Winter is a time of reflection, most of which concerns the caloric density of our holiday eating habits. Every year, we avoid, rationalize, but eventually accept growing waistlines as part of the tradition. Because try as we might, eggnog never was and never will be part of a balanced diet. But if you haven’t gotten to the full on “acceptance” part yet. Distraction is an excellent alternative. 

We’ve pulled these homemade dog treats for just the occasion. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and best of all, totally unappealing to human taste buds. 

Supah-Simple 5 Ingredient Cookies

This quick recipe from BarkPost takes less than 45 minutes to yield a baking sheet worth of treats. All you need is:

  • 2 cups unbleached or whole wheat flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 cup natural creamy peanut butter
  • 1 cup plain, non–fat Greek yogurt
  • Water, as needed

First step, get the oven going to 375°, then combine all the ingredients, adding a small amount of water if the dough is dry. Once mixed, roll the dough out on some parchment paper and cut out shapes using a cookie cutter (the more festive the better). Place the goods on a cookie sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let ‘em cool, then share.

PPB Treats

Courtesy of 2 Bees in a Pod, these are the ideal Thanksgiving-Christmas crossover cookies, bringing together cinnamon, peanut butter, and pumpkin. Check your cupboard for:

  • 2.5 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Preheat your oven to 350°, then mix all the ingredients well. Use your hands if needed and add a bit of water if it gets too dry. Roll the dough into a ball, then roll it out on a floured surface to about a 1/2 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter of choice for shapes, then bake for 30 minutes, or until hard.

Gingerbread Biscuits

We’ve saved the best-smelling for last. These gingerbread biscuits from Taste of Home are a little more intensive, but give off all kinds of holiday vibes.

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 3 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 3/4 cup molasses
  • 1 cup + 2 tbsp water
  • 1/2 cup canola oil

Preheat your oven to 325°, then mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, then slowly pour it into the bowl with dry ingredients and mix well. The dough will be stiff. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a 1/4in thick slab and cut with your favorite cookie cutter. Arrange on an ungreased baking sheet a couple inches apart, then bake for 25-30 minutes or until set. Cool on wire racks.

Bingo bango, that’s enough treats to keep an entire pack full until New Year’s. But don’t stop the sharing there. If you cook up any of these recipes, we’d love to hear about it on our Facebook page (we’d also welcome your regular cookies anytime).

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