It’s peanut butter jelly time! April 2nd is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate! Peanut butter and jelly (PB&J) is a classic pairing of sweet and savory that deserves to be tasted by more than just humans. Let your pups in on the celebration this year with our homemade vegan peanut butter and jelly dog treat recipe that omits refined sugar.
Spread the jam and spread the joy! While this holiday may be overshadowed by other commercial days of the year, we believe it’s important to highlight the simple pleasures in life - like a pawsitively delicious flavor pairing!
The history of PB&J goes back to 1901 when the Boston Cooking School Magazine suggested spreading peanut butter “paste” on a finger sandwich alongside crab-apple jelly. This outstanding revelation shifted school lunches for the entire next century.
Companies discovered ways to extend the shelf life of both the PB and the J. This allowed consumers to enjoy their new favorite sandwich whenever they desired for extended periods of time. And because of the low prices of these common items, peanut butter and jelly was featured in most school lunches and food aid programs. The sandwich also became a saving grace during the Great Depression.
The PB&J sandwich has been passed down from generation to generation for all ages to enjoy. So, we think it’s time our pets get in on the action. Honor this flavor’s special day by baking our delicious PB&J dog treat recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or try brown rice or garbanzo bean flour to go gluten free)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter (double check it doesn’t contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs) or another dog-safe nut butter if you prefer to go peanut-free
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons fruit-sweetened jelly or jam (must be xylitol, grape, and raisin free, as those ingredients are toxic to dogs)
Baking Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet.
2. Mix in a bowl the whole wheat flour, peanut butter, applesauce, and water. Stir the mixture well until a dough forms. You may need to use your hands to knead the dough until it comes together.
3. Spread flour on a clean surface and roll out the dough until it reaches ¼ inch thickness.
4. Cut the cookies into whatever shape you desire. A fun way to pup-ify these treats is to use a bone-shaped cookie cutter to mold the dough into a perfect dog treat.
5. Now lay the cookies onto the baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Use a spoon to dollop a proportional amount of jelly onto each treat. If you choose, you can swirl it into the dough slightly with the back of the spoon.
6. Bake the cookies in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the treats reach a golden brown color.
7. When they’ve finished baking, remove the cookies from the oven and set them out to cool completely.
When the temperature’s right, toss your four-legged pal a cookie and let them enjoy!
These treats can be stored in a sealed container for up to one week or longer if stored in the refrigerator.
We hope you and your furry friend join the jamboree and celebrate Peanut Butter and Jelly Day with us. Nothing brings the family together like concocting a delish tray of baked goods. You’ll be sticking together like peanut butter and jelly! These treats are vegan, simple, and made with ingredients you probably already have stashed in your home. Take a moment, take a bite, and appreciate the simple beauty of PB&J.
