When the holidays roll around, the smell of apple and pumpkin fills kitchens everywhere. Why not let your dog enjoy those same comforting scents and flavors with a treat made just for them? These Holiday Apple & Pumpkin Dog Cookies are wholesome, fragrant, and festive—perfect for sharing a little seasonal cheer with your four-legged family member.
Made with real fruit, simple ingredients, and no artificial additives, these cookies bake up crisp on the edges and soft in the center. They’re easy to make, store beautifully, and bring that cozy holiday warmth right into your dog’s treat jar.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs love the natural sweetness of apples and the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin. Together, they create a perfect blend that smells as good as it tastes. These cookies are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them both delicious and nourishing.
They’re great for festive occasions, homemade gifts, or everyday rewards. Your pup won’t know these are healthy—just that they taste like love and the holidays.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot for color
Pro Tips
- Use plain pumpkin puree—avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which contains sugar and spices.
- Ceylon cinnamon is safest for dogs and adds that cozy holiday scent.
- Mix gently so the cookies stay tender inside.
- Cool fully before storing to keep them crunchy.
- Double the batch—these treats make wonderful holiday gifts for fellow dog parents.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (holiday shapes like trees or stars)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Swap with brown rice or chickpea flour for wheat-sensitive dogs.
- Applesauce: Replace with mashed banana or pear puree.
- Pumpkin: Substitute with mashed sweet potato for a similar texture.
- Oil: Use unsweetened applesauce instead for a lower-fat version.
- Festive flair: Add a small drizzle of plain Greek yogurt on top once cooled.
Make Ahead Tips
These cookies are easy to prepare ahead of time. Make the dough a day or two in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just roll, cut, and pop them in the oven.
Once baked, they can be stored or frozen for later. They’re perfect for holiday gift bags, stockings, or treat jars that keep the season’s spirit alive well past December.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, applesauce, egg, and coconut oil until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, oats, and cinnamon. Mix until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little extra flour; if too dry, add a spoonful of applesauce or water.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters—holiday trees, stars, or bones are all fun choices. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 5: Bake
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. For crispier cookies, turn off the oven and leave them inside as it cools for another 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing. This helps them harden and stay fresh longer.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer one or two cookies after outdoor playtime or walks.
- Wrap in small tins or bags as holiday gifts for dog lovers.
- Serve as a post-dinner treat during family holiday meals.
- Use festive cookie cutters to match each celebration.
- Add to a dog-safe advent calendar for daily December surprises.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Replace oats and wheat flour with coconut or almond flour (add extra moisture as needed).
- Egg-free: Substitute 1/4 cup mashed banana or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Low-fat: Reduce oil and use extra applesauce for binding.
- Sensitive stomach: Stick to pumpkin, oats, and applesauce for a simple version.
Leftovers and Storage
Allow the cookies to cool completely before sealing them in containers.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Re-crisping: If they soften, bake again at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their crunch.
If you add yogurt drizzle or decorations, keep them refrigerated and use within a week.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Holiday Apple & Pumpkin Dog Cookies are full of natural ingredients that support your dog’s health.
- Pumpkin is rich in fiber and beta-carotene, which supports digestion and healthy skin.
- Applesauce adds mild sweetness and vitamin C.
- Oats provide energy and support coat health.
- Cinnamon adds flavor while supporting circulation and joint comfort.
- Eggs and coconut oil supply protein and healthy fats.
The combination creates a treat that’s festive, nourishing, and perfect for holiday sharing.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
A: No—pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices that aren’t safe for dogs. Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree.
Q: Are these soft or crunchy?
A: They bake up slightly firm on the outside with a tender center. For crunchier cookies, bake a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I skip the oil?
A: Yes—just replace it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
Q: Can puppies eat these?
A: Yes, they’re gentle and nutritious. Cut into small pieces for easy chewing.
Q: Can I shape them into balls instead of rolling out?
A: Definitely. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions, flatten slightly, and bake as directed.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Holiday Apple & Pumpkin Dog Cookies are the perfect way to share the cozy spirit of the season with your pup. With wholesome ingredients, warm holiday flavor, and an aroma that fills the kitchen, they’re a joy to make and even more fun to share.
Whether baked for your own dog or gifted to fellow pet lovers, these cookies capture the heart of the holidays—love, comfort, and homemade goodness in every bite.