Gingerbread Cookies for Dogs: How To Make a Tasty Holiday Treat for Your Pup

• Yield: 12–16 cookies
• Serving size: 1–2 treats
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 15 minutes
• Download the recipe card.

For the cookies

• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup chunky peanut butter, xylitol-free
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger

For the icing (optional)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp organic cream cheese, softened

• Measuring cups and measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutter or cookie stamp
• Baking sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 320 F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the molasses, egg, and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, and ginger to the wet ingredients.
4. Knead to form a stiff dough. If the dough is too dry, add additional peanut butter 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too wet, add additional flour 1 tablespoon at a time.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter or stamp to cut out shapes, then place them on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and firm around the edges.
7. While the cookies bake, prepare the optional icing by whisking together the cornstarch and water until dissolved. Stir in the softened cream cheese until smooth. If making the icing ahead of time, refrigerate it and stir before using.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.
9. Decorate with icing, if desired, then serve.

Offer 1–2 cookies as an occasional treat, depending on your dog’s size. As a general rule, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.

If your dog is trying these cookies for the first time, start with a small piece to make sure they tolerate the new treat well.

If your pet has health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats. Any sudden changes to your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Looking for more ways to spoil your pup this holiday season? Here are a few festive favorites.

There are plenty of holiday-themed store-bought dog treats that make it easy to spoil your pup all season long. From crunchy biscuits to festive chews, seasonal treats are perfect for stocking stuffers, rewards after winter walks, or little surprises during holiday celebrations.

Keep the holiday baking fun going with these homemade favorites:

• Holiday Sugar Cookie Recipe for Dogs: Bake festive cutout cookies that are perfect for decorating with dog-friendly icing.
• Martha Stewart’s Holiday Dog Cookie Recipe: Try another festive homemade cookie recipe created by Stewart herself.
• Icebox Cookie Recipe for Dogs: Prep slice-and-bake cookies ahead of holiday celebrations.
• Holiday Barkuterie Board: Create a dog-friendly snack board for holiday parties, movie nights, or Christmas morning.
• Red Velvet Dog Treat Recipe: Red velvet cookies are a holiday favorite, and this dog-friendly version lets your pup join the tradition.