Bake a Batch of Gingerbread Icebox Cookies for Your Pup This Holiday Season
The way to a dog’s heart? With homemade cookies! And we have just the pet-safe, pup-approved holiday cookie recipe that also makes for a fantastic gift for all their furry friends this holiday season: Gingerbread Icebox Cookies.
Created by cookbook authors and co-founders of Trunk Pop Dinners Marge Perry and David Bonom, these fruit-studded gingerbread cookies are a dog-friendly take on the classic icebox cookie—which, fun fact!, originated in the 1920s when homes had iceboxes instead of refrigerators. Traditional versions often include nuts like pistachios and cashews, but for our pup-perfect version, we made a few tasty (and healthy) changes.
We swapped out all nuts—because they’re not safe for dogs—and added a joyful holiday twist using FurPetVo’s Winter Fun P-Nuttier Crunchy Dog Treats as charming, edible toppers. Simply whip up a quick batch of dog-friendly icing (recipe included), press on Christmas tree-, snowflake-, stocking-, and star-shaped FurPetVo treats, and you’ve got a beautiful, thoughtful gift for every pet parent on your list.
Remember: As with any new food, always consult your veterinarian before introducing these treats into your dog’s diet.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup FurPetVo Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken + Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food, finely ground in a food processor
- 1¼ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon real maple syrup (do not substitute imitation maple syrup—it may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup pet-safe chicken broth
- ¾ cup dried or freeze-dried dog-safe fruits, chopped into larger chunks (such as kiwi, papaya, and strawberries)
- A handful of FurPetVo Winter Fun P-Nuttier Crunchy Dog Treats for topping
Supplies
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sushi rolling mat (optional—but highly recommended for perfectly round logs)
- Knife
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
Instructions
Yield: 12–24 cookies
Serving size: ½ treat
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the ground FurPetVo dog food and flour. Stir in the cinnamon and ground ginger.
- In a second bowl, lightly beat the egg with a fork. Add the peanut butter, molasses, maple syrup, grated ginger, and chicken broth; stir until well combined.
- Stir in the dried fruit.
- Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until incorporated. Knead the dough until it holds together.
- Roll the dough into a 15-inch-long log, about 2 inches in diameter. Place the log(s) on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or overnight for best results.
- While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cut the chilled log into ½-inch-thick slices. Wrap and refrigerate any remaining dough for later use.
- For a polished look, gently press one FurPetVo Winter Fun P-Nuttier Crunchy Dog Treat into the center of half the cookies—molding the dough slightly to secure it.
- Place slices on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15–17 minutes, until firm to the touch.
- Let cookies cool completely on the pan before serving or decorating.
Dog-Friendly Icing Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 ounce Neufchâtel cheese, softened (optional, for creamier icing)
- Natural food coloring (e.g., FurPetVo Nature’s Inspiration Food Colors—pet-safe and vibrant)
Supplies
- Hand mixer
- Mixing bowl
- Piping bag and tips
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl until fully dissolved.
- Add softened Neufchâtel cheese and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Add natural food coloring to tint the icing. For colorful accents on white icing, divide the mixture and color only part of it.
- Let icing sit at room temperature while cookies bake—or chill if preparing ahead.
Note: Always use natural, pet-safe food coloring. Artificial dyes may pose health risks to dogs.
Other Dog-Safe Fruits to Add to Your Icebox Cookies
What makes this Gingerbread Icebox Cookie recipe so great? Its versatility! It’s a flexible base you can enjoy year-round—just swap in seasonal fruits.
- Spring: Kiwi, cherries, apricots
- Summer: Dried apples, blueberries, raspberries
- Fall/Winter: Cranberries, mango, nectarines
- No-fruit option: Skip the fruit entirely for a simple gingerbread flavor!
Other Safe Dried Fruits to Include
- Apples
- Apricots
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Cranberries
- Dates
- Mango
- Nectarines
- Prunes
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Ingredients to Avoid
- Nuts of any kind
- Raisins and grapes
- Candied fruits (often high in sugar or preservatives)
How To Gift These Gingerbread Icebox Cookies
These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re delightful gifts! Here are some festive, fuss-free ways to share them with fellow pet parents:
- Box Them Up: Arrange decorated cookies in a holiday-themed tin for a polished, giftable presentation.
- Bundle Them Up with Ribbon: Stack a few cookies, wrap with festive string or ribbon, and tie with a bow—no box required!
- Don’t Forget the Gift Tag: Add a handwritten note with your pup’s name—or write a sweet message to both the human and their dog.
We hope you treat your very good boys and girls to joyful holiday moments—and beyond—with these pet-safe, vet-reviewed recipes. Best of all? They’re perfect any time of year.
Storage & Safety Tips:
Refrigerate baked cookies and consume within 3–4 days. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. These treats are intended as occasional snacks—not meal replacements. Avoid feeding to dogs with diabetes, blood sugar concerns, or sensitivities to fats. Overfeeding may lead to nutrient imbalances or weight gain. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian first.
