Christmas Dog Treats Decorated Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas dog treats decorated to delight your furry friend. Made with wholesome, dog-safe ingredients, they’re a perfect way to include your pup in the festivities while supporting their health.
Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour (gluten-free and gentle on digestion)
- 1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter (healthy fats and protein)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (natural sweetness and vitamins)
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (calcium and probiotics)
- 1 large egg
- Optional: beet powder or spinach powder for festive coloring
- Optional: unsweetened coconut flakes for decoration
- Optional: freeze-dried strawberry bits for decoration
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, Greek yogurt, and egg. Mix until a firm dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more oat flour until workable.
- Step 3: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the treats are firm and lightly golden around the edges.
- Step 5: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating. Use small amounts of Greek yogurt tinted with beet or spinach powder for “frosting,” and sprinkle with coconut flakes or strawberry bits as desired.
- Step 6: Allow decorations to set for 10–15 minutes before serving to your dog.
Tips & Variations
- If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more oat flour to reach the right consistency.
- For grain-free treats, substitute oat flour with coconut flour, but use less as it absorbs more liquid.
- Replace peanut butter with pumpkin purée if your dog is sensitive to nuts.
- Add a pinch of ginger or turmeric for added anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Mix in rolled oats instead of using only flour for a chewier texture.
- Use a small piping tip to add detailed white “snow” decorations with yogurt frosting.
- Shape the dough into mini stars for convenient training treats.
Storage
Store the baked treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in layers separated by parchment paper for up to two months. When ready to serve, let frozen treats thaw at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Oat flour is preferred for its digestibility and gluten-free nature, but you can use regular wheat flour if your dog is not sensitive to gluten. Keep in mind it may affect texture and digestibility.
Is peanut butter safe for dogs?
Yes, peanut butter is safe as long as it does not contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always check labels and choose natural peanut butter without added sweeteners.
PrintChristmas Dog Treats Decorated Recipe
Celebrate the holidays by treating your furry friend to festive, healthy Christmas dog treats decorated with wholesome, dog-safe ingredients like oat flour, peanut butter, and applesauce. These low-calorie, high-protein treats support digestion and muscle health, make great bonding moments during preparation, and add joy to your pet’s holiday season.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 treats 1x
- Category: Pet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional: 1 teaspoon rolled oats (for chewy texture)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 large egg
Decorating Ingredients
- Greek yogurt (dog-safe, for frosting drizzle)
- Unsweetened coconut flakes (for snowy effect)
- Beet powder or spinach powder (for red and green frosting)
- Freeze-dried strawberry bits (dog-safe decoration)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, and rolled oats if using. In a separate bowl, mix peanut butter, applesauce, and egg until smooth. Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until a workable dough forms. If dough is too sticky, add additional oat flour a tablespoon at a time.
- Roll and Cut: Lightly flour a clean surface with oat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use holiday-themed cookie cutters to cut shapes and place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the Treats: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for 15-18 minutes or until edges begin to brown slightly. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate the Cookies: Use a small piping tip to apply dog-safe Greek yogurt as frosting, optionally mixed with beet or spinach powder for festive colors. Sprinkle with unsweetened coconut flakes for a snowy effect and add freeze-dried strawberry bits for a touch of holiday charm.
- Store Properly: Once decorated, store treats in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen treats at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- If dough is too sticky, add more oat flour until workable.
- For drier cookies, add a spoonful of applesauce to the dough.
- Thicken frosting with extra cornstarch if it becomes runny.
- Drizzle peanut butter on top if your dog is hesitant to eat the treats.
- For grain-free versions, substitute oat flour with less coconut flour.
- For nut-free options, use pumpkin purée instead of peanut butter.
- Add a pinch of ginger or turmeric for extra flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Consider finely chopped spinach instead of carrot for green coloration.
- Shape mini stars as perfect training treats.
- Freeze decorated cookies separated by parchment for longer storage.
Keywords: Christmas dog treats, healthy dog treats, peanut butter dog cookies, homemade dog treats, festive dog snacks, oat flour dog treats, decorated dog cookies
