The holidays wouldn’t feel complete without the smell of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven. With these Gingerbread Shaped Dog Treats, your dog can enjoy that same comforting aroma—without any unsafe ingredients. These treats are made with wholesome, dog-friendly ingredients and shaped just like traditional gingerbread men for a festive touch.
They’re crunchy, aromatic, and simple to make. Whether you’re baking a batch for your own pup or sharing them with furry friends as gifts, these treats bring the holiday spirit right into your kitchen.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs adore the cozy blend of flavors in these treats. The subtle sweetness from molasses and the nutty taste of oat flour make them irresistible, while the crunchy texture gives dogs something to really sink their teeth into. They’re full of holiday flavor but still gentle on the stomach—perfect for a seasonal snack or homemade gift.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/2 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for aroma)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses (safe for dogs in small amounts)
- 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed to adjust texture)
Optional for decoration:
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt (for “frosting”)
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (for thickening)
Pro Tips
- Use Ceylon cinnamon, which is milder and safer for dogs than Cassia cinnamon.
- Keep ginger minimal, as a little goes a long way for flavor and aroma.
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking and texture.
- Cool completely before adding any yogurt “frosting.”
- Freeze unfrosted cookies for longer storage and freshness.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread man cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use brown rice or chickpea flour for a grain-free option.
- Molasses: Replace with a small drizzle of honey or omit entirely for lower sugar.
- Peanut butter: Swap with pumpkin puree or sunflower seed butter.
- Applesauce: Substitute with mashed banana or plain pumpkin puree.
- Festive colors: Add a touch of beet puree for pink frosting or spinach puree for green, if decorating.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough up to 48 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. When ready to bake, roll it out and cut into shapes.
Once baked, let the cookies cool completely before decorating or storing. They freeze well and can last the entire holiday season. Bake a few batches early in December, and you’ll have festive treats ready for gifting all month long.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, molasses, and peanut butter until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add the oat flour, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix until a firm dough forms. If it’s too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it holds together.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use gingerbread man cutters (or any festive shape you like) to cut out cookies. Gather scraps, re-roll, and continue cutting until all the dough is used.
Step 5: Bake
Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and golden brown. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and let them sit inside as it cools for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before adding any optional yogurt “frosting.” Mix yogurt and tapioca starch until thick, then pipe or drizzle designs for decoration. Let the frosting set before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a festive snack after a winter walk.
- Use as holiday gift treats in jars or tins.
- Add a few to your dog’s stocking on Christmas morning.
- Crumble over your dog’s regular meal as a holiday topper.
- Include in a holiday treat box with other homemade dog cookies.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Use coconut or almond flour (add an extra egg for structure).
- Dairy-free: Skip yogurt frosting or use coconut yogurt.
- Egg-free: Replace the egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana.
- Nut-free: Replace peanut butter with pumpkin puree.
- Low-fat: Omit peanut butter and add 2 extra tablespoons applesauce.
Leftovers and Storage
Let the cookies cool completely before storing.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Store for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag.
- Re-crisping: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes if they soften over time.
If you add yogurt frosting, store in the refrigerator and use within 7 days.
Nutrition & Benefits
These Gingerbread Shaped Dog Treats are full of ingredients that bring both flavor and nutrition to your pup’s diet.
- Oat flour provides gentle fiber for digestion and steady energy.
- Cinnamon adds warmth and supports circulation.
- Molasses offers a trace of iron and a natural hint of sweetness.
- Peanut butter supplies protein and healthy fats for coat health.
- Applesauce adds moisture and natural sweetness without refined sugar.
These cookies are festive, healthy, and balanced—perfect for special occasions like Christmas.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use regular all-purpose flour?
A: It’s better to use oat or whole wheat flour since they’re easier on a dog’s digestion.
Q: Is molasses safe for dogs?
A: Yes, in small amounts. Choose unsulfured molasses and avoid heavily processed or blackstrap varieties.
Q: Can I skip the ginger?
A: Yes. The cinnamon alone will still give these cookies a lovely holiday aroma.
Q: How do I make them softer?
A: Bake for 15–18 minutes instead of 25 and store in an airtight container.
Q: Are these safe for puppies?
A: Yes—just cut them into smaller pieces and skip the frosting for younger pups.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Gingerbread Shaped Dog Treats bring all the cozy scents and flavors of the holidays to your dog’s treat jar. They’re crunchy, fragrant, and made with real, dog-safe ingredients that make every bite both tasty and nourishing.
Perfect for gifting, decorating, or sharing during the holidays, these treats capture the warmth of Christmas in every little gingerbread shape. Simple, festive, and full of love—they’re guaranteed to make your pup’s tail wag all season long.