DIY Gifts: Home Made Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Cookies

We’ve all been there: a small gift is socially required, but a simple yet thoughtful idea won’t come. I have a rule for that: when in doubt, spoil their pets. Most people have at least one companion animal, and turning a gift into an occasion to celebrate their favorite furry friend will earn you thoughtful and crafty points. When I realized that most dog cookies are just variations of grain formulas, I decided to make my own. Since my dogs–a Pomeranian and a Labrador–loved them, I’ve been sharing the cookies and recipes with all canine owning friends. The recipe is super easy, and the results are delicious and will last up to six months!

To make, mix equal parts of peanut butter, canned pumpkin (or any type of squash), and oats. The mixture will be sticky and gooey. Mix in flour 1/4 cup at a time, until the mixture is dry enough to touch and roll, without making a huge mess. Roll into 1/4 inch thick sheets (about as thick as a composition notebook). You can use any small, metal cookie cutter that you like. The dough is dense, so plastic ones normally can’t cut through. You can also use a pizza wheel. Bake on a cookie sheet at 300 F for about 30 minutes, until the cookies are dried out and shrunk slightly. Allow them to cool for two hours, and enjoy!

I love these cookies. They make great, easy gifts because the recipe can be made in large batches and given out as needed. If you’re looking for a thoughtful thank you to a teacher or family friend, look no further. And, of course, they’re a great cake substitute for a doggie birthday party! How do you spoil your pets? How do you keep them entertained during the icy winter months?