The smell of warm gingerbread always fills my kitchen with joy, and this Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe was born from one cozy December afternoon with my pup waiting by the oven. I wanted a crunchy, safe, homemade treat that felt special for the holidays. These cookies bake firm, snap cleanly, and bring out tail-wagging excitement every time. Your dog gets a yummy seasonal snack, and you get a fun baking moment together.
Table of Contents
What You Need for This Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe
Below is everything you need to make 24 crunchy biscuits.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat flour or brown rice flour (or other safe flour) | 2.5 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Squash, cooked and pureed (butternut, pumpkin, or similar) | ½ cup |
| Blackstrap molasses (optional; safe version only) | 2 tablespoons |
| Notes |
- Use blackstrap molasses only, not cane sugar molasses.
- These cookies are gluten-free.
- You can skip molasses if avoiding sweeteners.
- Works with both grain-free and grain-based flours.
- Make sure final cookies are fully dry so they stay fresh.
How to Make This Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe
1. Preheat
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s hot when the dough is ready.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
Blend the flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl. A fork or whisk works well for this step.
3. Add the wet ingredients
Mix in the eggs, squash, and molasses. Keep mixing until a firm ball of dough forms. A mixer or your hands both work.
4. Divide and roll
Split the dough into two balls. Sprinkle flour on parchment or a baking mat. Place one ball down, cover it with another sheet of parchment, and roll it to about ¼-inch thick.
5. Cut the cookies
Use a 3½-inch dog bone cookie cutter to press out shapes. These biscuits do not spread, so you can place them close together on your baking sheet.
6. Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, flip each cookie, then bake another 15 minutes. They should feel firm.
7. Dry completely
Let them cool fully. They are ready when they snap cleanly in half. This keeps them from spoiling.
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about a month.
- Keep in the refrigerator for a few months.
- For long-term use, freeze for up to 6 months.
- Always keep treats dry to prevent mold.
Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
| Dog Weight | Portion | Max Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 lbs | ½ cookie | 1 cookie |
| 20–50 lbs | 1 cookie | 2 cookies |
| Over 50 lbs | 1–2 cookies | 3 cookies |
| Reminder: Adjust portions based on your dog’s needs. If your dog has health concerns, ask your vet first. |
Health Benefits of This Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe
- Squash & pumpkin: Gentle fiber for a happy belly.
- Ginger: Can soothe digestion (AKC notes ginger is generally safe in small amounts).
- Cinnamon: Adds warm flavor and aroma dogs enjoy.
- Oat or rice flour: Simple, gentle base for sensitive stomachs.
- Eggs: Provide a natural protein boost.
For ingredient safety, check trusted sources like AKC and PetMD.
Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe
gingerbread dog cookie recipe homemade treats
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oat flour or brown rice flour (or other safe flour) | 2.5 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground ginger | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Squash, cooked and pureed (butternut, pumpkin, or similar) | ½ cup |
| Blackstrap molasses (optional; safe version only) | 2 tablespoons |
| Notes |
Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) so it’s hot when the dough is ready.
2. Mix the dry ingredientsBlend the flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a bowl. A fork or whisk works well for this step.
3. Add the wet ingredientsMix in the eggs, squash, and molasses. Keep mixing until a firm ball of dough forms. A mixer or your hands both work.
4. Divide and rollSplit the dough into two balls. Sprinkle flour on parchment or a baking mat. Place one ball down, cover it with another sheet of parchment, and roll it to about ¼-inch thick.
5. Cut the cookiesUse a 3½-inch dog bone cookie cutter to press out shapes. These biscuits do not spread, so you can place them close together on your baking sheet.
6. BakeBake for 15 minutes, flip each cookie, then bake another 15 minutes. They should feel firm.
7. Dry completely
Let them cool fully. They are ready when they snap cleanly in half. This keeps them from spoiling.
FAQs About This Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe
1. Can I make this Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe without molasses?
Yes. Just leave it out. The cookies will still bake well.
2. Can I use wheat flour instead?
Yes, unless your dog is sensitive to wheat. Oat or rice flour keeps the recipe gluten-free.
3. Can I add cloves or nutmeg?
No. Dogs should avoid those spices. Stick to ginger and cinnamon only.
4. How do I keep these cookies crunchy?
Bake them fully and let them cool until they snap cleanly.
5. Are these cookies good for senior dogs?
Yes, but you may prefer to bake a softer batch by shortening bake time by 5–7 minutes.
6. Can puppies eat these cookies?
Puppies over 12 weeks old may enjoy small pieces. Start slowly and monitor digestion.
A Final Takeaway
Bake a batch of this Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe and enjoy a cozy moment with your pup—because homemade love always tastes better.