautiful festive colors, and the joy we feel when we include our dogs in our favorite traditions. They’re wonderfully simple to make, fun to decorate, and absolutely perfect for gifting to the dog parents in your life who love a thoughtful homemade surprise.

There’s something so heartwarming about rolling out dough while your pup watches closely, hoping you’ll “accidentally” drop a piece. And when these treats come out of the oven golden, fragrant, and shaped like tiny trees and stars, it instantly feels like Christmas. These little moments — baking together, creating handmade gifts, sharing a cozy holiday afternoon — are the memories that stay with us.

Whether you bake these treats for Christmas morning, stage a cute holiday photoshoot, tuck them into a stocking, or simply want to make your dog’s December a little more special, they bring that heart-melting festive touch we look forward to all year long. They’re small, sweet reminders that the best part of the holidays is sharing love, joy, and simple moments with the ones who matter most — including the furry ones.

So gather your cookie cutters, warm up the oven, and let your home fill with the scents and sounds of Christmas baking. Your pup will feel the joy instantly, and you’ll create a tradition worth repeating year after year.

Happy baking, happy snacking, and the happiest holidays to you and your furry best friend! 🎄❤️✨