Who says cinnamon rolls are just for us humans? Let’s give our pups a version of this sweet classic they can actually enjoy! These Cinnamon Roll Overs are a dog-friendly twist designed to spoil your furry friends while keeping their health front and center.
Inspired by the beloved treat’s origins in Northern Europe, this recipe turns indulgence into something wholesome that’s perfect for your dog. Think of it as a way to make everyday moments—birthdays, holidays, or even “just because”—extra special. These adorable rolls are easy to make, packed with dog-safe ingredients, and sure to get tails wagging!
The Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time & Cook Time:
Around 35 minutes total—15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes to bake. - Number of Treats:
About 12–15 rolls, depending on how you slice them. Have a smaller dog? Roll the dough thinner and cut smaller pieces. - Skill Level:
Beginner-friendly. If you can roll dough, you’ve got this. - What You’ll Need:
- A couple of mixing bowls
- Rolling pin (or even a clean bottle in a pinch)
- Sharp knife or pizza cutter
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Pro Tip:
Want to save time? The dough can be made and refrigerated up to two days in advance or frozen for later. Just thaw and bake when you’re ready!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat/rice flour for gluten-sensitive pups)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup milk (or plain water for lactose-intolerant dogs)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup canola oil (sub with coconut or olive oil if you prefer)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup finely chopped unsalted nuts (optional—skip this if your dog has a nut allergy)
Tips on Substitutions
- Flour: Oat or rice flour works well as a gluten-free alternative.
- Milk: You can use unsweetened oat milk or water if needed.
- Oil: Coconut or olive oil are great swaps for canola oil.
Note: Double-check that all your ingredients (especially honey and cinnamon) are free of harmful additives like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overs
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trust me—this step will make cleanup so much easier later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Just stir until combined—no need to overdo it.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, mix the milk (or water), egg, and oil. Once it’s smooth, pour this into your dry mix. Stir gently until you’ve got a soft, workable dough.
4. Roll Out the Dough
Sprinkle a little flour on your countertop and roll the dough into a rectangle, about 9×12 inches and ¼-inch thick.
5. Add the Filling
Drizzle honey evenly over your dough’s surface. Sprinkle on some cinnamon and, if you’re using them, scatter the finely chopped nuts.
6. Roll and Slice
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough tightly into a log. Seal the edge by pinching it. Use a slightly wet knife (or pizza cutter) to slice the log into ½-inch rounds.
7. Bake
Place the slices cut-side down on the prepped baking sheet. Pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. Peek in at the 12-minute mark to make sure they’re not overbaking. They should be firm and golden brown when done.
8. Cool Completely
This part is important—let the treats cool completely before handing them to your pup. Hot treats and excited dogs don’t mix!
Fun Ways to Customize
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with oat or rice flour. Just adjust the liquids slightly since these absorb differently.
- Make It Fall-Themed: Add a little pumpkin puree or mashed sweet potato to the wet ingredients.
- Holiday Fancy: For special occasions, drizzle with dog-safe “frosting” made from plain Greek yogurt and honey. For everyday treats, skip the extras!
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: These are great as stand-alone treats, or you can pair them with apple slices for a fun snack.
- Storage: They’ll keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days or in the fridge for 2 weeks. Planning to stock up? Freeze them, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen treats at room temperature, or warm them slightly in a low oven (250°F) for a few minutes.
With this simple, thoughtful recipe, you can bake up a batch of treats that might have your dog following you around the kitchen! Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because—you’re going to love seeing your pup enjoy these homemade Cinnamon Roll Overs.
Happy baking! Let us know if your dog gives these two paws up.
