Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Baked Bones Recipe for DogsThe cozy, tail-wagging treat your pup will adore!

There’s something so comforting about the scent of apple and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen—like a warm hug on a chilly morning. The other day, while I was baking a batch of muffins for myself, my dog Bailey sat patiently nearby, her nose twitching and eyes filled with hope. That look inspired me to whip up something just for her: Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Baked Bones. These little homemade dog treats are packed with wholesome goodness and filled with the flavors of fall—no artificial stuff, no mystery ingredients. Just love, and a whole lot of tail-wags.

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Why Apple & Cinnamon? A Healthy, Delicious Duo

Not only do apple and cinnamon smell amazing, but they also come with some impressive health benefits for our pups.

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, plus they help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Just make sure to core them properly—seeds and stems are a no-go.

Cinnamon, in small amounts, can help with inflammation and even regulate blood sugar. Plus, dogs tend to love the warm aroma. (Just make sure you're using Ceylon cinnamon—not the stronger, potentially irritating Cassia kind.)

I love these ingredients because they’re not just nutritious—they also feel like a special treat. It’s like giving your dog a little piece of your own cozy kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything I used to make these treats. You might already have most of this in your pantry!

• 1 cup finely chopped or shredded apple (peeled, core and seeds removed)
• 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
• Water (as needed, to adjust dough consistency)

I like to use unsweetened applesauce because it adds moisture and flavor without any added sugar. The coconut oil gives the treats a little crunch after baking and is great for a healthy coat.

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Mixing it All Together: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. I always keep a stash of dog bone cookie cutters handy, but you can shape these by hand too.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and cinnamon. This ensures the cinnamon distributes evenly—nobody wants one bite to be a spice bomb.

Step 3: Add the Wet Stuff
Crack the egg into the center of the flour mixture, then add the applesauce, melted coconut oil, and chopped apple. Mix it all together with a spoon or your hands (I prefer hands—it’s messy but satisfying).

Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency
If the dough feels dry or crumbly, slowly add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it holds together without being sticky. It should feel like sugar cookie dough—soft but not wet.

Step 5: Roll and Cut
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick. Use your favorite cookie cutter—bone shapes, hearts, or even stars—and place the cutouts on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake to Crunchy Perfection
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bones are golden and crisp. Let them cool completely on the tray; they’ll firm up even more as they cool.

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Taste-Test Approved

The moment Bailey heard the oven timer ding, she was in the kitchen like a flash. I let the treats cool down (though not fast enough for her taste), and when I finally handed her one, her little tail wagged like crazy. That crunch! That apple-cinnamon smell! It was pure joy on her face.

These treats are great for training rewards or just a special “I love you” snack. I store them in an airtight container on the counter for up to two weeks, but you can also freeze them if you want to keep them fresh longer.

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Want More Homemade Dog Treats Like This One?

If you love getting creative in the kitchen for your furry best friend, you're going to adore some of these other recipes I’ve tried and loved:

• Try these Delicious and Nutritious Oatmeal Cookies for Dogs for a chewy, fiber-packed snack.
• Or go fruity with these Blueberry Pumpkin and Oatmeal Chews for Dogs—seriously, they smell good enough for me to eat.
• For a summery twist, you’ve got to make Pumpkin Pupsicles for Dogs—they’re a game-changer during hot days.

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Bonus: Get Creative With Presentation

One of my favorite parts about making these treats is how adorable they look once they’re done. I used a bone-shaped silicone mold like the one in the photo above, and the final result was almost too cute to give away (almost!). You could even bag up a few and gift them to fellow dog parents—tie a ribbon around the jar and boom: instant homemade doggy gift!

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Storage Tips for Long-Lasting Freshness

One of the biggest perks of making homemade dog treats is the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what’s in them. But unlike store-bought treats loaded with preservatives, these natural goodies need a bit of attention when it comes to storage.

I usually let the baked bones cool completely on a wire rack, then store them in an airtight glass jar or sealed food-safe tin on the counter. They stay fresh for about 10–14 days this way. If you’re in a humid area or want to extend their life, you can pop them in the fridge for up to three weeks.

For longer storage, these treats freeze beautifully. I place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they last up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before giving one to your pup—Bailey’s ears perk up the second I open the freezer drawer now.

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Customizing the Recipe to Fit Your Dog’s Needs

Every dog is different, and what works for mine might need a tweak or two for yours. That’s one reason I love this recipe—it’s incredibly flexible.

For grain-free pups: Swap out the whole wheat flour for a blend of oat flour and coconut flour. Just note that coconut flour absorbs more liquid, so you’ll likely need to add extra applesauce or a splash of water to balance it out.

Want added crunch? A tablespoon of rolled oats or chia seeds in the mix can boost the texture and offer extra fiber.

Boost the protein: Stir in a spoonful of Homemade Peanut Butter for Dogs—just make sure it’s xylitol-free and dog-safe. Peanut butter and apple is such a classic combo, and Bailey adores the nutty aroma.

I also sometimes sprinkle in a little bit of turmeric for its anti-inflammatory benefits, especially during colder months when Bailey’s joints can get a bit stiff. Always check with your vet before adding new ingredients, especially herbs or supplements.

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How These Treats Became Part of Our Routine

What started as a one-time bake quickly turned into a tradition in our house. Now, every other weekend, Bailey and I have our little treat-making ritual. She’ll follow me into the kitchen the moment she hears the mixing bowl hit the counter. I talk to her like she’s my sous chef—asking her opinion on apple chunk size or whether we should go heart-shaped or bone-shaped today.

These simple moments, honestly, are some of my favorites. There's something grounding about creating food for someone who gives you so much unconditional love. It feels like I’m returning the favor, even in a small way.

It’s also turned into a bonding activity with friends. A few of us dog parents now swap recipes, meet for doggy playdates, and bring little containers of homemade treats to share. These apple cinnamon bones are always the first to disappear.

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A Few Tips for Perfect Bakes Every Time

Through a bit of trial and error (and a few overly crispy batches), I’ve learned a few handy tricks to keep in mind:

• Shred your apples finely if you want a smoother dough that’s easier to cut and shape. If you like chunkier bits, just dice them small.
• Rotate your pan halfway through baking for even browning, especially if your oven tends to run hotter in certain spots.
• Let them cool on the tray—don’t rush the process. They harden more as they sit and cool down.
• Avoid overmixing the dough. Once it comes together, stop. Overworking can make the treats tougher.

If you ever find the dough too sticky, dust your work surface and rolling pin with a bit of flour. But if it’s too dry, applesauce or water will bring it back to life.

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Treats That Make Great Gifts, Too

There’s something undeniably sweet about giving handmade treats to fellow dog lovers. I’ve packaged these in mini mason jars with a handwritten tag or tucked them into kraft paper bags with a ribbon. They’ve made their way into holiday stockings, birthday baskets, and even as “welcome” treats for a neighbor’s new puppy.

If you’re into cute presentation ideas, check out My Dog Recipe on Pinterest—there are so many creative ways to make your homemade dog treats look gift-worthy.

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Recipes That Pair Well With Apple Cinnamon Bones

Sometimes, I like to switch things up and offer Bailey a variety of flavors. These Crunchy Apple Cinnamon Bones are great as the everyday snack, but pairing them with something softer or cooler gives her a fun change of pace.

Here are a few that I rotate into our treat schedule:

• The Banana and Honey Biscuits for Dogs are perfect for breakfast-style snacks. The natural sweetness of banana is such a hit with Bailey.
• When she’s had a particularly active day at the park, I treat her to one of the Bull Penis Dog Treats. They’re not something I make myself, but they’re high in protein and super satisfying for chewing.
• For a cooler treat after a long walk, I pull out a frozen Pumpkin Pupsicle—she practically dances when she sees it.

Homemade treats have become such a part of our routine that I rarely buy packaged ones anymore. Knowing exactly what goes into each bite and seeing the joy it brings her makes every minute in the kitchen worth it.

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One Final Note From My Kitchen to Yours

If you’ve never made dog treats before, this apple cinnamon bone recipe is a perfect place to start. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and filled with ingredients you probably already have. But more than that, it’s a way to show your pup a little extra love—with something crafted by your hands, from your heart.

Bailey and I have shared so many quiet, happy moments thanks to a batch of these treats. Whether you’re baking for a new puppy, an old soul, or just a sweet four-legged friend who deserves something special, I hope these baked bones bring you as much joy as they’ve brought us.

Don’t forget to explore more homemade recipes at MyDogRecipe.com—there’s always something delicious waiting to be discovered, and your pup will thank you every crunchy step of the way.

Happy baking!

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Want more dog-friendly creations and treat ideas? Visit My Dog Recipe on Pinterest for endless inspiration!

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