We love baking seasonal cookies, and one of our favorite cutouts is gingerbread—so for the holidays we adapted that classic into dog-friendly gingerbread pup cookies. These homemade dog Christmas cookies are simple to make, fun to cut into dog and bone shapes, and can be decorated for a festive touch. The recipe keeps ingredients dog-safe and uses a small amount of ginger, an anti-inflammatory spice that is generally safe for most dogs and can sometimes support digestion and circulation. As always, consult your veterinarian if your dog has specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.
Dog Christmas Cookies: Gingerbread Pups
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups flour (white or whole wheat)
2 tablespoons flour for dusting the cutting board
1 tablespoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons molasses
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 egg
6–8 Old Mother Hubbard Winter Fun treats, finely chopped
Optional: whole treats and peanut butter for decorating (ensure the peanut butter contains no xylitol)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 1/2 cups of flour and the ground ginger. Set the dry mix aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, molasses, and unsweetened applesauce until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, add up to 1/4 cup more flour a little at a time. A hand or stand mixer can speed this step, but you can also stir and knead by hand.
5. Lightly flour a flat surface or large wooden cutting board and dust your rolling pin. Roll the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness for sturdy cookies that are easy for dogs to chew.
6. Use dog-shaped and bone-shaped cookie cutters to create cookies. Transfer each cutout to the prepared sheet using a spatula to maintain the shapes.
7. Arrange the cutouts about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the finely chopped Winter Fun treats on select cookies—on the head, tail, or as a collar—for texture and interest.
8. Bake for about 15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes to ensure they are not browning too quickly. For firmer, crunchier cookies, bake 18–20 minutes; for a softer chew, remove around 15 minutes once they appear set.
9. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. If you’d like to decorate further, use small dabs of peanut butter (xylitol-free) to press whole treats or holiday shapes onto the cooled cookies.
Storage & Serving Tips: Store these homemade dog cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months and thaw before serving. Offer treats in moderation—treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to maintain a balanced diet.
Safety Notes and Substitutions: If your dog has a food allergy or intolerance, substitute ingredients as advised by your vet. Avoid any sweeteners or products containing xylitol, and check that molasses and applesauce do not include added artificial sweeteners. If you prefer, omit the molasses for a milder flavor and slightly different texture; you may need a little extra applesauce or a teaspoon of oil to maintain dough consistency.
Gift Idea and Presentation: These gingerbread pup cookies make a thoughtful handmade gift for pet-loving friends. Package them in a small tin or treat jar and include storage instructions and a note about keeping treats to 10% of daily food. They’re also a fun activity to make with family—let kids press treat pieces into the dough or help decorate the cooled cookies with safe toppings.
We’d love to see your creations—share photos of your Old Mother Hubbard pup bakery treats and holiday pup outfits on social media. Happy baking and enjoy making dog-safe gingerbread pups for the holidays!
Please note: Treats should be kept to 10% of your dog’s daily food intake to keep nutritional balance. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns about ingredients or portion sizes for your pet.