As the festive season approaches, why not include your furry friends in the holiday cheer? These Christmas Dog Treats are a delightful way to spoil your pet while also giving them healthy snacks made from wholesome ingredients. With peanut butter and banana, they not only taste great to dogs, but they also come together easily in your home kitchen. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, your pups will wag their tails with joy—making these treats a perfect addition to your holiday baking lineup.
Why make this recipe
Reasons to try it
There are plenty of reasons to get excited about these Christmas Dog Treats! First and foremost, they’re a fantastic way to show love to your canine companions during the holiday season. Unlike store-bought treats, you know exactly what goes into these snacks—leaving out any additives or preservatives that might be harmful. This recipe is budget-friendly, quick to make, and perfect for when you want to treat the dogs who brighten your days.
“My dogs loved these treats! The little festive shapes were a hit, and I felt good knowing they were healthy options!” – Happy Dog Parent
How to make Christmas Dog Treats
The cooking process explained
Creating these homemade dog treats is a straightforward process that can be broken down into a few simple steps. You’ll start by mixing your dry ingredients, then combine them with your wet ingredients to form a dough. Next comes the fun part—shaping the treats with cookie cutters! After baking, you can get creative by adding a festive yogurt frosting. The entire process is not only simple but also allows you to bond with your furry pal as they eagerly wait for their tasty reward!
Ingredients
What you’ll need
To make the Christmas Dog Treats, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 1⁄2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (if it’s thick, microwave it for 20 seconds)
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 1 extra-large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup + 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey (for frosting)
- Red and green gel food coloring
These ingredients are healthy and dog-approved. You can modify a few elements, like opting for oat flour if your dog has grain sensitivities.
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour.
- If needed, warm your peanut butter slightly in the microwave for 20 seconds to make it easier to mix.
- Add in the peanut butter, water, mashed banana, beaten egg, and honey. Stir until everything is combined well.
- Dust your work surface with flour and turn out the dough. Roll it out to 1/4-inch thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to create shapes from the dough, placing them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, checking for a nice golden brown bottom at the 15-minute mark.
- Transfer the baked treats to a cooling rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting.
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cornstarch, and honey until blended.
- Divide the mixture into three bowls. Add green food coloring to one, red to another, leaving the third untinted. Mix until the colors are uniform.
- Prepare piping bags for each frosting color. Snip the tips and decorate your cooled treats carefully, avoiding drips.
- Allow the frosting to harden before serving.
How to serve Christmas Dog Treats
Best ways to enjoy it
Your pups will love these treats on their own, but you can also make them special! Serve them in a festive bowl, or pair them with a cozy dog-friendly Christmas movie night. For a fun twist, consider giving them as gifts to your dog-parent friends or leave a few for Santa Paws!
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
These treats can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature. If you’re looking to keep them longer, consider freezing them in a freezer-safe bag. Just remember to thaw them safely before using, so your pets can enjoy them at their best!
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
- Use fresh bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure to dust your surfaces liberally with flour to prevent sticking when rolling out the dough.
- Experiment with different cookie shapes to add a personal touch, especially if you have seasonal cookie cutters.
Variations
Creative twists
Want to get adventurous? You can swap out the peanut butter for pumpkin puree for a festive twist. Additionally, try adding mashed sweet potatoes for added nutrients and flavor. You could even sprinkle some cinnamon for an added holiday aroma!
FAQs
Common questions
1. How long does it take to prep these treats?
The preparation time is about 20 minutes, and baking takes an additional 18 to 20 minutes.
2. Can I use alternative flours?
Yes! Oat flour works well as a gluten-free alternative.
3. How should I store the treats?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
These cheerful Christmas Dog Treats are more than just snacks—they are love baked into delicious, tail-wagging delights. Happy baking!
