Every year, families leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer—but what about the dogs waiting by the tree? These Santa’s Favorite Dog Snacks are the perfect way to make your pup part of the Christmas Eve fun. Made with dog-safe ingredients like oats, applesauce, and peanut butter, these snacks are festive, flavorful, and easy to make.
They’re crunchy, lightly sweet, and full of cozy holiday aroma. Whether you’re setting out a few for Santa’s furry helpers or gifting them to friends with dogs, these treats are sure to spread Christmas cheer from the first tail wag to the last crumb.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs love the natural sweetness of oats and peanut butter, but what really makes these snacks special is the touch of applesauce and cinnamon that adds a warm, seasonal flavor. They’re perfectly crunchy, easy to digest, and smell like Christmas morning.
You’ll love how simple the recipe is, and your dog will love being part of the holiday magic—with their very own “cookies” baked just for them.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for special occasions)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
Optional festive add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for a touch of green
Pro Tips
- Use xylitol-free peanut butter. Always double-check the label for safety.
- Ceylon cinnamon is safe and mild for dogs. Avoid Cassia cinnamon, which can be too strong.
- Roll the dough evenly so cookies bake consistently.
- Cool completely before storing to keep them crunchy.
- Shape creatively—use bone cutters, stars, or mini Christmas tree molds for fun presentation.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour options: Use brown rice or whole wheat flour instead of oat flour.
- Applesauce substitute: Try mashed banana or pumpkin puree for variety.
- Oil alternatives: Use unsweetened applesauce instead for a lower-fat option.
- Flavor twist: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped mint or parsley for fresh breath.
- Texture change: Reduce baking time slightly for a softer cookie.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it, wrapped tightly, until ready to roll and bake. This saves time during the holiday rush.
Once baked, the snacks freeze well—perfect for stocking up or gifting later. Store baked cookies in freezer-safe bags for up to three months, then thaw at room temperature before serving.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, applesauce, egg, oil, and honey (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in oat flour and cinnamon until a dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour; if too dry, mix in a teaspoon of applesauce or water.
Step 4: Roll and Shape
On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into festive shapes like stars, bones, or candy canes. Re-roll scraps until all dough is used.
Step 5: Bake
Arrange cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and golden. For crispier snacks, turn off the oven and let them rest inside for an additional 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before storing or serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Set out a few next to Santa’s cookies for a fun family tradition.
- Gift in small tins or jars to fellow dog owners.
- Serve as a Christmas morning treat after your pup opens their gifts.
- Use as daily snacks through December.
- Crumble over meals for a festive topping.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Use coconut or chickpea flour and adjust moisture as needed.
- Dairy-free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Egg-free: Replace with 1/4 cup mashed banana or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Nut-free: Use pumpkin puree or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Low-fat: Reduce oil or skip honey for a lighter version.
Leftovers and Storage
Allow cookies to cool fully before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months.
- Re-crisping tip: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if they soften over time.
For gifting, let cookies air-dry overnight before packaging. This helps them stay crisp and picture-perfect.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Santa’s Favorite Dog Snacks are both festive and healthy:
- Peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats for strong muscles and shiny coats.
- Applesauce adds natural sweetness, vitamins, and gentle fiber for digestion.
- Oats deliver slow-burning energy and help support coat and skin health.
- Cinnamon offers antioxidants and warmth while supporting circulation.
- Coconut oil adds luster to coats and helps maintain skin hydration.
Every bite combines wholesome nutrition with festive flavor, making these snacks a holiday staple for your dog.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of oat flour?
A: Yes. You can grind rolled oats into a fine flour or use quick oats for a heartier texture.
Q: Can I skip the honey?
A: Absolutely. The recipe tastes great without it—dogs don’t need extra sweetness.
Q: Can I make these softer for older dogs?
A: Yes, bake for 15–18 minutes instead of 25 for a softer texture.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients suit their diet. Break into small pieces for easy chewing.
Q: Can I glaze or frost them?
A: If desired, drizzle plain Greek yogurt on cooled cookies. Keep frosted treats refrigerated.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Santa’s Favorite Dog Snacks bring the spirit of the holidays straight to your pup’s treat jar. They’re easy to make, filled with wholesome flavor, and a fun way to include your dog in your Christmas traditions.
Whether you’re baking them as gifts, setting them out for Santa’s helpers, or simply celebrating your best friend, these crunchy, aromatic snacks capture the warmth of the season—one wag at a time.