If you’re looking for a homemade treat that smells amazing, tastes great, and is made with simple, dog-safe ingredients, these Apple Cinnamon Dog Cookies are just the thing. They’re full of natural sweetness from fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, making them a cozy and healthy choice for any time of year—though they’re especially perfect for fall.
These crunchy cookies are easy to make and packed with wholesome ingredients that support your dog’s health. Whether you’re baking for your own pup or filling jars for dog-loving friends, they’re guaranteed to get tails wagging and noses twitching.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs adore the gentle sweetness of apples and the warm aroma of cinnamon. These cookies are lightly crisp on the outside with a satisfying crunch that helps keep teeth clean. They’re perfect for daily treats or special rewards and made entirely from natural ingredients—no refined sugar, preservatives, or fillers. Your dog gets a flavorful, nourishing cookie, and you get peace of mind knowing every ingredient is safe and healthy.
What You’ll Need
- 1 medium apple, finely grated (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed for texture)
Pro Tips
- Use Ceylon cinnamon, not Cassia—it’s safer for dogs in small amounts.
- Grate the apple finely so it blends evenly into the dough.
- Adjust texture carefully: add water a little at a time if the dough feels too dry.
- For crunchier cookies, bake longer and let them cool completely in the oven.
- Always cool before storage—warm cookies can soften or mold faster.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters or knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use oat flour, brown rice flour, or chickpea flour for a wheat-free version.
- Applesauce: Swap for mashed banana or pumpkin puree.
- Egg-free: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).
- Cinnamon-free: Simply omit if your vet recommends avoiding spices.
- Extra crunch: Add a tablespoon of rolled oats for texture.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the dough up to 48 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. If you want to bake later, roll and cut the dough, then freeze the unbaked cookies on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen when needed—just add a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
These cookies also store beautifully after baking, making them a great option for gift bags or weekly treat prep.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the grated apple, applesauce, egg, and honey (if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour and cinnamon to the wet mixture. Stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough feels dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it’s pliable but not sticky.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters or a knife to cut into shapes.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool
Let cookies cool on a wire rack. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let them rest inside with the door slightly open for 1–2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an everyday treat or training reward
- Pack into jars or gift bags for other dog owners
- Use festive cookie cutters for holidays or birthdays
- Pair with a dog-friendly “latte” (warm goat milk or bone broth) for a cozy snack
- Add to enrichment toys or treat puzzles for mental stimulation
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use oat or rice flour instead of whole wheat
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free
- Egg-free: Use flax egg or applesauce as a binder
- Low-fat: Omit honey and use pumpkin puree instead of applesauce
- Sensitive stomachs: Stick to apple, oats, and water only—skip optional flavor boosters
Leftovers and Storage
Allow cookies to cool completely before storing:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Refrigerator: Lasts up to 2 weeks when chilled
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a zip-top bag or airtight container
- Re-crisping: Refresh soft cookies by baking at 300°F for 5–7 minutes
If you live in a humid climate, storing in the fridge helps prevent moisture buildup.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies are full of ingredients that support your dog’s overall health. Apples provide fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness while helping to freshen breath. Cinnamon supports healthy digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties when used in moderation. Whole wheat or oat flour delivers complex carbohydrates and energy, and the absence of refined sugar means these treats won’t cause energy spikes.
Each cookie is a healthy, homemade way to reward your pup without compromising on nutrition or taste.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use apple peel in the recipe?
A: Yes! Just wash the apple thoroughly and grate it with the skin on for extra fiber.
Q: Can I make these into soft treats instead of crunchy?
A: Yes—reduce baking time to about 15 minutes and store in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Q: What type of apples are best?
A: Use sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for natural flavor dogs love.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Definitely. This recipe doubles easily—just divide the dough before rolling to make it manageable.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes, but always introduce new foods slowly and break cookies into small pieces for easy chewing.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Apple Cinnamon Dog Cookies are the perfect homemade treat—simple, wholesome, and full of comforting flavors your dog will love. They’re great for everyday rewards, training, or sharing the joy of homemade baking with your four-legged friend. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time in the oven, you’ll have a jar full of crunchy, fragrant cookies that make every tail wag.