Thumbprint cookies are a fun homemade treat inspired by classic thumbprint cookies, but made with dog-safe ingredients and no added sugar. These cookies have a soft, tender base with a naturally sweet fruit filling, making them a special treat your dog will love.
Instead of sugary jam, these cookies are filled with a simple fruit mixture made from strawberries and chia seeds. The result is a wholesome, naturally sweet cookie that looks just as cute as traditional thumbprint cookies but is made just for your pup.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Making a homemade cookie treat for your dog is a fun way to spoil them, and seeing their excitement when they get a special treat makes it even more rewarding. There are so many reasons this recipe will become a favorite.
Easy to Make – These cookies are simple to prepare with basic ingredients and a straightforward baking process.
Wholesome Ingredients – Made with oat flour, fruit, and other simple ingredients, these cookies are free from artificial additives.
No Sugar – There is no added sugar in this recipe. The sweetness comes naturally from the fruit filling.
Holiday Treat – These cookies are perfect for spring and summer celebrations and also make a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift for fellow dog parents.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Cookies
This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a soft cookie with a naturally sweet filling.
- Oat flour – Forms the base of the cookies and adds fiber.
- Baking powder – Helps the cookies rise slightly and improves texture.
- Unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and natural sweetness.
- Egg – Helps bind the ingredients together.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together to the right consistency.
- Homemade Strawberry Jam – Made with strawberries, chia seeds, and water.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
There are a few important things to keep in mind when making this recipe, along with some simple swaps you can make.
- Strawberries can be swapped with blueberries or raspberries.
- Chia seeds can be swapped with flax seeds or fruit pectin.
- Applesauce can be substituted with mashed banana or plain pumpkin puree.
- Baking powder is safe for dogs in small amounts. Source: Petco
- You can make oat flour by blending old-fashioned rolled oats in a blender or food processor until it has a flour consistency. One cup of oats makes about ¾ cup of flour.
- You can substitute oat flour with brown rice flour, all-purpose flour, or a 50-50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Because whole wheat flour is denser, it’s not a good substitute to use by itself. Flour substitutes may affect the dough, so start with less and add as needed.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies for Dogs
Making these cookies is simple and involves preparing the strawberry jam filling and the cookie dough, then baking. Here’s what to do:
Make the Filling
- Place the sliced strawberries and water in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a slow simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the strawberries using a potato masher, fork, or spoon.
- Continue cooking until reduced by about half, about 30 minutes.
- Grind the chia seeds and stir them into the mixture.
- Allow the filling to cool completely before using.
Make the Cookies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the oat flour and baking powder.
- Add the applesauce, egg, and water, and mix until a dough forms.
- Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, and flatten slightly.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center to create a shallow indentation.
- Spoon the strawberry filling into each indentation.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
How to Store the Cookies and How Long They Last
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Can people eat these cookies?
Yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for human consumption. It’s great for those watching their sugar intake. Try one and see if you like it.
More Dog Cookie Recipes
How about making some other tasty cookies for your dog? Oh yeah! Try these recipes:
- Carob Sandwich Cookies
- Cookies with Icing
- Oatmeal Cookies
- Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookies
- Pumpkin Cookies
Find lots of easy dog treat recipes right here on Spoiled Hounds!
Thumbprint Cookies for Dogs
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon chia seeds
Cookie
- 2 cups oat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Instructions
Filling
- Place the sliced strawberries and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a slow simmer. Once simmering, lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Using a potato masher, fork, or spoon, mash the strawberries well.
- Continue cooking until reduced by half, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Grind the chia seeds and add them to the strawberries. Stir well.
- Cool completely before using.
Cookie
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat.
- In a medium bowl, combine oat flour and baking powder.
- Add the applesauce, egg, and water and combine into a dough.
- Pinch off about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a ball and flatten a little. Place on the lined baking sheet. Press your thumb into it to make a shallow indentation. Repeat with remaining dough.
- Spoon strawberry filling into each indentation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consult your vet if you are unsure of the portion size for your dog.
If your dog hasn’t had any of these ingredients before, start with a small piece to make sure they don’t have any allergies, sensitivities, or adverse reactions.
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