Christmas morning is filled with the smell of freshly baked treats, cozy music, and happy anticipation. Why not include your pup in that joy? These Christmas Morning Dog Muffins are soft, festive, and filled with dog-safe ingredients that make every bite a celebration.
They’re naturally sweetened with banana and applesauce, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and dotted with shredded carrots for texture. Perfect as a Christmas breakfast for dogs or a holiday gift for your furry friends, these muffins are wholesome, hearty, and irresistibly aromatic.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
These muffins are moist, flavorful, and made with ingredients your dog already loves—banana, carrots, and oats. The texture is soft and tender, making them easy for dogs of all sizes to enjoy. They smell just like a cozy holiday kitchen, but with no added sugar, salt, or dairy.
They’re special enough for Christmas morning yet simple enough to make anytime you want to spoil your dog with something homemade.
What You’ll Need
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2–3 tablespoons water (if needed for texture)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon shredded coconut (unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cranberries (unsweetened and dried)
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt for topping (optional, dairy-tolerant dogs only)
Pro Tips
- Use ripe bananas—they add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Grate carrots finely for even baking and easy digestion.
- Avoid overmixing the batter; it keeps the muffins tender.
- Cool completely before serving to let the flavors set.
- Mini muffin tins make great portion sizes for smaller dogs or multiple pups.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Muffin tin (regular or mini)
- Paper liners (optional)
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour if your dog tolerates gluten, or coconut flour for grain-free (adjust liquids).
- Banana: Replace with pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato.
- Applesauce: Swap for pear puree or yogurt.
- Peanut butter: Use sunflower seed butter or leave it out for a nut-free version.
- Holiday twist: Sprinkle unsweetened coconut “snow” on top before baking for a festive look.
Make Ahead Tips
These muffins are perfect for preparing before the busy holiday morning. Bake them up to two days ahead, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat briefly before serving for that fresh-baked aroma.
You can also freeze a batch for later. They thaw beautifully and stay soft, making them great to have on hand for treats throughout the winter season.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease with olive oil.
Step 2: Mash and Mix
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the applesauce, egg, and peanut butter. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and grated carrot. Mix just until a thick batter forms. Add water as needed to reach a scoopable consistency.
Step 4: Fill the Muffin Cups
Spoon the batter into muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. If using mini muffin tins, you’ll get around 24 small muffins; regular tins make about 8–10 larger ones.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For mini muffins, check at 15–18 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, top with a small dollop of plain Greek yogurt or mashed banana before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve one muffin for breakfast on Christmas morning.
- Cut into quarters for smaller dogs or training rewards.
- Wrap individual muffins in parchment and gift to dog-loving friends.
- Pair with a bowl of warm bone broth or goat milk for a holiday “latte.”
- Add them to a dog’s stocking for a fun surprise.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Replace oat flour with coconut flour or a blend of coconut and almond flour.
- Dairy-free: Skip yogurt toppings entirely.
- Egg-free: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Nut-free: Leave out peanut butter or replace with pumpkin puree.
- Low-fat option: Use more banana or applesauce in place of peanut butter.
Leftovers and Storage
Let muffins cool fully before storing.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Reheating: Warm muffins in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid storing warm muffins sealed, as trapped moisture can cause sogginess or mold.
Nutrition & Benefits
These muffins are packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein to support your dog’s health while keeping them satisfied:
- Carrots add beta-carotene and fiber for healthy vision and digestion.
- Banana provides potassium and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
- Oats offer slow-burning energy and support a healthy coat.
- Applesauce keeps the muffins soft while adding a boost of vitamin C.
- Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats for strong muscles and a shiny coat.
This recipe delivers festive flavor and balanced nutrition, making it a guilt-free indulgence your pup will love.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of oat flour?
A: Yes! Blend them briefly in a food processor for finer texture or use as-is for a heartier bite.
Q: Can humans eat these muffins?
A: Absolutely—they’re made with all safe, natural ingredients. Just don’t expect them to be sweet like human muffins.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as you cut them into small pieces and introduce one new ingredient at a time.
Q: Can I add honey?
A: It’s optional. Most dogs don’t need added sweetness, but a teaspoon won’t hurt for a special occasion.
Q: Can I frost them for presentation?
A: Yes—use plain Greek yogurt or mashed sweet potato as a dog-safe “frosting.”
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Christmas Morning Dog Muffins are soft, cozy, and full of wholesome holiday flavor. They’re the perfect way to make your dog feel included in your Christmas morning traditions—without compromising health or safety.
Whether you’re baking for your own pup or sharing with friends’ dogs, these muffins bring festive joy and comfort to every tail wag. Simple, nourishing, and straight from the heart—because every good dog deserves a homemade holiday treat.