Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats (Easy Homemade Puppy Treat Recipe)

Puppies are always learning, and treats are one of the best teaching tools there is. These cinnamon roll dog treats are made with a puppy in mind: small, soft, gently flavored, and free of sugar, nuts, and icing.

They look like tiny cinnamon rolls, but they’re made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and a swirl of mashed banana and just a whisper of cinnamon.

If you’ve already tried my Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats, think of this as the softer, gentler puppy version.

It uses even less cinnamon, skips the sugar completely, and cuts the rolls extra small for tiny mouths.

Why You’ll Love These Puppy Cinnamon Roll Treats

A few reasons this recipe is worth making.

Small and soft. Bite sized pieces that are easy for puppies to chew.

No sugar or icing. Banana provides the only sweetness.

Just a hint of cinnamon. Mild and gentle, with no nutmeg.

Simple ingredients. Flour, applesauce, egg, banana, and cinnamon.

Fun to make. The rolling and slicing are a great kitchen project.

Great for training. Perfect size for little rewards during puppy lessons.

Are Cinnamon Roll Treats Safe for Puppies?

Puppies have sensitive stomachs and specific needs, so it’s worth being careful.

Check with your veterinarian first. Especially for puppies under 12 weeks, or puppies with any health concerns.

Use cinnamon very lightly. A small amount of Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered safe for dogs. Cassia cinnamon contains more coumarin, so Ceylon is the gentler choice. Too much cinnamon can irritate the mouth and stomach.

Never use nutmeg. It’s toxic to dogs and shows up in many cinnamon roll spice blends.

Skip the sugar and icing. Puppies don’t need sweeteners, and human cinnamon roll glaze isn’t safe for dogs.

Skip nuts. Some nuts are unsafe for dogs, and walnuts and macadamia nuts in particular should be avoided.

Keep portions tiny. A puppy needs only a bite or two.

Introduce slowly. Offer one small piece and watch for any loose stools or reaction.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Whole wheat flour forms a soft, sturdy dough that’s easy to roll. Oat flour works for puppies who do better with less wheat, though the dough will be more delicate.

Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and gentle sweetness. Check that the label lists only apples.

One egg binds the dough.

Ripe banana, mashed, makes a naturally sweet filling.

Ceylon cinnamon adds a light, warm flavor.

Ingredient List

For the dough

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for rolling
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg

For the filling

• 2 tablespoons mashed ripe banana
• 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats for Puppies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the applesauce and egg until smooth.
3. Stir in the flour until a soft dough forms. If it’s sticky, add a spoonful of flour. If it’s dry, add a teaspoon of water.
4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
5. In a small bowl, stir the cinnamon into the mashed banana.
6. Spread the banana mixture in a thin, even layer over the dough, leaving a small border along one long edge.
7. Starting from the opposite long edge, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
8. Slice the log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick, or 1/4 inch for tiny puppies.
9. Place the rolls cut side up on the baking sheet.
10. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the treats are set.
11. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

Getting the Right Texture

Puppy treats should be soft, so don’t overbake them. Pull them out as soon as they’re set and lightly golden.

If the log is too soft to slice, chill it for 10 minutes first. Cold dough slices cleanly.

Spread the banana in a thin layer. Too much filling squishes out when you roll.

For a crunchier version, bake a few minutes longer and let them dry in the turned off oven, but keep puppy treats soft if your puppy is teething or has a sensitive mouth.

Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion for neat slices.

Recipe Variations

Once you’ve made the base recipe, these are easy to try.

Pumpkin swirl. Spread a thin layer of plain pumpkin puree instead of banana, inspired by my Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats.

Apple swirl. Use a thin layer of unsweetened applesauce and a pinch of cinnamon.

Plain rolls. Skip the cinnamon completely for very young puppies.

Peanut butter swirl. For puppies who’ve tried peanut butter, spread a thin layer of xylitol free peanut butter, like in my No Bake Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats.

Mini training bites. Slice into small rounds for pea sized rewards.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding nutmeg. It’s toxic to dogs.

Using too much cinnamon. A light sprinkle is plenty.

Adding sugar or icing. Puppies don’t need either.

Rolling the dough too thick. Thick dough makes bulky, doughy rolls.

Slicing while the log is warm or soft. Chill it first.

Giving too many. Puppy tummies are small.

How Many Treats Can a Puppy Have?

One or two mini rolls is plenty for a small puppy, and two to three for a larger puppy. Treats should make up only a small part of a puppy’s daily calories, with the rest coming from a complete and balanced puppy food. If you’re unsure how much to offer, ask your veterinarian.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Puppy Treats

These soft treats contain egg and banana, so they need cool storage.

Refrigerator. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer. Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months.

Check before serving, and discard any treats that smell off or show signs of mold. For treats that last longer, see my DIY Dog Biscuits That Last for Weeks.

Can You Freeze Cinnamon Roll Puppy Treats?

Yes, and freezing is the easiest way to keep a batch fresh.

1. Cool the treats completely.
2. Arrange them in a single layer on a tray and freeze for about an hour.
3. Transfer to a labeled freezer bag or container.
4. Thaw a few at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

More Homemade Treat Ideas

• Cinnamon Roll Overs Dog Treats
• Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce Dog Treats
• Strawberry Banana Cookies for Dogs
• Simple 3 Ingredient Round Dog Cookies
• Homemade Banana Dog Treat Recipes

For a wider look at feeding your dog well, check out 7 Healthiest Homemade Dog Foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cinnamon safe for puppies? A small amount of Ceylon cinnamon is generally considered safe, but check with your veterinarian first, especially for very young puppies.

Can puppies eat cinnamon rolls? Never human cinnamon rolls. They contain sugar, butter, icing, and sometimes nutmeg or raisins. These homemade treats are a safe, sugar free alternative.

Can I skip the cinnamon? Yes, plain banana rolls work well and are a good choice for very young puppies.

Can I use oat flour? Yes, though the dough will be more delicate, so chill it before rolling.

Can I skip the egg? Yes, replace it with 2 extra tablespoons of applesauce and a little more flour.

How long do they last? Up to 5 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer.

At what age can puppies have treats? Most puppies can start with small treats once they’re eating solid food, but check with your veterinarian for your puppy’s age and needs.

Recipe Card

Recipe name: Cinnamon Roll Dog Treats for Puppies

Summary: Soft, bite sized cinnamon roll dog treats made with whole wheat flour, applesauce, and a swirl of mashed banana, with no sugar or icing.

Servings: About 20 mini rolls

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes, plus cooling time

Estimated cost: Budget friendly

Course: Puppy treat

Cuisine: Homemade pet food

Keywords: cinnamon roll dog treats, puppy treat recipe, homemade puppy treats, easy dog treat recipe, soft dog treats

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

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons mashed ripe banana
• 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Whisk applesauce and egg, then stir in flour to form a dough.
3. Roll into a rectangle and spread with banana and cinnamon.
4. Roll into a log and slice into rounds.
5. Bake 18 to 20 minutes until set.
6. Cool completely before serving.

A Final Note on Baking for Your Puppy

Those first months with a puppy go by quickly, and a batch of tiny homemade treats makes training sessions a little sweeter. Keep portions small, keep the ingredients plain, and check with your veterinarian about anything specific to your puppy.