The holidays bring the sweet smell of gingerbread to every kitchen—but this time, your dog can join the fun too. These Holiday Banana Gingerbread Dog Cookies have all the cozy flavor of the season, with safe, wholesome ingredients your pup will love.
They’re naturally sweetened with banana and molasses, lightly spiced with cinnamon and ginger, and finished with that classic gingerbread aroma that fills the house with warmth. Perfect for baking during the holidays, gifting to fellow dog parents, or sneaking into your pup’s stocking on Christmas morning.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Dogs love the rich scent of gingerbread, and this version is made just for them—no sugar, no nutmeg, and no butter. The banana adds sweetness, the molasses adds depth, and the oats give a satisfying crunch. They’re tasty, aromatic, and full of nutrients.
You’ll love how simple they are to make, and your dog will love how they smell—and taste—like a real holiday cookie.
What You’ll Need
- 2 1/4 cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons unsulfured molasses (safe in small amounts)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1–2 tablespoons water (as needed for dough consistency)
Optional for decoration:
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (for thickening the yogurt drizzle)
Pro Tips
- Use unsulfured molasses—it’s the mild, dog-safe variety. Avoid blackstrap molasses, which can be too strong.
- Ceylon cinnamon is gentler and safer than the common Cassia kind.
- Mash banana completely so it blends evenly with the dough.
- Add water slowly—the dough should hold together but not feel sticky.
- Cool fully before decorating to keep the frosting firm and smooth.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or masher
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Gingerbread or holiday-shaped cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Replace with brown rice or chickpea flour for gluten-free.
- Banana: Swap with pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato.
- Molasses: Use a drizzle of honey for a milder flavor.
- Egg-free: Replace with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce.
- Festive twist: Add finely chopped dried cranberries (unsweetened) or shredded carrot for color.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
Once baked, these cookies store beautifully and make great gifts. You can even bake them in advance, freeze them, and thaw right before wrapping for a fresh holiday surprise.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add molasses, applesauce, egg, and oil. Whisk until well combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix until a firm dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add water a tablespoon at a time until it’s easy to roll.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into gingerbread men or other holiday shapes. Re-roll scraps and continue until all dough is used.
Step 5: Bake
Place cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and crisp at the edges. For a crunchier cookie, turn off the oven and leave them inside as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Decorate (Optional)
Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating. For a simple “frosting,” mix plain Greek yogurt with tapioca starch until thick and pipe small lines or dots onto each cookie. Let them dry before storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a festive afternoon snack or after walks.
- Add to your dog’s Christmas treat jar.
- Wrap in small gift bags or tins for friends’ dogs.
- Crumble over regular food for a special holiday topper.
- Give one as a “dessert” after your dog’s Christmas dinner bowl.
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Grain-free: Use coconut or almond flour (add extra moisture as needed).
- Dairy-free: Skip the yogurt frosting or use coconut yogurt.
- Nut-free: Replace oil with olive or sunflower oil.
- Egg-free: Substitute with applesauce or flaxseed gel.
- Low-fat: Omit oil and use more banana or applesauce instead.
Leftovers and Storage
Let the cookies cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 2–3 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Re-crisping: Bake again for 5 minutes at 300°F (150°C) if they soften.
If using yogurt frosting, refrigerate and use within 7 days.
Nutrition & Benefits
These cookies bring both flavor and nutrition to your dog’s holiday celebrations.
- Banana adds potassium, fiber, and gentle sweetness.
- Molasses contributes iron, magnesium, and that classic gingerbread aroma.
- Pumpkin or applesauce (if used) aids digestion and keeps the texture soft.
- Oat or wheat flour provides energy and fiber.
- Cinnamon and ginger add warmth, support circulation, and help digestion.
They’re festive, healthy, and made entirely from natural ingredients—everything your pup deserves this time of year.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use regular gingerbread spices?
A: Avoid nutmeg or clove, which aren’t safe for dogs. Stick to mild cinnamon and ginger only.
Q: Can I use pre-made gingerbread dough?
A: No, store-bought dough contains sugar, spices, and butter that aren’t safe for dogs.
Q: Are these treats crunchy or soft?
A: They bake up crisp on the outside with a soft, chewy center. For extra crunch, bake a few minutes longer.
Q: Can I make these into small training treats?
A: Absolutely. Just cut smaller shapes and reduce baking time by a few minutes.
Q: Can puppies eat these cookies?
A: Yes, they’re gentle enough for puppies. Just break into smaller pieces and skip the frosting.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Holiday Banana Gingerbread Dog Cookies are the perfect way to include your dog in the festive fun. With their warm aroma, soft sweetness, and wholesome ingredients, they capture everything we love about holiday baking—minus the sugar and spices that dogs can’t have.
Whether you’re baking a batch for your pup, gifting them to friends, or filling a holiday jar, these cookies bring the spirit of the season straight to your dog’s tail-wagging delight.