I usually like making homemade treats for my dogs. So when I wanted a way to make their cookies and biscuits look just as good as ours, I came up with this simple icing. I swapped out anything with sugar and kept it down to just four safe, simple ingredients.
The cornstarch is what makes it harden properly, so it stores easily without turning into a mess. This icing turned out to be one of the easiest and most useful recipes I have made for my dog.
About Dog Cookie Icing
Not everything we eat is safe for our pups, and that is especially true of icing, which is usually loaded with sugar – or, on this site, sugar alternatives. A while back I shared a cream cheese based icing for dog cookies, which was really popular too. That version is great, but it is more of a thick, moist icing meant for cakes and cupcakes – think buttercream rather than a hard frosting.
This recipe is different. Because it hardens rather than staying moist, it is much better suited to cookies and biscuits, and it is far easier to store without making a mess.
The essential ingredient here is cornstarch, which acts as the thickener and is what allows the icing to harden properly. If you have a sensitive pup, there are a few alternatives worth trying – rice flour or potato flour can work, though you may need a little extra for the icing to harden fully. Tapioca starch and arrowroot starch are two other options worth experimenting with.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The most common ingredients in Dog Cookie Icing:
- Cornstarch: The star of the recipe and what gives this icing its hardening quality. If you need a substitute, rice flour, potato flour, tapioca starch or arrowroot starch can all be tried, just keep in mind you may need a bit more for the same effect.
- Water: Added gradually to reach the right consistency. The icing will seem a little thin at first, but it firms up nicely once it hardens.
- Honey: Just two teaspoons, added partway through mixing for a touch of natural sweetness that dogs love.
- Food coloring: A few drops, depending on how vibrant you want the color. Always check the label for anything pet-related, just to be safe.
How To Make Dog Cookie Icing
Mix the base: Place the cornstarch in a small to medium bowl. Add the water a teaspoon or two at a time, stirring as you go.
Add the honey: Once you have added about half of the water, stir in the honey. Then continue adding the remaining water until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it will look a little thin at first before it hardens.
Add the color: Divide the icing into separate bowls depending on how many colors you would like. Add a drop or more of food coloring to each bowl and mix until you reach your desired shade.
The final step: Apply the icing as desired to cooled dog cookies or biscuits. Refrigerate for best results.
Important Safety Notes
If you are thinking about adding sprinkles on top, make sure to avoid anything containing Xylitol, which can be very harmful to dogs. Some other ingredients may be fine in small amounts, but if you have any concerns, it is always worth checking with your veterinarian.
And please, do not add chocolate to this recipe. While chocolate is a favorite ingredient in icing for us, it contains compounds like theobromine and caffeine that can make dogs very sick, even in small quantities. There are plenty of chocolate frosting recipes on this site – but those are strictly for the humans!
What To Use This Icing On
This icing is perfect for decorating homemade dog biscuits and cookies, like easy homemade dog biscuits, peanut butter and banana dog biscuits, or whole wheat peanut butter and honey dog biscuits. Once it hardens, it makes treats easy to stack and store without sticking together.
Notes: As with all recipes on this site involving sugar alternatives, no specific brand is recommended – choose what works best for your needs. If a recipe involves heating or cooking, be sure to choose an alternative suited for that purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the cornstarch with something else?
Yes, if your dog has a sensitivity to cornstarch, rice flour or potato flour can work as substitutes, though you may need to add a little extra to get the same hardening effect. Tapioca starch and arrowroot starch are also good alternatives worth trying.
Why does the icing seem too thin at first?
This is completely normal. The icing will look thinner than expected right after mixing, but it firms up and hardens as it sits, especially once refrigerated.
Is it safe to add sprinkles to dog cookies?
Only if you choose carefully. Always avoid anything containing Xylitol, as it is toxic to dogs. If you are unsure about any ingredient, it is best to check with your veterinarian before using it.
Can I make this icing with chocolate flavoring?
No, chocolate should never be used in dog treats or icing. It contains compounds that can make dogs seriously ill, even in small amounts. Stick to dog-safe flavorings like honey for sweetness.
How should I store cookies decorated with this icing?
Once the icing has hardened, store the cookies in the refrigerator for the best results. The hardened icing makes them easy to stack without sticking together.
Dog Cookie Icing
Ingredients
Method
- Place the cornstarch in a small to medium bowl. Add the water a teaspoon or two at a time.
- Once you reach about half of the water, stir in the honey. Continue adding the remaining water until you reach your desired consistency. It will seem thin at first before hardening.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls for however many colors you want. Add food coloring to each and mix until you reach your desired shade.
- Apply to cooled dog cookies or biscuits. Refrigerate for best results.
