Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

I named these Cinnamon Roll Overs because that’s exactly what my dog does the moment he smells cinnamon coming from the kitchen.

These treats are shaped like tiny cinnamon rolls, made from a simple dog safe dough, and finished with a light dusting of cinnamon that gives them a warm, cozy flavor without any of the sugary glaze you’d find on the human version.

They’re a fun weekend baking project, especially around the fall and winter months when cinnamon already feels like it belongs in every recipe.

The shaping process is simple enough for kids to help with too, and the smell that fills the kitchen while these bake might be the best part of the whole process.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

A few reasons these treats are worth adding to your rotation.

Fun shape. The little spiral shape makes these feel special compared to a plain round biscuit.

Warm flavor. Cinnamon adds a cozy taste that pairs nicely with the base dough.

Simple dough. No yeast, no rising time, just a straightforward mix and roll dough.

Great for gifting. These make a cute homemade gift for a dog loving friend or neighbor.

Easy to size. Roll the dough thinner or thicker depending on the size of your dog.

Freezer friendly. A full batch stores well, so you always have some ready to go.

Are Cinnamon and Sugar Safe for Dogs?

This is worth addressing directly, since the title mentions both cinnamon and sugar and it’s important to be clear about how each is used in this recipe.

Cinnamon is generally considered safe for dogs in small amounts. Ceylon cinnamon is the better choice over cassia cinnamon, since cassia contains higher levels of a compound called coumarin, which can be harder on the liver in larger amounts over time.

This recipe uses only a light dusting of cinnamon, well within a safe range for an occasional treat.

Sugar is where a bit more caution is needed. Dogs don’t need added sugar in their diet, and regular consumption can contribute to weight gain, dental issues, and other health concerns over time.

Rather than using refined white sugar, this recipe uses a very small, occasional amount of coconut sugar as part of the topping, kept minimal and meant as an occasional treat rather than a regular addition to your dog’s diet.

If you’d prefer to skip it entirely, the cinnamon topping works fine on its own.

Nutmeg should never be included in a dog treat recipe, even though it often appears alongside cinnamon in human baking, since it can be toxic to dogs. This recipe leaves it out entirely.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into the dough and topping, and what each ingredient contributes.

Whole wheat flour or oat flour forms the base of the dough and gives the treats their structure.

Plain pumpkin puree adds moisture and a mild natural sweetness, helping bind the dough without needing eggs.

A small amount of coconut oil keeps the dough from becoming too dry and gives it a slightly tender texture once baked.

Cinnamon, divided between the dough and the topping, is where most of the flavor in this recipe comes from.

A small amount of coconut sugar, optional, adds a light touch of sweetness to the topping.

Ingredient List

For the dough

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup water, plus more if needed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the topping

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar, optional

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, pumpkin puree, coconut oil, water, and cinnamon, stirring until a dough begins to form.
3. Knead the dough gently for about a minute, adding a small splash more water if it feels too dry, or a bit more flour if it feels sticky.
4. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick.
5. In a small bowl, mix the topping cinnamon and coconut sugar, if using, then sprinkle it evenly over the surface of the rolled dough.
6. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log, similar to rolling a cinnamon roll.
7. Slice the log into rounds about half an inch thick and place them on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up so the spiral is visible.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the treats feel firm to the touch.
9. Let the treats cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing, since they’ll firm up further as they cool.

Getting a Good Spiral

The spiral shape is what makes these treats feel special, and a few small details help it turn out well.

Roll the dough into an even rectangle before adding the topping, since an uneven shape makes for an uneven spiral once sliced.

Press the topping gently into the surface of the dough before rolling, so it doesn’t scatter everywhere as you roll.

Roll the log fairly snugly, without pulling too tight, since overly tight rolling can cause the dough to crack along the edges.

If the log feels too soft to slice cleanly, pop it in the fridge for about ten minutes before cutting. This firms up the dough just enough to get cleaner slices.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve made the base recipe a few times, these variations are worth trying.

Peanut butter cinnamon roll overs. Add a thin layer of peanut butter along with the cinnamon topping before rolling, for a richer flavor.

Apple cinnamon roll overs. Stir a tablespoon of finely grated apple into the dough for a subtle fruity note alongside the cinnamon.

Mini roll overs. Roll the dough thinner and slice the log into smaller rounds for bite sized training treats.

Pumpkin spice roll overs. Add a small pinch of ginger along with the cinnamon for a slightly more complex flavor, keeping both spices in modest amounts.

Stick with ingredients already known to be safe for dogs when trying new variations, and avoid adding nutmeg or any spice blend not specifically confirmed as dog safe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cassia cinnamon in large amounts. Ceylon cinnamon is the gentler option, and either way, keep the total amount light.

Adding nutmeg. This spice is common in human cinnamon roll recipes but should never be included in a dog treat.

Using too much sugar. A light dusting is plenty, and the coconut sugar can be left out entirely without affecting the recipe’s success.

Rolling the dough unevenly. This leads to a messy spiral once sliced, so take a moment to roll it into a clean rectangle first.

Slicing the log too thin. Very thin slices can dry out quickly in the oven, so aim for pieces about half an inch thick.

Skipping the cooling time. These treats continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to store them while still warm.

How Many Can a Dog Have?

Since this recipe includes a small amount of added sugar in the topping, it’s best treated as an occasional reward rather than a daily treat.

One or two roll overs for a small dog, or two or three for a larger dog, is a reasonable amount for an occasional indulgence.

As always, treats should make up a small portion of your dog’s overall diet, with the rest coming from a balanced, complete meal.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

Room temperature. Once fully cooled, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days.

Refrigerator. For a bit of extra freshness, keep them in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Freezer. For longer storage, freeze the treats in a sealed bag or container for up to three months.

Check treats before serving, and discard anything that shows signs of mold or an off smell.

Can You Freeze These Treats?

Yes, and freezing works well for keeping a larger batch on hand.

1. Let the treats cool completely before freezing.
2. Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer safe container or bag.
3. Separate layers with parchment paper if stacking.
4. Label the container with the date.
5. Thaw a few at room temperature for about fifteen minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cinnamon safe for dogs? Yes, in small amounts, cinnamon is generally considered safe for dogs. Ceylon cinnamon is the gentler option compared to cassia cinnamon.

Is sugar safe for dogs? A very small amount occasionally is generally fine for most healthy dogs, but sugar isn’t necessary in a dog’s diet and should be kept minimal. This recipe uses only a light dusting, and it can be left out entirely if you’d prefer.

Can I skip the sugar in the topping? Yes, the cinnamon alone provides plenty of flavor, and skipping the coconut sugar doesn’t affect how the recipe turns out.

Can I use oat flour instead of whole wheat flour? Yes, oat flour works well as a substitute, though the dough may need slightly less liquid since oat flour tends to be more absorbent.

Why did my spiral fall apart when I sliced it? This usually means the dough was rolled a bit too loosely, or the log wasn’t chilled before slicing. Chilling the log briefly makes for much cleaner cuts.

How long do these treats last? About five days at room temperature, up to two weeks in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.

Can puppies have these treats? In small amounts, most puppies can enjoy a bit of cinnamon, but check with your veterinarian first, especially regarding the small amount of sugar in the topping.

Recipe Card

Recipe name: Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats

Summary: Soft, spiral shaped dog treats made with a simple pumpkin dough and a light cinnamon and sugar topping.

Servings: About 20 treats, depending on slice thickness

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes, plus cooling time

Estimated cost: Budget friendly

Course: Dog treat

Cuisine: Homemade pet food

Keywords: cinnamon dog treats, homemade dog treats, pumpkin cinnamon treats, cinnamon roll dog treats, homemade dog biscuits

Equipment: Mixing bowl, rolling pin, baking sheet, parchment paper

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour or oat flour
• 1/2 cup plain pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for the dough
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, for the topping
• 1 teaspoon coconut sugar, optional

Instructions:

1. Mix dough ingredients until a firm dough forms.
2. Roll into a rectangle about a quarter inch thick.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar topping.
4. Roll into a log and slice into rounds.
5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until golden.
6. Cool completely before serving.

A Final Note on Baking These Treats

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon baking that makes these feel like more than just a dog treat, and I like that they’re just as fun to make as they are for my dog to eat.

Keep a batch in the freezer, and you’ll always have a cozy, spiral shaped reward ready to go whenever the moment calls for something a little special.

More Homemade Treat Ideas

If your dog enjoyed these, these recipes are worth trying next.

• Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes
• Simple Carrot Based Dog Treat Recipes for Beginners
• Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Chews Recipe
• 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Dog Gummies
• Easy Frozen Coconut Dog Treats for Summer

For more ideas on feeding your dog well beyond treats, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.