Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

Mix the applesauce, creamy peanut butter, and egg together in a medium sized bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3

Divide the mixture as evenly as possible into three medium sized mixing bowls (a little more than ⅓ cup per bowl).

Step 4

Add all-natural red food coloring to one bowl, and all-natural green food coloring to another bowl, optional. Leave the last bowl uncolored.

Step 5

Mix the food coloring into each wet mixture until completely combined. Keep in mind that the color will dilute when the flour mixture is added, so add a little more food coloring than you think it will need.

Step 6

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and rolled oats and stir until well mixed.

Step 7

Divide the flour mixture into three (1 cup each) and add to each of the three bowls.

Step 8

Use a hand or stand mixer to stir the flour into each wet mixture until just combined.

Step 9

The mixture should create a slightly dry but malleable dough. If it is too dry, add more applesauce, ½ Tablespoon at a time. If it is too wet, add more flour, 1 teaspoon at a time. Mix these add-ins with your hands if possible in order to avoid overmixing the flour.

Step 10

Roll the three different colored doughs (or single colored dough) onto a lightly floured surface using a rolling pin until the dough is ¼ inch in thickness.

Step 11

Use Christmas shaped cookie cutters to cut out cookie shapes--rerolling the dough until all the dough is used. Place the cookies on the sheet pan.

Step 12

Bake in the oven for 13-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown. You can vary the bake times depending on preference. For a softer treat, cook for less time.

Step 13

Let cool completely before serving as treats to your precious canines.