Best Gingerbread Dog Treat Recipe

Written by

Serena Faber-Nelson Updated 16 July 2012 · 7 Min Read

Pet lifestyle expert Serena Faber-Nelson is the founder of Pretty Fluffy. A contributor to Everyday with Rachael Ray, Modern Dog Magazine, Cesars Way and more; her modern, stylized take on DIY dog treats has seen her recipes viewed millions of times over. Serena is the author of the go-to dog mom bible, Dog Mama, and the popular dog treat recipe book, Healthy Homemade Dog Treats.

Run, run as fast as you can to the kitchen! The holiday season just isn't the same without that warm, spicy aroma wafting through the house. But why should humans have all the fun? We found the ultimate gingerbread dog treats recipe that will have your pup drooling by the oven door. It is healthy, simple, and totally paw-approved. Get ready to bake the perfect holiday reward for your best friend.

Can Dogs Have Gingerbread?

You might be tempted to share your own cookie stash with those begging eyes. It is hard to say no to a cute face! Wait right there though. While human gingerbread is delicious for us, the answer is a hard no for dogs.Feeding your dog traditional holiday cookies can lead to panic. That is the last thing anyone wants on Christmas morning. You want to spend the day opening presents. Not sitting in a vet waiting room!Here is the scoop on why standard gingerbread is a no-go zone:

• The Nutmeg Problem: This is the big villain in most pantry spices. Beneath that warm flavor lies a toxin called myristicin. It is harmful to dogs. Even small amounts can cause tummy trouble, high blood pressure, or even seizures. It is simply not worth the risk.
• Sugar Overload: Human cookies are packed with refined sugar and heavy butter. That is a recipe for a major upset stomach. Pancreatitis is a real risk with fatty holiday foods. Plus? Too much sugar is terrible for their pearly whites.
• Hidden Dangers: Some modern recipes use xylitol to cut calories. This artificial sweetener is incredibly toxic and scary for dogs. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar that can be fatal. Always check your peanut butter labels for this too!

So we fixed it! This recipe is completely dog-friendly. It contains absolutely zero nutmeg. We only use ingredients that are safe for your pooch. You can bake with total peace of mind.

Is ginger actually good for dogs?

You bet it is! Ginger is a superfood for your pup. It is not just safe. It is beneficial!

• Stomach Soother: It is gentle on stomachs and promotes healthy digestion. If your dog gets gassy after a big meal, ginger can help settle things down.
• Travel Buddy: Small amounts can help with motion sickness during holiday car rides. Give them a cookie before you head to Grandma's house to keep their tummy calm.
• Senior Support: It contains anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It is one of the reasons ginger is a great herb for senior dogs with stiff joints. It naturally helps with inflammation.

Gingerbread Dog Cookie Recipe

Ready to get baking? This is the fun part! These treats are simple enough that you do not need to be a master chef. Your dog can be the judge of your creation. Making these gingerbread dog cookies is a total bonding experience. Your kitchen will smell amazing. Your pup will likely sit by your feet the whole time. It is a wonderful way to slow down during the busy holiday rush. If you are looking for even more festive fun, be sure to check out our favorite christmas dog treat recipe for another tasty option!

• Prep time: Chill time is key here! Plan ahead so you are not rushing.
• Cook time: 10 to 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Grab these healthy items from your pantry. We are keeping it wholesome and natural.

1 and 1/4 Cups Water:

Divided use helps with mixing. We use water to keep the fat content low and healthy. It binds everything without adding unnecessary calories.

¼ Cup Olive Oil:

Great for a shiny coat! It provides healthy fats without the heaviness of butter. Coconut oil is another safe alternative if you prefer that flavor.

½ Cup

Molasses: For that classic dark color. It is packed with minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium too. It gives the cookies that authentic gingerbread look.

2 Tablespoons Honey:

A sweet energy boost. Raw honey can even help with seasonal allergies. It is a natural preservative that helps keep the treats fresh longer.

3 Cups Organic Whole Wheat Flour:

A sturdy and healthy base. It adds fiber to keep their digestion moving smoothly. If your dog is gluten-free, you can swap this for oat flour or rice flour.

½ Teaspoon Cinnamon:

All the aroma with none of the risk! It helps regulate blood sugar and smells divine. It is also great for brain health in aging dogs.

½ Teaspoon Ground Cloves:

Adds a lovely depth of flavor. A tiny amount goes a long way in these treats. It makes the kitchen smell like pure holiday magic.

1 Tablespoon Fresh Ginger:

Finely chopped is best. It gives that real gingerbread for dogs kick that powder just cannot match. Plus? Peeling fresh ginger is so satisfying!

Instructions

Follow these steps to become your dog's favorite baker.

1. Get Mixing: Grab two large bowls. In one bowl, combine the water, olive oil, molasses, and honey. Stir well until the sticky molasses dissolves into the water. In the second bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
2. Combine Forces: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Do not rush this part! Mix until everything is combined and no dry flour spots remain. The dough will be thick and smell like Christmas. It might feel a bit stiff. That is normal.
3. Chill Out: Divide the dough into two balls. Wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge. They need at least 3.5 hours to chill. This step is crucial! Cold dough holds its shape much better and is less sticky to work with.
4. Roll It: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface. You want it firm but workable. Aim for about ¼ inch thickness. If it is too thick, they might not get crunchy enough. If it is too thin, they might burn quickly.
5. Shape It: Use your cookie cutters to make fun shapes. Classic gingerbread men are cute. Bones or hearts work too! Place them on a baking tray lined with paper. Leave a little space between each one. They do not spread much though.
6. Bake It: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so the edges do not burn. You want a nice golden snap. The harder they are, the better they are for cleaning teeth!

Pro-Tips for Success

We want you to nail this on the first try!

• Texture Trick: Keep ½ cup of the water aside at the start. Add it slowly as you mix. This stops the dough from getting too sticky to handle. Every flour absorbs water differently.
• Patience Pays Off: You can chill the dough for up to 5 hours. The longer it chills, the easier it is to cut clean shapes. You can even make the dough the night before and bake it in the morning.
• Decoration Station: Once cooled, drizzle with carob or yogurt drops. Your pup will think they are fancy! Do not use regular icing sugar. You can also press a fork into the dough before baking for a rustic look.
• Storage Smarts: These keep well in an airtight container for a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Perfect for making ahead! Just thaw one out whenever your pup deserves a reward.

Before you go...! Check out these delicious dog treat recipes:

• 5 Easy & Delicious Dog Treat Recipes for Christmas
• Master Bowie's Calming Cookies for Dogs (That You Can Eat Too)
• Homemade Mint Treats for Dogs: 'Puppermint' Dog Cookies
• Homemade Dog Treats: Healthy Banana Dog Cookie Recipe

Want more homemade healthy dog treat recipes?

Check out our eBook 52 Weeks of Treats - Simple & Healthy Dog Treat Recipes for Every Season. Now in it's 2nd edition, 52 Weeks of Treats has over 30 healthy DIY dog treat recipes - including everything from summer 'Blueberry Pupsicles' to hearty winter 'Beef Bites'. With a handy allergies guide, quick references for grain and dairy free recipes AND a whole section just for special occasions (Doggie Birthday Cake anyone?) 52 Weeks of Treats is the ultimate dog treat recipe book.

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