Halloween Pumpkin & Apple Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies for Dogs

Hey there, lovely pet parents! With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to celebrate the spooky season with everyone in the family—including your four-legged friends! These Halloween Pumpkin & Apple Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies are the perfect festive treat for your pup. Made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin purée and applesauce, they are as nutritious as they are fun to make. I promise, these are anything but boring!!

Oh, and before I dive into the recipe, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to get adorable dog-friendly recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox. Let’s get baking!

this Recipe

Why You and Your Pup Will Love These Treats

Healthy Ingredients for Happy Tummies

These cookies are packed with pumpkin, which is amazing for dogs’ digestion, and unsweetened applesauce, which adds a natural sweetness dogs adore. Plus, there’s a hint of cinnamon, which is safe in small amounts and adds a delightful seasonal aroma.

Delicious Taste

Pumpkin, apple, and cinnamon—oh my! The flavor is mild and dog-friendly, while the smell when these cookies are in the oven is incredible! Your pup will be doing tricks just to get a taste.

Festive and Fun

Who says Halloween treats are just for humans? With cute Jack-O’-Lantern faces, these cookies will make your furry friend feel part of the celebrations. They’re also great for getting your kids involved in baking something fun for the family pet.

Benefits of These Cookies

• Supports Digestion: Pumpkin is rich in fiber and helps with healthy digestion.
• No Added Sugars: We use unsweetened applesauce to keep things naturally tasty and healthy.
• Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: You can feel good about every ingredient you’re feeding your furry friend.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula
• Rolling pin
• Jack-O’-Lantern-shaped cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Possible Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Flour Alternatives: If your dog is sensitive to wheat, you can use oat flour or rice flour instead.
• Add a Boost: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter (unsweetened and unsalted) for an extra flavor boost your pup will love!
• Cinnamon: The cinnamon is optional, so feel free to omit it if your dog has a sensitive tummy.

How to Make Halloween Pumpkin & Apple Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée and applesauce. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the whole wheat flour and cinnamon (if using) to the wet ingredients. Stir until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it is workable.
4. Roll and Cut
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a Jack-O’-Lantern-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the cookies. The fun shape makes them so festive!
5. Add Faces
   Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet. You can use a knife or a small tool to add Jack-O’-Lantern faces to the cookies. This step is optional, but it makes them extra cute!
6. Bake
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are firm and lightly golden. The house will smell like a fall wonderland!
7. Cool Completely
   Let the cookies cool completely before serving them to your dog. This is important to avoid any burnt tongues!

What to Serve with These Cookies

Serve these cookies on their own or as a treat with your pup’s favorite dog-friendly “pupkin spice” smoothie. They also make great rewards during training sessions or just a fun surprise for your furry friend on Halloween night!

Tips for Making the Perfect Dog Treats

• Roll Evenly: Rolling the dough to an even thickness ensures all the cookies bake consistently.
• Cookie Size: If you have a small dog, consider using a smaller cookie cutter to create mini treats!
• Cool Completely: Always let the cookies cool completely before feeding them to your pup to avoid any risk of burns.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store these Halloween Jack-O’-Lantern cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Freeze for Later: You can also freeze these treats for up to 3 months. Just thaw a cookie before serving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, it’s best to use plain pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling often contains sugars and spices that are not safe for dogs.

Is cinnamon safe for dogs?

In small amounts, cinnamon is generally safe for dogs and adds a warm, seasonal flavor. Always use sparingly.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can use oat flour or rice flour as a substitute if your dog has a sensitivity to wheat.

How many cookies can I give my dog?

These treats are best given in moderation. One or two cookies a day (depending on the size of your dog) is a good guideline.

Conclusion

These Halloween Pumpkin & Apple Jack-O’-Lantern Cookies are a festive, simple, and healthy way to include your furry friend in the Halloween celebrations. With minimal ingredients and a whole lot of love, you can whip these up in no time. I’m pretty sure your pup will be wagging their tail and giving you extra kisses for these treats!

If you loved making this recipe, be sure to check out some more of our delicious dog-friendly treats:

• Chicken and Broccoli Balls for Dogs
• Strawberry and Mozzarella Biscuits for Dogs
• Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs
• Banana Balls for Dogs
• Strawberry and Yogurt Biscuits for Dogs
• Strawberry and Banana Oat Balls for Dogs
• Zucchini Chips for Dogs
• Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles for Dogs

Let’s See Your Creations!

Did you make these cookies? I’d love to see how they turned out! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below. Your feedback means the world to me (and to other pet parents too!).

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Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Fiber: 1g

This recipe is perfect for making Halloween a little extra special for your furry family members—without any tricks, just lots of tasty, wholesome treats!

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