Nothing says “holiday season” quite like festive shapes and cozy aromas filling the kitchen. These Sweet Potato Reindeer Dog Bites are fun, flavorful, and perfect for including your pup in the holiday baking tradition. Shaped like tiny reindeer heads or simple rounds, they’re soft enough for all dogs to enjoy and packed with nutritious ingredients that bring comfort and joy to every bite.
Sweet potatoes, oats, and peanut butter come together for a treat that’s naturally sweet, full of fiber, and totally dog-approved. Easy to make and beautiful to gift, they’re a must-have for any holiday treat jar.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs love the rich, earthy taste of sweet potatoes paired with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter. These bites are soft, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish from the inside out. They’re great as a snack, reward, or festive holiday surprise.
The gentle sweetness, warm aroma, and satisfying texture make these cookies a holiday hit your dog will happily “help” you bake.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato (no salt or butter)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour (or finely ground rolled oats)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed for texture)
Optional festive touches:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce for added moisture
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cranberries (unsweetened) for color
Pro Tips
- Cook and mash sweet potatoes well for a smooth texture.
- Use natural peanut butter—no salt, sugar, or xylitol.
- Keep the dough slightly soft for chewy bites or roll thinner for crunchier treats.
- Bake longer for crisp cookies, shorter for soft, reindeer-shaped bites.
- Cool completely before storing or packaging as gifts.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or masher
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cookie cutters (reindeer, circles, or stars)
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use brown rice or whole wheat flour instead of oat flour.
- Peanut butter: Swap with pumpkin puree or sunflower seed butter.
- Sweet potato: Replace with cooked pumpkin or mashed carrot.
- Oil: Use applesauce for a lower-fat option.
- Festive variation: Add chopped cranberries or a sprinkle of parsley for color.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough up to two days ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, roll out and bake as usual.
These cookies also freeze beautifully. Bake a big batch before the holidays, freeze them once cooled, and thaw whenever your pup deserves something special. They make wonderful last-minute gifts for fellow dog lovers too.
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 large bowl, combine mashed sweet potato, peanut butter, egg, and oil. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add oat flour and cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a little more flour; if it’s too dry, add a touch of water or applesauce.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into reindeer shapes or small circles for bite-sized treats. Re-roll scraps and repeat.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and slightly firm. For extra crunch, let them sit in the warm oven after baking for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving or storing. Cool treats are easier to handle and store without softening.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a special holiday snack or reward.
- Use as gifts in small jars or tins for friends’ dogs.
- Add to your pup’s Christmas Eve treat plate next to Santa’s cookies.
- Break into smaller pieces for training rewards.
- Include them in a festive goodie bag for dog park friends.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Use coconut or chickpea flour (add extra moisture if needed).
- Egg-free: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup mashed banana or flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).
- Dairy-free: Naturally dairy-free as written.
- Nut-free: Omit peanut butter and use pure pumpkin puree.
- Low-fat: Use applesauce instead of oil and reduce peanut butter slightly.
Leftovers and Storage
Let cookies cool completely before storing to keep their texture perfect.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Store up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Re-crisping tip: Reheat for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) if they lose their crunch.
If giving as gifts, let cookies air-dry overnight before packaging to keep them crisp and fresh.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Sweet Potato Reindeer Dog Bites are a wholesome blend of flavor and nutrition.
- Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamins A and C for skin, coat, and eye health.
- Peanut butter provides protein, healthy fats, and irresistible flavor.
- Oats add fiber and help maintain steady energy.
- Cinnamon brings antioxidants and warmth to the mix.
- Olive oil supports a shiny coat and healthy skin.
The combination makes these treats a festive, nutrient-rich addition to your dog’s holiday menu.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use canned sweet potato?
A: Yes, as long as it’s plain and free of sugar, salt, or spices.
Q: Are these soft or crunchy?
A: They’re naturally soft with a slight crunch around the edges. Bake longer for crisp treats.
Q: Can I skip the cinnamon?
A: Absolutely. It adds holiday flavor, but your dog will love the cookies even without it.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes—break them into smaller pieces for easy chewing and always introduce new treats slowly.
Q: Can I decorate them?
A: You can drizzle a little plain Greek yogurt on cooled cookies for a festive look. Keep frosted ones refrigerated.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Sweet Potato Reindeer Dog Bites are a festive way to show your dog just how much they mean to you during the holidays. With wholesome ingredients, a warm aroma, and a hint of natural sweetness, they capture the spirit of the season in every bite.
Whether baked for your own pup or wrapped up as gifts, these treats are simple, nourishing, and full of cheer—a recipe Santa’s reindeer would approve of too.