Thanksgiving Cookies for Dogs Your Pup Will Go Crazy For
Last Thursday, I was rolling out pie dough for our family’s Thanksgiving dessert when my Golden Retriever, Bailey, planted himself at my feet with those irresistible puppy eyes. That’s when it hit me – why should humans get all the Thanksgiving treats?
That afternoon, I whipped up my first batch of Thanksgiving cookies for dogs, and let me tell you, Bailey’s reaction was priceless. He did three full spins before I even got them out of the oven. Now, two years later, these homemade dog cookies have become as much of a Thanksgiving tradition in our house as pumpkin pie.
The best part? These turkey-shaped treats are ridiculously simple to make, use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and they’re way healthier than store-bought dog treats loaded with preservatives and who-knows-what. Plus, they make your kitchen smell amazing – like a warm, cozy bakery mixed with a hint of peanut butter.
Why Your Dog Deserves Thanksgiving Treats Too
Here’s the thing: our dogs are family. They sit patiently under the table during Thanksgiving dinner, they tolerate toddlers dressed as tiny pilgrims, and they absolutely lose their minds with joy when relatives arrive. The least we can do is bake them some special thanksgiving cookies for dogs that are safe, healthy, and tail-waggingly delicious.
I’ve been making these cookies every November since 2022, and I’ve learned a ton about what works (and what doesn’t). That first year, I actually over-baked them by about 8 minutes because I wasn’t sure what “golden brown” meant for dog treats. They turned into hockey pucks. Bailey still ate them, of course, because he’s a dog, but I felt terrible. Now I’ve got the timing down to a science, and these come out perfectly chewy with just the right amount of crunch around the edges.
What Makes These Thanksgiving Dog Cookies a Winner
They’re Completely Dog-Safe
I’m obsessed with making sure every single ingredient is 100% safe for dogs. No onions, no raisins, no xylitol – none of the scary stuff. After testing this recipe about a dozen times, I can confidently say these thanksgiving cookies for dogs use only pup-approved ingredients. We’re talking whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, peanut butter (always check it’s xylitol-free!), and eggs. That’s it. Simple, wholesome, and totally safe.
Your Dog Will Actually Go Bonkers for Them
Most recipes call for carob as a “dog-safe chocolate substitute,” but honestly? Dogs don’t care about chocolate alternatives. You know what they DO care about? Peanut butter and pumpkin. These two ingredients combined create a flavor bomb that dogs absolutely lose their minds over. I’ve watched Bailey literally tremble with excitement when I open the container where I store these.
They’re Actually Good for Your Pup
Unlike those mystery meat treats from the pet store, you know exactly what’s going into these cookies. Pumpkin is fantastic for digestion, whole wheat flour provides fiber, and peanut butter delivers protein and healthy fats. I’m not saying these are a meal replacement, but as treats go, they’re pretty nutritious. My vet even gave them a thumbs up when I brought some in to show her.
Perfect for Gifting to Dog-Loving Friends
Last Thanksgiving, I packaged these in little mason jars tied with festive ribbons and gave them to all my dog-owner friends. They were a massive hit. It’s such a thoughtful, personal gift that shows you care about their furry family members. Plus.
You Can Make a Huge Batch and Freeze Them
Life gets chaotic around the holidays, right? I typically dedicate one Sunday afternoon in early November to making a triple batch of these thanksgiving cookies for dogs. They freeze beautifully for up to three months, so you can pull out a few whenever you need them. Trust me, it’s worth the time investment.
Recipe Card
| Recipe Details | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 22 minutes |
| Total Time | 37 minutes |
| Servings | 24-30 cookies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Calories | ~45 per cookie |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbs | 6g |
| Fat | 1.5g |
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Cookies for Dogs
Before we jump into the ingredients list, let me just say: please don’t substitute the pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie filling. I made this mistake once (wasn’t paying attention at the grocery store), and those cookies contained nutmeg and other spices that aren’t great for dogs. Always grab plain pumpkin puree – it should have exactly one ingredient listed: pumpkin.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour (plus extra for dusting)
- ½ cup pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (xylitol-free – check that label!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (dogs can have this in small amounts)
- ¼ cup water (you might need a bit more depending on dough consistency)
Optional for decoration:
- Plain yogurt or cream cheese for “frosting”
- Extra peanut butter for drizzling
That’s seriously it. Six main ingredients. I love keeping turkey-shaped cookie cutters on hand for Thanksgiving, but honestly, Bailey doesn’t care if his cookies look like turkeys or circles. He inhales them either way.
How to Make Thanksgiving Cookies for Dogs
Quick Overview
These come together faster than you’d think – about 15 minutes of hands-on time, then into the oven while you do literally anything else. The dough is super forgiving, so even if you’re not an experienced baker, you’ll nail these. I promise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Crank your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Don’t skip the parchment – these can stick a bit if you bake them directly on the pan. I learned this the hard way during my second batch, and let me tell you, scraping cookie dough off a pan at 9 PM is not fun.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and eggs. I use a sturdy wooden spoon for this, but a hand mixer works too if you’re feeling fancy. Mix until everything is smooth and well-blended. The color should be this beautiful golden-orange that screams fall.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Dump in your whole wheat flour and cinnamon. Start stirring – this is where some arm muscles come in handy. The dough will start looking shaggy and dry at first. Add water gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a ball. You want it firm enough to roll out but not so dry that it’s cracking. It took me about four tries to figure out the perfect consistency, but now I can tell just by looking at it.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your countertop or a large cutting board. Roll the dough out to about ¼ inch thick. Not too thin or they’ll turn crispy like crackers (which some dogs prefer, actually). Use your cookie cutters to cut out shapes. I get about 24-30 cookies depending on the size of my cutters. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut more shapes until you’ve used all the dough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer your cookie shapes to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each one (they don’t spread much). Bake for 20-22 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are golden brown and they feel firm to the touch. My kitchen usually smells absolutely incredible by minute 18. The first time I made these, I actually had a neighbor knock on my door asking what I was baking because the smell wafted down the hallway.
Step 6: Cool Completely
This is the hardest part – waiting for them to cool. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before giving one to your pup. They’ll be a bit soft when they first come out but will firm up as they cool. Bailey sits and stares at the cooling rack with laser focus every single time.
My Favorite Ways to Serve These Treats
Okay, so “serving” dog cookies sounds a bit fancy, but hear me out. I’ve found a few fun ways to make these thanksgiving cookies for dogs extra special:
For everyday treats: I keep them in an airtight container on the counter and give Bailey one after his walks or as a reward for good behavior. They’re the perfect size for training treats too – I break the bigger ones in half.
For Thanksgiving Day: I arrange a few on a small plate next to Bailey’s food bowl so he gets his own “Thanksgiving feast.” Sometimes I drizzle a tiny bit of peanut butter on top or add a small dollop of plain yogurt. He thinks he’s eating gourmet food, and honestly, the photo ops are adorable.
For doggy gatherings: When friends bring their dogs over, I set out a basket of these cookies. It’s like a dessert table but for dogs. The pups go absolutely crazy for them, and the owners always ask for the recipe.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
Always Check Your Peanut Butter for Xylitol
I’m going to say this again because it’s so important: xylitol is toxic to dogs, and some peanut butter brands have started adding it as a sweetener. Read. Every. Label. Every. Time. Even if you’ve bought that brand before, because companies reformulate products. I use natural peanut butter that lists only peanuts (and maybe salt) as ingredients.
The Dough Should Feel Like Play-Doh
If you’ve ever played with Play-Doh, that’s the texture you’re going for. Firm enough to hold its shape but pliable enough to roll out without cracking. Too dry? Add water one teaspoon at a time. Too sticky? Add flour gradually. I probably adjust the consistency slightly every time I make these because pumpkin puree can vary in moisture content.
Don’t Overbake Them (Like I Did the First Time)
Here’s my foolproof timing trick: set your timer for 20 minutes, then check them. If the edges are golden brown and they feel firm when you gently press the center, they’re done. If they’re still soft, give them another 2 minutes. It’s better to slightly underbake than overbake – you can always pop them back in for a minute if needed, but you can’t un-hockey-puck them.
Size Matters for Smaller Dogs
If you have a small dog, use smaller cookie cutters or cut the dough into tiny pieces. My friend’s Chihuahua nearly choked on a full-size cookie because she tried to swallow it whole (dogs are ridiculous). Now when I make these for small breeds, I use mini cutters or cut them into bite-sized squares.
Let Them Cool Completely Before Storing
I know it’s tempting to pack them up while they’re still warm, but moisture will get trapped in your container and make them soggy. Trust me, give them at least 30 minutes to cool down completely. I’ve ruined an entire batch by being impatient about this.
Storing Your Thanksgiving Dog Cookies
Room Temperature Storage
These thanksgiving cookies for dogs will stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for about 5-7 days. I use a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid, and they maintain their texture perfectly. Keep them in a cool, dry spot – not near the stove or in direct sunlight.
Refrigerator Storage
Want them to last longer? Pop the container in the fridge. They’ll keep for 2-3 weeks when chilled. Bailey actually prefers them cold during summer months (yes, I make these year-round now), so this works out perfectly.
Freezer Instructions
This is my favorite method for holiday prep. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper if you’re stacking them. They’ll keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you need them, just pull out however many you want and let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Or don’t – some dogs love them frozen, especially during teething puppy phases.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! I’ve made these with all-purpose flour when I ran out of whole wheat, and they turned out great. The texture is slightly lighter and less dense, but dogs honestly don’t care. Whole wheat just adds a bit more fiber and nutrients.
My dog has a peanut butter allergy – any substitutes?
Yes! Try sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter instead. Just make sure whatever you use doesn’t contain xylitol. I made a batch with sunflower seed butter for my friend’s dog who’s allergic to peanuts, and they were a huge hit.
Can I add other ingredients?
You can add small amounts of dog-safe ingredients like shredded carrots, unsweetened applesauce, or mashed banana. I’ve experimented with adding ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and Bailey approved enthusiastically. Just avoid anything toxic to dogs – no chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, or macadamia nuts.
How many cookies can I give my dog?
This depends on your dog’s size. For Bailey (who’s 65 pounds), I give him 2-3 cookies a day max as treats. Smaller dogs should get less. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. When in doubt, check with your vet.
Can puppies eat these?
Yes! These are safe for puppies over 8 weeks old. Just break them into smaller pieces for tiny puppies. My friend’s 10-week-old Labrador puppy loved these, and they were actually great for teething.
Can I make these grain-free?
I’ve experimented with oat flour and almond flour (make sure your dog isn’t allergic to almonds first). Oat flour works beautifully – just replace the whole wheat flour 1:1. The cookies will be slightly more crumbly but still delicious.
Variations to Try
Sweet Potato Version
Swap the pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potato. Same measurements, same process. The flavor is slightly different but equally delicious. I made these for Thanksgiving last year and couldn’t decide which version Bailey liked better. (Spoiler: he liked them both equally, because he’s a dog.)
Savory Turkey Flavor
Add ¼ cup of finely minced cooked turkey (no seasoning, skin, or bones) to the dough. This makes them extra Thanksgiving-y. Just reduce the peanut butter to ¼ cup to maintain the right dough consistency. These smell incredible while baking.
Apple Cinnamon Style
Replace pumpkin with unsweetened applesauce and add an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. These are fantastic for fall and have a slightly sweeter taste that some dogs go crazy for.
Why This Recipe Means So Much to Me
I’ll be honest – I started making these thanksgiving cookies for dogs not just for Bailey, but because it makes me feel good. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating treats from scratch for a creature who loves you unconditionally. That first Thanksgiving after I adopted Bailey, I was living alone in a new city, and honestly feeling pretty lonely. Making these cookies gave me something to do, and seeing his pure, unfiltered joy when I gave him one made my entire day.
Now it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. The Sunday I bake these marks the official start of the holiday season in our house. I put on some music, pour myself a cup of coffee, and spend a couple of hours in the kitchen making treats for my best buddy. It’s become one of my favorite days of the year.
Let’s Make Some Dog Cookies!
So there you have it – everything I’ve learned from making thanksgiving cookies for dogs over the past few years. These are genuinely easy, your dog will love them, and they’re a fun way to include your pup in the Thanksgiving festivities.
Have you made homemade dog treats before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments! And if you make these, please share a photo – I absolutely love seeing happy dogs with their treats. Bailey and I are already planning to make our annual batch next week, and I can’t wait.
