If your pup gives you the “where’s mine?” face while you’re baking gingerbread during the holidays, this recipe is just what you need! These gingerbread dog treats have all the warm, cozy spice vibes and are made with dog-safe ingredients. Whether you’re filling up your dog’s treat jar, participating in a cookie exchange, or gifting goodies to fellow dog parents, these gingerbread cookies are a must-make!
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
There’s something so rewarding about baking for your dog and seeing how excited they get when the treats come out of the oven. And there are so many reasons this gingerbread dog cookies recipe will be a favorite:
Wholesome Ingredients – These treats are made with simple, nutritious ingredients and no mystery fillers like you find in store-bought ones.
Dog-Safe Spices – This recipe uses only spices that are safe for dogs – no nutmeg, cloves, or other common gingerbread spices that can be harmful to pups.
Allergy Friendly – They’re gluten-free and without peanut butter, so they’re a great choice for dogs with common allergies and homes that are peanut-free.
Easy to Make – Just mix, roll, cut, and bake! All the classic cookie-making steps, but for your pup!
Economical – Making your own ginger dog cookies costs far less than buying fancy store-bought ones.
Holiday Flavor – They’re perfect for the festive season, and make adorable treats to share in a cookie exchange or wrap up as a homemade gift for fellow dog lovers.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Treats
These gingerbread treats for dogs are made with a few simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make a flavorful and crunchy biscuit your dog will love. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Oat Flour – Made from old-fashioned rolled oats. A great source of fiber and easy on your dog’s digestion.
- Brown Rice Flour – A naturally gluten-free flour loaded with fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
- Egg – Acts as a binder and adds a protein boost.
- Coconut Oil – Add moisture and a bit of healthy fat.
- Water – Helps bring the dough together.
- Ground Cinnamon – Gives warm flavor and has antioxidant properties.
- Ground Ginger – The star spice that adds classic gingerbread flavor in a dog-friendly way.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
When making these treats, there are a few things to keep in mind and some easy swaps you can use:
- Additional Sweetness – Want a richer, slightly sweeter cookie? Add 1-2 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses.
- Brown Rice Flour – You can make your own by blending uncooked brown rice in a food processor or blender until fine.
- Flour Swaps – You can use all-purpose flour or a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Avoid using only whole wheat (it’s dense) or coconut flour (it absorbs too much moisture and throws off the texture).
Equipment Needed
You probably have everything you need already! You’ll want mixing bowls, a rolling pin, and baking sheets. For cuteness overload, try using:
How to Make Gingerbread Dog Treats
Making these gingerbread cookies for dogs is like baking human cookies. Here’s what to do:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pulse rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they become flour.
- In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, brown rice flour, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Add the egg, coconut oil, and water. Stir until fully combined and a dough forms.
- Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface.
- Cut into shapes using your favorite cookie cutter.
- Place on a lined or non-stick baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack until fully cooled before serving.
How to Store and How Long They Last
Store homemade gingerbread dog treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
For longer storage, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 4 months.
Can people eat these treats?
Oh yes, they sure can! All the ingredients are safe for humans. They’re great if you like a not-too-sweet cookie. Give one a try and see if you like it.
Popular Homemade Dog Treat Recipes
Want to make more treats for your dog? Here are some tasty dog treats to make:
- Apple Carrot Dog Treats
- Christmas Dog Treats
- Coconut Dog Treats
- Cranberry Dog Treats
- Molasses Dog Treats
- Peanut Butter Dog Cookies
- Pear Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Ginger Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Pie for Dogs
Find more easy dog treat recipes here on Spoiled Hounds!
Gingerbread Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup brown rice flour
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a blender or food processor, pulse the oats until they become flour.
- In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
- Add wet ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface.
- With a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness, according to your preference.
- Using a cookie cutter, cut out the dog treats and place them on a non-stick baking sheet or use a silicone mat or parchment paper to cover the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Transfer the baked treats to a wire rack to cool to room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Amount
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you’re unsure how much is right for your dog, check with your vet.
And as always, if it’s your dog’s first time having any of these ingredients, start with a small piece to make sure there are no sensitivities or reactions.
I’m looking at the gingerbread dog treats. They look great and gathering ingredients. What can I use to substitute white for brown rice flour.
Also, when making oat flour from oats – does 1 cup of oats = 1 cup of oat flour.
Thanks – can’t wait to try a couple of the treats!
If your dog doesn’t have a wheat allergy, you can use regular all-purpose flour for the brown rice flour. Another option is white rice flour.
When making the oat flour 1 cup of oats makes about 1 cup of oat flour. You may want to grind a little more, about 1.25 cups of oats, just to be sure to get 1 cup of flour.