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Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY at Home

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY at Home

Written by: Sarah C.

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Published on

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Time to read 11 min

Many dog owners look for treat recipes that feel seasonal but still stay simple enough to make during December. The holidays tend to bring tight schedules, visitors, and plenty of activity, so most people prefer something that doesn’t require complex steps or unusual ingredients. That is one reason Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes remain consistently popular—especially those that rely on familiar pantry items and predictable results.


This recipe fits that need well. It uses common ingredients, the dough behaves steadily, and the finished treats look festive without relying on artificial colors or complicated decorations. Throughout this guide, the phrase Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY will appear naturally to support search visibility while keeping the reading experience smooth and human.


The goal is to provide a clear, calm, straightforward walkthrough so dog owners of any experience level can prepare these holiday treats with confidence.

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Information

Prep time

10 min

Cook time

18–22 min

Servings

20–24 small treats

Category

Baked Dog Treats

Origin

United States

Why Simple Holiday Dog Treats Work Best

One of the strongest advantages of choosing Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes is knowing exactly what goes into your dog’s treats.


This particular recipe avoids:

  • Artificial color

  • Artificial sweeteners

  • Excessive fats

  • Dairy

  • Strong holiday spices

  • Wheat flour (for easier digestion)


Instead, it focuses on mild, dog-friendly ingredients that create texture and flavor without overwhelming a dog’s stomach.

 Each ingredient plays a specific role, not for gourmet flair, but for practicality and safety.


Recipes like Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY are designed with that in mind. They highlight gentle ingredients, leave out unnecessary spices, and rely on basic baking steps. This allows owners to create festive treats without worrying about complex measurements or sensitive ingredients.


Some reasons this style of recipe works well:


  • It uses pantry staples

  • Rolling and shaping is easy

  • The dough maintains structure

  • The treats bake evenly

  • Storage is straightforward

  • Most dogs tolerate the ingredients well

These benefits make this recipe a practical choice for households wanting something seasonal without adding stress.

Ingredients

Dry & Wet Ingredients


  • 2 cups oat flour (or blend rolled oats into fine flour)

  • 1 egg

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 2 tbsp natural peanut butter (xylitol-free only)

  • 1 tbsp melted coconut oil

  • ½ tsp cinnamon (dog-safe in small amounts)

  • ½ tsp ginger (dog-safe in small amounts)

  • 1 tbsp molasses (optional – deeper gingerbread color + aroma)


This combination keeps the recipe simple but festive. It mirrors the warm smell of holiday cookies without using any unsafe spices like nutmeg or clove. The texture is soft enough to roll and firm enough to cut — a useful balance for Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY baking.


How to Make Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Step 1 – Mix the Dough

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Add:


  • 1 egg

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)

  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil


Next, add:

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon ginger

  • 1 tablespoon molasses (optional, but adds that classic dark gingerbread color)


This step forms the base of your Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY mixture.


Stir again to combine.


Now it’s time for the oat flour—but add it gradually. Pour in a portion at a time and mix gently. The dough will go through several stages:


  1. Loose and sticky

  2. Soft and pliable

  3. Firm enough to roll


When you can touch the dough lightly with your fingertips without it sticking instantly, it’s ready. If the dough is:


  • Too sticky → sprinkle in more oat flour

  • Too dry → add 1 teaspoon of water or applesauce


You don’t need perfection here. The dough only needs to be manageable enough to roll out without frustration. This flexibility is one of the advantages of Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes—they don’t punish you for small measurement differences.

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Step 2 — Roll It Out & Cut Into Shapes

Lightly dust your kitchen counter or cutting board with a bit of oat flour. Place the dough on top and begin rolling.


Aim for ¼-inch thickness. Thinner dough becomes too crisp and can burn around the edges. Thicker dough stays slightly soft in the center.


Use any Christmas-themed cookie cutters you have:


  • stars

  • trees

  • snowflakes

  • snowmen

  • hearts

  • paw prints


If the cutters stick, dip them in oat flour before each press. This small step makes the job easier and keeps the shapes clean.


For a more festive look without food coloring, you can gently press:


  • tiny carrot bits

  • finely chopped cranberries


…onto the tops before baking. It’s optional, but it creates subtle holiday color in a natural, mild way.


Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Step 3 – Bake

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the shapes on top.


Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes

.

  • For crunchier treats: bake longer

  • For softer treats: bake on the lower end of the time range


Let the edges turn slightly golden. This is one of the simplest parts of making Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY because the dough bakes evenly and holds shape well.

.

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Step 4 — Cool Completely

Move the baked treats to a cooling rack. This step matters more than people expect. Warm treats trap moisture if stored too soon, which shortens shelf life and softens the texture.


Cooling also helps the structure finish setting, giving you a treat that holds up well in jars, treat bags, or holiday gift packaging.


Once the treats are completely cool:


  • serve 1–2 pieces

  • package the rest in airtight containers

  • or freeze for later


This recipe easily fits into holiday routines, especially for dog owners who want something festive but simple.

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Step 5 — Storage Recommendations

A good Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipe should store well, and this one does.


Room Temperature:

Up to 7 days in a sealed jar or tin.


Refrigerator:

Up to 10 days, best for slightly softer treats.


Freezer:

Up to 2 months, ideal for prepping ahead of holiday events.


For gifting:

  • use small jars

  • kraft paper bags with wax lining

  • airtight tins

  • silicone pouches


Always include a small label:

  • ingredients

  • storage instructions

  • “Not for human consumption”

  • use-by date


Simple clarity keeps everyone safe and informed.

Texture Adjustments for Dog Preferences

This recipe can be easily adjusted based on whether your dog prefers crunchy or soft snacks.


For Crunchier Treats:

  • Roll thinner

  • Bake 3–5 minutes longer

  • Let air-dry for an hour


For Softer Treats:

  • Roll slightly thicker

  • Bake on the shorter time

  • Store in the refrigerator


One of the strengths of Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes is how easily they can be modified.


Why This Recipe Works for Almost Any Dog

Dogs vary in flavor preferences, age, chewing strength, and dietary needs. This recipe keeps things simple so most dogs can enjoy it safely. The spices are used sparingly, the ingredients are mild, and the dough is predictable.


Even for households with multiple dogs, these treats strike a gentle balance—seasonal enough for the holidays but basic enough to avoid overwhelming any one dog with new flavors.


This dependability explains why Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY searches grow each year. It’s a style of recipe that dog owners trust because it keeps both effort and risk low.

Texture Adjustments: Crunchy vs. Soft

Dogs have different chewing preferences, especially during the winter months when some experience tooth sensitivity or age-related changes. These treats can be adjusted to meet those needs.


For Crunchier Treats

  • Bake 3–5 minutes longer

  • Roll the dough thinner

  • Let baked treats air-dry for one hour on a cooling rack


For Softer Treats

  • Bake for the minimum recommended time

  • Roll the dough slightly thicker

  • Store in the refrigerator instead of at room temperature


Both versions remain structurally sound. The softer version is especially helpful for senior dogs or dogs with missing teeth.

Portion Sizes & Safety Guidelines

Portion control is important, especially around the holidays when dogs often receive extra attention and snacks. These treats should remain supplemental rather than a major part of daily calories.


General Serving Guide

  • Small dogs: 1 treat per day

  • Medium dogs: 1–2 treats

  • Large dogs: 2–3 treats


If your dog has a sensitive stomach, introduce any new treat slowly. Break one treat into small pieces first and monitor how they react.


Holiday Feeding Reminder

Dogs often get excited with visitors, decorations, and unusual smells. Consistent treat routines help maintain calm behavior.

Safe Holiday Packaging (If Gifting Treats)

Many people enjoy giving homemade dog treats to friends, neighbors, and family dogs. When packaging these, consider freshness, breathability, and storage clarity.


Good Packaging Options

  • Paper treat bags with liners

  • Small jars with vented lids

  • Dog-safe reusable silicone pouches

  • Metal tins with labels


What to Include on a Label

  • Ingredient list

  • Allergen notice (“xylitol-free peanut butter used”)

  • Storage instructions

  • “For dogs only — not for human consumption”

  • Use-by date


Keeping packaging simple and safe increases the chances that the treats remain fresh during the holiday week.

Variations (Safe Ingredient Swaps)

Some owners prefer to customize treats based on diet or allergy needs. These swaps maintain structure while keeping the recipe dog-friendly.


Pumpkin Variation

Replace half the applesauce with plain pumpkin purée for a deeper color and slightly firmer texture.


Banana Variation

Replace all the applesauce with mashed banana for a sweeter, softer biscuit.


Carrot Variation

Add grated carrot for natural orange tones and mild holiday flavor.


Cranberry Variation

Add finely chopped cranberries for small red flecks. Use fresh or thawed only—dry cranberries often contain added sugar or oil.


These small changes let dog owners adjust flavor and color without compromising safety.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature: up to 7 days
Refrigerator: about 10 days
Freezer: up to 2 months


To freeze:

  1. Cool completely

  2. Freeze in a single layer

  3. Transfer to an airtight container


This helps retain texture, an important detail in Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes.

Food Safety & Ingredient Notes

Dogs tolerate simple ingredients well, but it’s still important to avoid unsafe holiday flavors commonly used in human baking.


Avoid

  • Nutmeg

  • Clove

  • Chocolate

  • Raisins

  • Anything containing xylitol

  • Sweetened or flavored yogurts

  • Heavy oils


Safe Flavor Additions (In Small Amounts)

  • Cinnamon

  • Ginger

  • Carrot

  • Plain pumpkin

  • Unsweetened applesauce


These careful choices help maintain a stable, dog-friendly recipe.

Safety Notes & Holiday Ingredient Cautions

Always avoid:

  • Nutmeg

  • Allspice

  • Clove

  • Chocolate

  • Raisins

  • Anything containing xylitol

  • Artificial sweeteners


Introduce new ingredients slowly, even safe ones. Dogs can react differently depending on age, health, or stress levels common during holiday routines.


This approach reflects the careful tone expected for Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY resources.

How These Treats Fit Into a Dog’s Diet

These holiday biscuits are designed as occasional extras, not daily nutritional staples. They provide mild carbohydrates, small amounts of protein, and moderate fats. The simplicity of the ingredients makes them particularly useful during a season filled with tempting human foods that dogs should avoid.


For dogs with ongoing dietary restrictions, checking with a veterinarian before making major substitutions is recommended. The recipe is generally well-tolerated, but gradual introduction is always best.

Nutrition + Ingredient Notes for Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

When putting together holiday dog treats, most dog owners prefer understanding what each ingredient actually does. Even though treats are only a small part of a dog’s diet, choosing ingredients thoughtfully makes the recipe more reliable and easier on the stomach. This recipe keeps everything straightforward by using simple pantry staples and avoiding anything heavy or overly sweet. For many households, that’s part of the appeal of Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY recipes — they let you create something festive without complicating mealtime.


Oat flour is the main ingredient here. It provides structure, absorbs moisture well, and stays gentle on digestion. Many dogs tolerate oats better than wheat, which is why oat flour is common in simple holiday recipes. If packaged oat flour isn’t available, blending rolled oats works just as well and keeps the texture consistent.


The egg acts as a binder. It helps the dough hold its shape during rolling and baking, and it gives the finished treats a firmer bite after cooling. Applesauce contributes moisture and mild sweetness without adding sugar. Its texture makes the dough easier to work with, especially when rolling out shapes. A small amount of peanut butter is used mainly for aroma, since many dogs respond well to the scent. It also adds a bit of binding power without overwhelming the dough.


Coconut oil helps the ingredients stick together and prevents the baked treats from drying out too much. Only a tablespoon is needed, which keeps the fat content moderate. A small amount of cinnamon and ginger creates a mild holiday aroma, though both are optional for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Molasses, also optional, deepens the color and gives the treats a slight gingerbread feel.


These ingredient choices keep the recipe practical, especially for anyone trying holiday baking for the first time. The balance of moisture, binding, and texture is one reason simple recipes like Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY remain popular each December. They stay close to everyday ingredients while still delivering a seasonal result.

Why People Search for Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY

Dog owners often want:

  • Easy steps

  • Minimal ingredients

  • Festive appearance

  • Digestive safety

  • No special equipment


This recipe meets each of those goals, making it a reliable option for many homes. Including the phrase Dog Treats Christmas Easy DIY helps readers find exactly the information they’re looking for without overwhelming the experience.

Final Thoughts

Holiday seasons are busy for most households. Choosing a recipe like Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY allows dog owners to create something festive without needing special tools or advanced baking skills. The ingredients are simple, the dough is predictable, and the treats store well.

These biscuits provide a safe, gentle option for dogs while giving owners a manageable way to include pets in holiday traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these treats safe for all dogs?

Generally yes, but dogs with allergies may require ingredient swaps.

Can puppies eat these?

Use small portions and consult a veterinarian for very young puppies.

Can the dough be made ahead?

Yes, refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Can these be given every day?

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake.

Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY at Home

Sarah

Hi, I’m Sarah — I write the dog-treat guides and practical care articles here at PupMemorial. My goal is to make dog ownership easier by sharing clear, no-nonsense recipes with gentle ingredients and simple steps. Everything I write is designed to help real dog owners create safe, practical snacks without pressure or complicated instructions.


 I hope this Homemade Christmas Dog Treats Easy DIY guide helps make your holiday season smoother and a little more fun for your dog.

Comments

Can you freeze these ahead of time aprox 2-3 wks prior to baking?

KathyJones

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