Gingerbread Banana Oat Dog Cookies for Holidays

So your dog gave you that look again—the one that says, “Human… these basic snacks ain’t cutting it.” Don’t panic. You’re about two minutes away from becoming the holiday hero your pup never knew they needed.

These Gingerbread Banana Oat Dog Cookies are festive, wholesome, and ridiculously easy to make—even if you can barely boil water.

And FYI, your dog is definitely going to assume you’re a five-star chef after this.

What Makes This Recipe Paw-some

This recipe is basically a holiday miracle for dog parents who want something fun, healthy, and budget-friendly. You only need simple pantry staples—nothing fancy, nothing complicated, and nothing that requires a YouTube tutorial to understand.

Dogs love the natural sweetness of bananas, the warm aroma of gingerbread spices, and the chewy texture from oats. Plus, the ingredients are vet-friendly, picky-eater-approved, and perfect for pups with sensitive tummies.

And let’s be honest—your dog will think you’re a gourmet chef… even if you burn toast.

These cookies make amazing holiday gifts for dog-loving friends too. Imagine showing up at a Christmas party with homemade dog treats. Boom—instant legend status.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (the browner, the better—your dog won’t judge)
• 1 cup oat flour (blend oats if you don’t have the flour)
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon molasses (unsulfured; adds that gingerbread vibe)
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 large egg (or a flax egg if your dog is plant-based… yes, that’s a thing)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• Splash of water if needed (for dough consistency)
• Optional: tiny sprinkle of turmeric for color (not required, but cute)

Note: Use dog-safe ingredients only. Use pumpkin puree—not pumpkin pie filling—unless your dog wants a surprise sugar rush, lol.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven

Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Your dog will probably hear the oven door and assume something magical is happening.

2. Prepare your mixing bowl

Mix the mashed banana, egg, coconut oil, and molasses until smooth.
Your dog will probably supervise closely. Don’t crack under the pressure.

3. Add the dry ingredients

Stir in your oat flour, rolled oats, ginger, and cinnamon.
The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
If it’s too crumbly, add a splash of water.

4. Form your cookies

Roll the dough into small balls or use festive cookie cutters—bone-shaped, gingerbread men, stars, whatever makes you feel like a Pinterest parent.
FYI: Your dog does not care about the shape, but your Instagram might.

5. Arrange and flatten

Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Flatten slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon so they bake evenly.

6. Bake to perfection

Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until firm and lightly golden.
Your kitchen will smell like dog-approved holiday magic.

7. Cool before serving

Let them cool completely.
I know your dog is drooling, pacing, whining, or doing interpretive dance… but hot cookies = burned tongues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t replace banana with chocolate. Unless you want to meet your vet at 2 a.m.
• Don’t add sugar, nutmeg, or artificial sweeteners. Dogs don’t vibe with those.
• Don’t underbake the cookies if you want them to last longer; softer cookies spoil quicker.
• Don’t eyeball your spices. Ginger is great, but don’t turn the cookies into an episode of “Spice Wars.”
• Don’t skip the cooling time. Hot treats + excited dog = chaos.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Go for it.

• Swap banana for pumpkin. It creates a firmer, slightly less sweet cookie.
• Use turkey baby food instead of molasses for dogs who prefer savory tastes.
• Replace oat flour with rice flour if your dog has grain sensitivities.
• Try applesauce instead of banana for pups who think fruit is life.
• Add salmon oil if your dog acts bougie—because nothing says “holiday treat” like fish-scented cookies. IMO.
• Use sweet potato puree if you want a softer texture.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I store these treats for later?

Yes—unless your dog somehow opens the fridge. Then all bets are off.

Are these safe for puppies?

Absolutely, as long as your pup is old enough to eat solid treats and you keep the pieces small.

Can I freeze them?

Yep! Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw on the counter before serving.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

You can, but it makes the dough denser. Stick with oat flour if you want a soft, chewy vibe.

How many of these can my dog eat?

Moderation, my friend. Start with 1–2 cookies depending on your dog’s size. They will beg for more.

Do these smell like real gingerbread cookies?

Yes… and your dog may think you’re baking for them every time you use cinnamon from now on.

Can I gift these to other dog parents?

100%. Put them in a cute jar or holiday box, and you’ll look like the world’s most thoughtful pet person.

Final Thoughts

Congrats—you just created Gingerbread Banana Oat Dog Cookies that your pup will worship you for. These treats are festive, healthy, and way easier than they look. Now brace yourself, because your dog will expect this level of greatness forever. Every time you walk into the kitchen, they’ll assume cookies are happening. But hey… that’s the price of being a dog’s favorite human.