Want to make your dog a special homemade treat? These Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats have the familiar swirled shape of little cinnamon rolls but use simple, dog-friendly ingredients.
Made with oat flour, unsweetened applesauce, egg, and a tiny amount of ground cinnamon, these mini rolls are easy to prepare and bake. They contain no added sugar, butter, raisins, or icing.
The best part? You can make them in your own kitchen without yeast or complicated baking techniques.
Quick Answer
Homemade Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats are small baked treats made with oat flour, egg, unsweetened applesauce, and a little ground cinnamon. Roll the dough into a rectangle, spread it with a thin cinnamon-applesauce filling, roll it into a log, slice into mini swirls, and bake until firm.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Prep time | 20 minutes |
| Baking time | 20–25 minutes |
| Cooling time | 20 minutes |
| Total time | About 1 hour |
| Yield | 12–15 mini rolls |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For preparing the dough.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Fork or mixing spoon: For combining the dough.
- Rolling pin: To roll the dough into a rectangle.
- Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking while rolling.
- Sharp knife: For slicing the rolled dough.
- Baking sheet: For baking the mini rolls.
- Cooling rack: For cooling the finished treats.
Ingredients
For the dough
- 1½ cups oat flour: Use plain, finely ground oats.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the dough.
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and helps the dough hold together.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a mild cinnamon flavor to the batch.
For the filling
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce: Creates a light filling.
- A small pinch of ground cinnamon: Adds a little extra swirl flavor.
Choose plain applesauce without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or spices. Do not use cinnamon-sugar mixtures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dough
Add the oat flour and cinnamon to a mixing bowl. Stir to distribute the cinnamon evenly.
Add the egg and unsweetened applesauce. Mix until a soft dough begins to form.
3. Adjust the consistency
If the dough is sticky, add a little oat flour. If it feels too dry or crumbly, add a small amount of water.
You want a soft dough that can be rolled without sticking excessively to your hands.
4. Roll out the dough
Place the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it into a rectangle approximately ¼ inch thick.
Try to keep the thickness even so the rolls bake consistently.
5. Prepare the filling
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce with a small pinch of cinnamon.
Spread a thin layer over the dough, leaving a little space around the edges.
6. Roll into a log
Starting from one long side, carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
Use the parchment paper to help guide the dough if it starts sticking or breaking.
7. Slice the mini rolls
Use a sharp knife to cut the log into approximately ½-inch slices.
Arrange the slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
8. Bake
Bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, checking toward the end.
The rolls should look lightly golden and feel firm. Thicker slices may need a little extra baking time.
9. Cool completely
Transfer the mini rolls to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving.
They will become firmer as they cool.
Cinnamon Roll Dog Treat Safety Tips
Although small amounts of ground cinnamon are generally considered non-toxic to dogs, more is not better.
- Use only a little cinnamon: Large amounts can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive system.
- Avoid nutmeg: Nutmeg can cause toxic effects in dogs, particularly when larger amounts are eaten.
- Skip sugar and icing: Dogs do not need added sugar, and rich toppings add unnecessary calories.
- Check your applesauce: Use plain, unsweetened applesauce without xylitol or added spices.
- Avoid raisins: Never add raisins or raisin paste to the filling.
- Keep portions small: These are occasional treats, not everyday snacks.
PetMD explains that small amounts of cinnamon are not generally toxic to dogs, but excessive exposure can cause irritation. The American Kennel Club also warns about nutmeg and potentially harmful ingredients found in human cinnamon baked goods.
Serving Size and Storage
Allow the rolls to cool completely before offering one to your dog.
Start with a small piece, particularly if your dog has never tried the ingredients before. Break larger rolls into smaller pieces for small dogs.
Treats should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
Store the cooled rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days as a conservative homemade storage guideline.
For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Discard any treats that develop mold, an unusual smell, or signs of spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat cinnamon roll treats?
Dogs can enjoy specially prepared treats containing a small amount of ground cinnamon. These homemade rolls avoid common human cinnamon-roll ingredients such as sugar, butter, raisins, and icing.
Is cinnamon safe for dogs?
Small amounts of ground cinnamon are generally considered non-toxic to dogs. However, large amounts can cause irritation, and cinnamon essential oils or concentrated products should not be used in homemade dog treats.
Can I use whole-wheat flour instead of oat flour?
Yes. Plain whole-wheat flour can work if your dog tolerates wheat. Add the applesauce gradually because different flours absorb moisture differently.
Can I add peanut butter to the filling?
You can experiment with a small amount of plain peanut butter, provided it contains no xylitol. However, peanut butter adds fat and calories, so keep the quantity modest.
Why are my cinnamon rolls falling apart?
The dough may be too dry or rolled too thin. Add a little water or applesauce, knead gently, and roll the dough between parchment sheets to make it easier to handle.
Conclusion
These Homemade Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats are a fun way to give your dog a special baked snack without using the sugar and rich toppings found in traditional cinnamon rolls.
With oat flour, egg, unsweetened applesauce, and just a little cinnamon, you can make adorable mini swirls right at home. Keep portions small, use dog-safe ingredients, and let the treats cool completely before sharing.
Editorial Note
This recipe is intended as an occasional treat for healthy dogs, not a complete or balanced meal. Dogs with allergies, sensitive stomachs, or medical conditions may need different ingredients. Consult your veterinarian if you’re unsure whether these treats are suitable for your dog.
