Homemade gingerbread cookies for dogs are a fun and festive way to include furry family members in the holiday magic. These treats are made with wholesome, dog-safe ingredients and come together pretty easily — no complicated steps, no fancy tools.
Perfect for dog owners looking to spoil their pups (and maybe gift a few to dog-loving friends too), this recipe delivers on simplicity, cuteness, and tail-wagging approval. And yes, this recipe is safe for kids to help with too, so it’s a great way to get everyone in on the fun.
Let’s get right into it and make some pup-friendly gingerbread cookies worth barking about.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups oat flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup pureed pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 2 tbsp blackstrap molasses
Pro Tips
- Double-check the spices – Nutmeg should be avoided as it’s toxic to dogs. Stick with just cinnamon and ginger for a safe and festive flavor.
- Make it fun with cookie cutters – Bone shapes, paw prints, or little stars bring a holiday touch and look adorable packaged as gifts.
- Great activity for kids – Rolling the dough and cutting shapes is a fun, mess-friendly job for little hands.
- Keep storage airtight – Use a sealed jar or container to keep cookies fresh longer. They’ll stay crunchy and safe for longer snack times.
- Perfect for gifting – Wrap up a few in a clear bag with a bow and share the dog treat love with friends and neighbors.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour – Brown rice flour works great as a gluten-free option.
- Pumpkin – Unsweetened applesauce can be used in place of pumpkin puree.
- Molasses – Honey is an option, but use in smaller amounts to keep sugar low.
- Texture – Add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal for extra fiber if desired.
Make-Ahead Tips
Dough can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days. For longer prep, freeze the dough for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
How to Make Gingerbread Cookies for Dogs
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine oat flour, ginger, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, pumpkin, and molasses.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.
- Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cookies are firm and slightly golden at the edges.
- Let cool completely before serving to dogs.
Nutritional Info (Per Cookie – Approximate)
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 1.5g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Values will vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and cookie size.
Leftovers and Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days. For longer storage, keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can regular molasses be used instead of blackstrap? Yes, but blackstrap molasses is lower in sugar and contains more beneficial nutrients for dogs.
Are these cookies safe for all dogs? Generally yes, but always start with small portions when trying new treats and check with a vet if the dog has food sensitivities.
Is peanut butter okay to add? It can be added, but only if it’s xylitol-free. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so always check labels carefully.
Can the dough be frozen? Absolutely. It freezes well and makes future baking super quick and easy. Just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Final Words
Gingerbread cookies for dogs are such a sweet way to show a little extra love to those four-legged family members. They’re easy to make, super festive, and guaranteed to get a few happy tail wags.
Give them a try, and don’t forget to share how it went in the comments. Questions, swaps, or pup reactions — it’s always fun to hear how things turned out!