Dog-approved Cookie Recipes for Your Next Bake-off

Here at Ollie, we love a good fake internet holiday. ESPECIALLY if it give an excuse to indulge in treats—-not that we need one. December 4th is National Cookie Day, which feels more like a kick-off for all of the holiday baking and cookie consumption the next month has in store.

To celebrate the sweeter things in life, we rounded up some of the best dog “cookie” recipes the internet has to offer. We’ve even included a recipe for you to make to share with your very best friend if chocolate chip really isn’t your thing.

Since we take health and nutrition very seriously, we have to add one tiny disclaimer – even though its only one day, remember that cookies are a sometimes food. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. With that out of the way, on your bark, get set, BAKE!

For the healthy snacker

Photo: Clean Eating Magazine

Mango Chicken Dog Cookies

Clean Eating Magazine brings us this recipe for Mango Chicken Dog Cookies. It features wholesome ingredients like skinless boneless chicken breast and fresh mango. When preparing these cookies, remember to keep the pit of the mango away from your pup. It can make them sick!

Photo: Damn Delicious

Spinach, Carrot & Zucchini Treats

If fresh fruit isn’t your pup’s thing and you want to sneak in some power greens, try these Spinach, Carrot & Zucchini Treats. We love the health benefits of spinach so much that we even use it in some of our Ollie Recipes.

Blended with carrots and zucchini it makes a delicious treat that your pup will beg for. These are a great option for pups who are looking to lose a few pounds too. They’re packed with fiber to help your pup feel full from the pumpkin that is used in the base of these treats and all of the veggies. Keep portion sizes small by using mini cookie cutters to shape these treats.

Photo: Holistic Pet Wellness

Spinach, Apple, & Carrot Treats

If your pup prefers the sweetness of apple with their spinach, try these Spinach, Apple, & Carrot Treats. Packed with fruit and veggies they will only feel like an indulgence. This recipe eliminates the need for grains by using coconut flour. If you have a grain-free pup these are the perfect treat.

For the sweet tooth

Snickerdoodles

Not only will these Snickerdoodles make your house smell great, but they’re also made with rice flour. Even if your pup can tolerate wheat and gluten there may be other reasons why you prefer to keep your kitchen gluten free – like someone else’s allergies. These sweet treats look and smell a lot like the human version so we won’t judge if your decide to take a bite.

Peanut Butter Sandwich Dog Treats

Photo: Sweet Paul Magazine

For the peanut butter lover who is also a bit fancy, try these Peanut Butter Sandwich Dog Treats. They look a little like french Macaron, so they’ll make any occasion feel a little more posh! If you’re feeling adventurous in the kitchen sandwich some cream cheese or even some of your pup’s favorite flavor of Ollie in between these cookies. If you don’t want to make sandwiches you can also decorate these cookies with Royal Icing and dog safe sprinkles like shredded, unsweetened coconut!

For you both to share (maybe!)

We asked pastry chef and Head Sugar Pusher at Hey Sugar, Davina Soondrom for one of her favorite recipes for her four-legged best friend, a grouchy Shih Tzu named Oscar. While this recipe doesn’t actually contain sugar, it does contain some delicious treats that can be enjoyed by humans and dogs alike.

You might want to make a batch now and repeat over the course of this month as you celebrate other winter holidays.

Doggy Holiday Cookies

Ingredients:

• • 2/3 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup peanut butter (check your ingredients! You want a peanut butter that does not contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol which is toxic to furry friends!)

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 1/2 + 1/2 c whole wheat flour
• 4 strips rendered bacon, pat dry and chopped into small bits (optional)

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
   2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat pumpkin puree, peanut butter, cinnamon, bacon bits (if using), and eggs on medium-high until well combined, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups flour at low speed, beating just until incorporated. Add an additional 1/2 c flour in tablespoon increments until the dough is no longer sticky.
   3. Working on a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 3-4 times until it comes together. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Using cookie cutters, cut out desired shapes and place onto the prepared baking sheet.
   4. Place into oven and bake until the edges are golden brown, about 20 minutes for slightly softer cookies 25 for firmer (Oven temps may vary, so check and turn your cookies after 10 minutes).
   5. Let cool completely before decorating. Cookies can be stored in ziploc bag refrigerated for two weeks. Sharing is caring but also optional.

Dog Cookie Royal Icing

1. 1. • 1/4 c potato starch
      • 2 t honey or maple syrup
      • 1/4 c water
      • Natural food dye
        1. Place starch in a medium sized bowl.
        2. Slowly stir in water by the teaspoon.
        3. When half of the water is stirred into the starch add honey or maple syrup.
        4. Add remaining water until desired consistency is reached. It will seem thin, but will harden like royal icing.
        5. Divide your icing into other bowls if you want to color it. Just a couple drops should do it!
        6. Dip or decorate your dog cookies as you wish! If you want the icing to harden faster, place decorated cookies in the fridge.

However you and your pup decide to celebrate National Cookie Day, we hope it is delicious and a special bonding experience for you both!

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.