We love creating homemade treats that let our horses know how much we care. Peppermint is a classic flavor that brightens their day and entices their taste buds. It’s easy to see why this sweet and refreshing herb is a favorite.
We appreciate how peppermint refreshes breath while offering a cool taste that adds excitement to our horses’ daily routine. In this recipe collection we’ll share simple ways to combine wholesome ingredients with soothing mint. Our horses deserve the best and we can’t wait to show how quick and fun it is to make your own peppermint treats.
Essential Tools And Equipment
We rely on a few essential items to prepare our peppermint horse treats with ease. We keep these tools handy so our process stays efficient and our treats turn out delicious.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | Allows us to blend the dough evenly and reduces the chance of spillage. |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | Helps us track precise amounts of flour sugar and liquids for consistent dough texture. |
| Rolling Pin | Lets us flatten the dough to an even thickness for uniform baking. |
| Cookie Cutters | Gives us the option to form fun shapes that look inviting and help with portion control. |
| Baking Sheet | Offers a flat surface for arranging treats. We often line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. |
| Oven | Bakes our treats thoroughly at a steady temperature for the best taste and texture. |
| Cooling Rack | Lets us cool the treats completely which preserves their shape and ensures a firm crisp surface. |
We start by placing all our dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. We then measure our liquids and mix thoroughly. We roll out the dough with firm pressure to achieve even thickness. Once our shapes are cut we arrange them on the parchment-lined sheet and slide them into the oven. After the timer goes off we carefully transfer the hot treats to the cooling rack to complete the process.
Ingredients
We use wholesome items to keep our peppermint horse treats flavorful and nutritious. We place them in order to simplify our mixing process:
- 2 cups rolled oats for a hearty base
- 1 cup whole wheat flour for binding
- 1/2 cup dried peppermint leaves for a fresh taste
- 1/4 cup molasses to add sweetness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil to help with moisture
- 2 tablespoons water if needed for consistency
| Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Rolled oats | 2 cups | Creates hearty texture |
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup | Adds binding strength |
| Dried peppermint | 1/2 cup | Provides fresh flavor |
| Molasses | 1/4 cup | Adds natural sweetness |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Helps retain moisture |
| Water | 2 tbsp | Improves dough texture |
Instructions
We have measured our wholesome ingredients. Now it is time to bring them together for a batch of peppermint horse treats.
Prep Work
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl add 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of dried peppermint leaves. Stir until well combined.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of molasses, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of water. Mix thoroughly with a sturdy spoon until a soft dough forms.
| Action | Time |
|---|---|
| Preheat Oven | 350°F (175°C) |
| Baking | 15 minutes |
| Cooling | 10 minutes |
Shape And Bake
- Dust a clean surface with a little flour. Place the dough on top and press down with your palms.
- Use a rolling pin to flatten the dough to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Cut the dough with small cookie cutters or shape by hand.
- Arrange the treats on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Transfer the treats to a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before serving.
Make-Ahead And Storage
Once our peppermint horse treats have cooled we transfer them to an airtight container. They stay fresh and crisp for several days in a cool area. We can also freeze them for longer storage. To thaw we place the treats at room temperature until no ice crystals remain. We follow the same process whenever we want to prepare large batches in advance.
We sometimes freeze our unbaked dough. That way we can shape and bake fresh treats later. We find this option helpful when our schedule is hectic. We store the dough in a freezer-safe bag and thaw it overnight in the fridge before rolling. This method ensures our treats retain maximum flavor and texture.
| Storage Method | Container | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Freezer | Freezer-safe container | Up to 3 months |
Conclusion
We’ve explored a wonderful way to treat our horses while showing our devotion to their health and happiness. Creating these peppermint delights at home adds a personal touch that honors our commitment to wholesome ingredients and enjoyable flavors.
We encourage everyone to embrace the simple process and relish the chance to bond with their equine companions. It’s an easy way to spread joy and nurture a special connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use peppermint in horse treats?
Peppermint is a popular choice because most horses love its refreshing taste. It also offers a natural way to help freshen equine breath. Including dried peppermint leaves in your homemade treats adds a subtle flavor without overwhelming your horse’s palate. This herb is generally safe for horses, but always check with your veterinarian if your horse has any digestive issues. Peppermint can also encourage healthy chewing, making snack time more enjoyable and nutritious.
What main ingredients do I need?
You’ll need rolled oats, whole wheat flour, dried peppermint leaves, molasses, olive oil, and water. The oats provide a hearty base, while whole wheat flour helps bind everything together. Peppermint adds a fresh taste, and molasses sweetens the treats naturally. Olive oil gives moisture and a smooth texture, and a little water ensures the dough is workable. Using wholesome ingredients means you’re giving your horse natural nutrition and a satisfying treat.
Which tools are essential for making these treats?
Gather a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a sturdy rolling pin for flattening the dough. Cookie cutters help create fun shapes, and you’ll need a baking sheet to place the treats on. Don’t forget an oven to bake them properly. A cooling rack is also important to let the freshly baked treats cool completely, keeping their texture perfect for nibbling.
How do I prepare and bake the peppermint treats?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then stir in molasses, oil, and water. Knead until you have a soft dough. Roll it out and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange them on the baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Finally, let the treats cool completely on a rack before serving.
How long do these treats stay fresh?
Once cooled, transfer your peppermint treats to an airtight container. They stay fresh at room temperature for about one to two weeks. If you prefer to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. This extends their shelf life without compromising taste or texture. When you’re ready to use them, just thaw at room temperature before feeding them to your horse.
Can I freeze unbaked dough?
Yes. Prepare the dough, then place it in a freezer-safe bag and label it with the date. You can store it for up to three months. Thaw the dough overnight in the fridge before rolling and cutting into shapes. This lets you bake a fresh batch whenever you need it, even during busy schedules. Freezing the dough ensures you always have a convenient, homemade option ready for your horse’s next treat time.