Cookie Cutter and Cookies for Dogs

As pet owners, we love every moment we spend with our pets. From fun afternoons in the park to cozy evenings at home, our pets bring happiness and love into our lives. My dog, [Dog's Name], has been my constant companion, always by my side through thick and thin. Whether we're taking long walks together or cuddling on the couch, the bond we share is truly special.

What better way to celebrate our pets than by making delicious, pet-themed cookies? In this Instructable, we'll walk you through the process of designing and 3D printing custom cookie cutters to make cute, pet-themed cookies. Not only will this project be a fun and creative activity, but it will also be a delightful treat for both you and your pets. So, let's get started and create something that will bring joy to both you and your furry friends!

Materials for Making Cookie Cutters:

• 3D printer
• PLA filament (preferably white, or color of choice for cookie cutters)
• Slicing software (e.g., Cura, Simplify3D) for preparing cookie cutter designs

To make these delicious homemade dog cookies, you'll need:

• Ingredients:
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• Water (as needed for dough consistency)
• Equipment for Dough:
• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Butter (for preventing dough from sticking during rolling)
• Equipment for Baking:
• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Oven
• Wire rack (for cooling)

Optional for Decorating:

• Toppings like oats or seeds (for decoration)

Creating custom cookie cutters is a fun and rewarding process. I decided to make three classic shapes for ordinary cookies: a circle, a flower, and a heart, representing the bond we share with our pets. Additionally, I designed two special shapes specifically for pets: a bone, because every dog loves a bone, and a fish, which also looks cute.

The highlight of this project is a special cookie cutter in the shape of a paw. This unique design features a 3D effect on the paw pads, making it extra cute. I got the idea for these shapes by browsing through many photos and videos on the internet. Once I had a clear vision, I brought these designs to life using Autodesk Fusion 360.

To make things easier for you, I’ve provided STL files for each shape. You can choose any of the shapes you like from the files below, so you don't need to design them yourself in Fusion 360.

Note- Each cutter has an extra surface on one side of its edge to make it easier to press them into the dough.

Now that we have our designs ready, let's start 3D printing the cookie cutters. I used my Creality printer and PLA white filament for this project, as white is not only a perfect color for these cookie cutters but also my dog's favorite color!

If you prefer a different color, choose what suits you and your pet best. Here are some tips for a smoother finish and customization:

Slicing Settings:

• Layer Height: Set to 0.2mm for good print quality and speed.
• Infill: Use 100% infill for sturdy cookie cutters.
• Supports: No support needed
• Print Speed: Maintain a speed of around 50mm/s for consistent results.

Note- Making the cookie cutters one by one gives a smoother finish, and you can also change the size according to your preference during slicing.

Now let's gather all the ingredients for our dog cookies. While there are many recipes available on the internet that you can directly use, for the sake of this demonstration, I'll share a simple recipe that I use for my dog.

You'll need:

• 1 cup of flour
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter

You can also add additional ingredients such as egg, pumpkin pie, oats, or other toppings and flavors to customize the cookies for your dog's preferences. Don't worry if you're not perfect at baking—I'm still learning too! Feel free to seek help from ChatGPT, the internet, or follow my recipe if you're making these cookies for the first time.

In a bowl, mix together the flour, mashed banana, and peanut butter until they form a dough. If the mixture feels too dry, add a splash of water to make it easier to work with. At first, the dough might seem sticky, but as you continue to mix, it will come together nicely.

You can use a mixer or even your hands to blend everything evenly. Make sure to mash the banana well so that it blends smoothly into the dough.

Once the dough is mixed and smooth, let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes the dough easier to handle when shaping the cookies.

After letting the dough rest, roll it out into a thick sheet using a rolling pin. To prevent the dough from sticking, spread a little butter on top of the sheet. This not only keeps the dough from sticking but also helps the cookies come out smooth.

Once the sheet of dough is ready, use the cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes. Press the cutter firmly into the dough to create clean-cut cookies. You can cut them according to your preference and shape, making each cookie unique.

After cutting, remove the excess dough around the cookies. You can reuse this leftover dough to make more cookies. If you want to add toppings, such as oats or seeds, sprinkle them on top of the cookies.

While you're busy shaping the cookies, don't be surprised if your dog keeps a close watch, eagerly waiting for a taste!

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit /163 degrees Celsius.

Place the shaped cookies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for expansion.

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges.

While the cookies are baking, you and your dog can watch them eagerly, enjoying the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now, your homemade dog cookies are ready to be enjoyed by your furry friend!

Now it's time to share this delicious treat with your dog! Allow the cookies to cool completely before serving them to your furry friend. Watch as they eagerly enjoy the homemade goodness.

And remember, if you can't resist the temptation, you can also indulge in a cookie or two with your dog. After all, sharing moments like these brings even more happiness to your bond!

Enjoy this special treat together and create more cherished memories with your beloved pet.