Few things smell as comforting as a batch of homemade dog treats baking in the oven, especially when they’re filled with the cozy scent of pumpkin and peanut butter. These Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits are a year-round favorite but feel especially right during the holidays.
They’re crunchy, fragrant, and made with wholesome ingredients you already have in your pantry. With every bite, your dog will enjoy a treat that’s flavorful, nutritious, and crafted with love—just the way homemade treats should be.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs go crazy for the flavor of peanut butter, and when it’s paired with pumpkin, the result is irresistible. The pumpkin keeps these biscuits moist and easy to digest while adding fiber, vitamins, and that natural sweetness dogs adore.
These biscuits are crunchy on the outside, soft in the center, and filled with simple, nourishing ingredients that you can feel good about serving every day—or wrapping up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed to adjust texture)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (for fresh breath)
- 1 tablespoon oats for extra texture
Pro Tips
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie mix—it contains sugar and spices unsafe for dogs.
- Check peanut butter labels carefully to ensure it’s free of xylitol, salt, and added sugar.
- Roll dough evenly for consistent baking and texture.
- Let biscuits cool completely before storing to maintain crispness.
- Bake longer for crunchier biscuits or slightly less time for a softer version.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (bones, hearts, or holiday shapes)
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use oat flour, brown rice flour, or chickpea flour for different textures.
- Oil: Replace olive oil with unsweetened applesauce for lower fat.
- Cinnamon: Optional but adds warmth and aroma.
- Egg-free: Use 1/4 cup mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce instead.
- Add texture: Mix in shredded carrot or oats for extra crunch and nutrition.
Make Ahead Tips
These biscuits are perfect for prepping ahead. You can make the dough up to two days in advance and refrigerate it, tightly wrapped, until ready to bake. When you’re ready, just roll out, cut, and pop them in the oven.
They also freeze beautifully—both unbaked dough and baked biscuits can be stored for months. Bake an extra batch to keep on hand for holiday gifting or everyday rewards.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, pumpkin puree, egg, and oil. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour and cinnamon. Mix until a thick dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it’s pliable but not sticky.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to shape into bones or festive cookies. Re-roll scraps as needed.
Step 5: Bake
Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and firm. For extra-crunchy treats, turn off the oven and let them sit inside for 10–15 minutes.
Step 6: Cool
Remove from the oven and let the biscuits cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer one or two as a daily snack or reward.
- Add a few to a holiday gift tin for dog-loving friends.
- Use as training treats by cutting smaller shapes.
- Pair with a bowl of bone broth for a cozy winter snack.
- Include them in your dog’s treat jar or holiday stocking.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Replace flour with a blend of coconut and chickpea flour (adjust moisture).
- Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free recipe.
- Egg-free: Substitute with mashed banana or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Nut-free: Skip peanut butter and use pumpkin puree alone, adding a touch more flour.
- Low-fat: Reduce peanut butter to 1/4 cup and increase pumpkin slightly.
Leftovers and Storage
Cool biscuits completely before storing to maintain freshness.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a sealed bag or container.
- Re-crisping: If they soften, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their crunch.
For gifting, let them air-dry overnight before packaging so they stay crisp and look beautiful in jars or bags.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits are more than just a tasty treat—they’re filled with nutrients that support your dog’s health.
- Pumpkin provides fiber, vitamins A and C, and supports digestion.
- Peanut butter adds protein, healthy fats, and irresistible flavor.
- Whole wheat or oat flour offers energy and fiber for a balanced treat.
- Cinnamon supports circulation and adds holiday warmth.
- Olive oil contributes to shiny coats and healthy skin.
Each biscuit delivers a satisfying crunch and wholesome nutrition your dog will love.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin pie mix?
A: No—always use plain pumpkin puree with no added sugar or spices.
Q: Can I make these smaller for training treats?
A: Yes! Use smaller cutters or roll into tiny balls and flatten slightly before baking.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as the ingredients suit their diet. Break into small pieces for easy chewing.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Absolutely. It adds texture, just make sure it’s all-natural and xylitol-free.
Q: How long do they stay fresh?
A: About a week at room temperature, or up to three months in the freezer.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits are everything a homemade treat should be—simple, healthy, and full of flavor. With their golden color, crunchy texture, and warm aroma, they bring a touch of comfort and love to every batch.
Perfect for everyday rewards or festive gifts, these biscuits are a wholesome way to show your dog how much they mean to you. They’ll be wagging their tail before the oven timer even goes off.