Martha Stewart’s Holiday Dog Cookie Recipe

Ah, do you smell that? That’s the scent of fresh-baked cookies—and it wouldn’t be the holidays without them. For some, it’s spiced gingerbread; for others, it’s frosting-draped sugar cookies. For Martha Stewart—the queen of baking herself—it’s her beloved homemade holiday dog cookies, crafted especially for her four pups: French Bulldogs Creme Brulee and Bete Noire, and Chow Chows Emperor Han and Empress Qin.

Lucky for us, Martha is sharing her dog-approved recipe exclusively with furpetvo.com.

Martha Stewart smiling beside a festive tray of holiday-shaped dog cookies

“My pets get into the holiday spirit just like I do,” Martha says. “They sense the excitement and definitely take note of all the great smells coming out of the kitchen.”

Break out the Christmas cookie cutters—and don’t forget the aprons (one for you, one for your pup). It’s time to bake!

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack. As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods into their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

Yield & Timing

  • Yield: 24 treats
  • Serving size: ½–1 treat, depending on your dog’s size
  • Prep time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 2 hours

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup wheat germ
  • ¼ cup brewer’s yeast
  • ½ cup of your dog’s kibble, finely crushed (to breadcrumb consistency)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ tbsp canola oil*
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock (without onions or garlic), plus extra for brushing

For the frosting and toppings:

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • Your dog’s kibble (for decoration)

Supplies You’ll Need

  • Holiday-themed cookie cutters (e.g., Christmas trees, gingerbread men)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk
  • Parchment paper
  • Baking sheets
  • Pastry brush
  • Rolling pin
  • Piping bag and tips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast, ground kibble, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, add canola oil first, then gradually incorporate the chicken stock and flour mixture in three alternating batches—beginning and ending with the stock. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ⅜-inch thick.
  5. Cut shapes using holiday-themed cookie cutters. Choose sizes appropriate for your dog:
    • Small breeds: 1–1½ inches
    • Medium breeds: 2–2½ inches
    • Large breeds: 3–3½ inches
  6. Transfer shaped cookies to parchment-lined baking sheets. Repeat with remaining dough.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, gently brush tops with additional chicken stock, rotate baking sheets, and bake for another 10 minutes.
  8. Turn off the oven, leave the door closed, and let cookies dry inside for about 1½ hours—this ensures crispness and shelf stability.
  9. While cookies dry, prepare the frosting: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, cornstarch, and water. Add more water as needed to reach a smooth, pipeable consistency.
  10. Once fully cooled, transfer cookies to a wire rack and decorate with frosting and small pieces of your dog’s kibble.
Close-up of decorated dog cookies with cream cheese frosting and kibble sprinkles

More Decorating Ideas

Write a Special Message

Since these are homemade treats, personalize them! Use a clean, water-dampened toothpick to write your dog’s name or a festive message directly onto the cookie surface—wetting the toothpick helps create smoother, cleaner lines.

Make Peanut Butter Frosting

No cream cheese on hand? Try this safe alternative: Mix 3 tablespoons plain, nonfat Greek yogurt with 1½ tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free—xylitol is toxic to dogs).

How Much to Serve Your Dog

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake—and even less if your pup is overweight. For example, a dog needing 600 calories per day should have no more than 60 calories from treats.

Each unfrosted cookie contains approximately 45 calories; frosted versions range up to ~55 calories, depending on how generously you apply the topping.

“All dogs deserve to be spoiled at the holidays,” says Martha, “but it’s important not to be too generous with the treats—as they tend to be higher in fat than their daily kibble.”

If your dog has health concerns—including fat sensitivities, food allergies, or digestive issues—consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats. Sudden dietary changes can cause stomach upset, and excessive fat intake may increase the risk of pancreatitis in sensitive dogs.

How to Safely Store These Dog Treats

For food safety, refrigerate leftover treats and consume within 3–4 days. Or freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to one month.

Store-Bought Holiday Dog Treats

Looking for more festive options to gift, tuck into a stocking, or wrap under the tree? Here are some top-rated holiday treats available through furpetvo.com:

  • FurPetVo Holiday Gingerbread Crunchy Dog Treats, 16-oz box — Rated 4.6/5 stars
  • FurPetVo Gingerbread Flavored Dog Biscuits, 24-oz pail — Rated 4.6/5 stars
  • FurPetVo Christmas Santa Snacks, natural crunchy biscuits baked with oatmeal & cinnamon, 11-oz bag — Rated 4.6/5 stars

This recipe was reviewed by a veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.