SmartPak Recipe: Festive Holiday Dog Treats Recipe
The holiday season is here once again! Family gatherings and gift exchanges are landing on calendars. While going out and shopping for presents is fun, I think hand making a gift is even more of a “treat” (get it?!). Nothing shows that you care more than taking time out of your day to make something for a family member or friend, especially those with four paws and a tail. Not only do these Festive Cranberry dog treats look the part, but they also include ingredients that you would see on any holiday dinner (or dessert) table. These limited ingredient, easy-to-make treats are sure to be a hit with your furry friend!
(Not a fan of cranberry, but still looking to make something seasonal? Check out my last recipe for Peanut Butter Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats!)
Supplies You Will Need:
- Stand Mixer (or mixing bowl and hand mixer)
- Food Processor (or cutting board and knife)
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie Cutters
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 cup Whole Wheat Flour
- ¼ cup Pumpkin Puree
- ¼ cup Peanut Butter (make sure it does not contain Xylitol)
- ½ cup chopped Cranberries (fresh or dried)*
- ¼ cup + 1 TBSP Water
*If you are using dried cranberries be sure to check out the ingredients label and make sure they do not contain grapes or any added sweeteners (i.e Xylitol).
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2: While your oven is preheating measure out all of the ingredients into your stand mixer (or mixing bowl) and combine them together. Once combined the dough will be soft and pliable with pieces of bright red cranberries.
Step 3: Take your dough out of the mixer and place it on a parchment paper sheet. Take another parchment paper sheet and sandwich the dough between the two, you are now ready to roll out your dough without the mess! If you would rather roll your dough on your counter, you can take a small sprinkle of whole wheat flour and sprinkle it on your counter to avoid the dough sticking.
Step 4: Roll out your dough to about ¼” and locate your favorite cookie cutters. For these, I chose a bone shape, but any cookie cutter will do. Since these are holiday treats it would be fun to get some holiday shapes, get creative!
Step 5: Line your baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper and place your treats on top. Pop the tray into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. If you opted for fresh cranberries you will most likely need to bake these closer to the 30-minute mark because of the water content in the fruit. No one likes a soggy treat and this way you get a nice and crunchy treat for your pup! **Note all ovens are different and sometimes bake differently, times may vary. Once the treats are done baking allow them to cool off. If you have a cooling rack you can transfer the treats to that at this point to allow them to cool. Once cool, place your treats in an airtight jar (or container) and try to keep your pups away!
Do you have a dog in your life that needs a holiday present? Or even a trainer or barn manager that has a dog? Look no further, these are the perfect gift! Dress them up with a colored carob drizzle or keep them as is. You can toss these festive and delicious treats in a cute glass jar with a bow on top. Not only do they make a cute present but the love that is baked into these treats will surely show the recipient how much you care about them. How many furry friends will you be making these for this holiday season?
Happy Holidays from me and my pups! SmartPaker Erika, Theodore & Baxter