We’ve always loved the simple joy of spoiling our horses with homemade treats, and adding peppermints takes it to a whole new level. These easy recipes not only delight your equine friends but also strengthen that special bond we share with them.
Peppermints offer a fresh twist that horses often crave, making treat time fun and rewarding. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, we’ll show you how to whip up these tasty morsels that are both safe and irresistible.
Ingredients
In our horse treat recipes with peppermints, we focus on simple, safe ingredients that horses love while ensuring they’re easy to prepare. Below, we list the key ingredients in the order they’re typically used, with prep notes for optimal results. Always prioritize horse-safe options and consult a vet if your horse has dietary restrictions.
Basic Horse Treat Recipe Ingredients
For a standard batch making about 20 treats, gather these essentials:
- Oats (2 cups, rolled): Start with whole rolled oats as the base for texture and nutrition. We suggest toasting them lightly in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to enhance flavor and reduce moisture.
- Whole wheat flour (1 cup): Use this next to bind the mixture. Opt for organic flour to avoid additives that might irritate horses.
- Crushed peppermints (½ cup): Peppermints are our star ingredient for that irresistible minty kick—crush them finely with a mortar and pestle to help them mix evenly and dissolve during baking.
- Grated carrots (1 cup): Add these for natural sweetness and vitamins; grate them fresh to release juices that help moisten the treats.
- Honey (¼ cup): Incorporate as a binder for stickiness—warm it slightly if it’s too thick for better blending.
- Water or apple juice (½ cup): Use this last to form the dough; choose unsweetened apple juice for extra appeal to horses without added sugars.
This selection ensures your treats are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making treat time a bonding highlight for you and your horse. If you’re scaling up, refer to the table below for adjusted measurements based on batch size.
| Batch Size | Oats (cups) | Flour (cups) | Crushed Peppermints (cups) | Grated Carrots (cups) | Honey (cups) | Liquid (cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10 treats) | 1 | 0.5 | 0.25 | 0.5 | 0.125 | 0.25 |
| Standard (20 treats) | 2 | 1 | 0.5 | 1 | 0.25 | 0.5 |
| Large (40 treats) | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into mixing our horse treat recipes with peppermints, let’s ensure we have the essential tools on hand. This equipment helps us prepare safe and delicious treats efficiently, building on the ingredients we discussed earlier.
We recommend the following items to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- Mixing bowl: A large one to combine ingredients like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and crushed peppermints.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate sets for precise measurements of honey, grated carrots, and liquids such as water or unsweetened apple juice.
- Grater: A box grater or handheld one for finely grating carrots to add texture and nutrition to our treats.
- Baking sheet or tray: A non-stick version for spreading and baking the treat mixture to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring and folding ingredients together evenly.
- Oven or dehydrator: If baking, a standard oven preheated to 350°F; for dehydration, a low-heat option to preserve flavors in our peppermint-infused horse treats.
| Equipment Item | Quantity Recommended | Primary Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowl | 1 large | Combine and mix dry/wet ingredients |
| Measuring cups and spoons | 1 set each | Ensure accurate ingredient measurements |
| Grater | 1 | Grate carrots for added freshness |
| Baking sheet or tray | 1 | Bake or set treats for even cooking |
| Spatula or wooden spoon | 1 | Stir and shape the mixture |
| Oven or dehydrator | 1 | Bake at 350°F or dehydrate for preservation |
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and equipment, let’s walk through the process of creating these irresistible horse treats with peppermints. We’ll provide clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure every batch is safe, nutritious, and enjoyable for your horse.
Prepare Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, it’s essential to prepare our ingredients for optimal flavor and texture. Start by measuring out the following based on our recipe for about 20 treats: 2 cups rolled oats, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup crushed peppermints, 1 cup grated carrots, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice.
- Toast the rolled oats: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the 2 cups of rolled oats on a baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes until they turn golden and release a nutty aroma, enhancing their appeal to horses.
- Grate the carrots: Use a grater to shred 1 cup of fresh carrots into fine pieces, ensuring they blend smoothly into the dough for added moisture and crunch.
- Crush the peppermints: Place 1/2 cup of peppermints in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form small, uniform pieces— this step infuses a refreshing, minty burst that horses crave.
- Double-check all ingredients for horse safety, removing any pits or additives, to keep treats wholesome and free from potential hazards.
Mix the Dough
With ingredients prepped, we’ll combine them to form a pliable dough that captures the essence of our horse treats. This step ensures even distribution of flavors for treats that look and smell inviting.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the 2 cups of toasted rolled oats and 1 cup of whole wheat flour, stirring them together with a spatula to create a base with a hearty texture.
- Incorporate the 1 cup of grated carrots and 1/2 cup of crushed peppermints, mixing thoroughly until the mixture takes on a vibrant orange hue flecked with minty bits.
- Pour in 1/4 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of unsweetened apple juice, then use your hands or a wooden spoon to blend everything into a sticky dough— the sweet, earthy scent will make this step rewarding and fun.
- If the dough feels too dry, add a tablespoon of apple juice at a time; if too wet, sprinkle in extra flour until it’s easy to handle, aiming for a consistency that holds shape without crumbling.
Shape and Add Peppermints
Now we’ll shape the dough and highlight the peppermints, turning simple mixtures into visually appealing treats that horses will eagerly anticipate. This step adds a fun, interactive element to your bonding time.
- Divide the dough into 20 equal portions, roughly 1-2 tablespoons each, and roll them into balls or press them into bite-sized shapes like small patties for easy horse consumption.
- For added peppermint flair, gently press extra crushed peppermints onto the surface of each treat, ensuring they stick firmly and create a sparkling, minty topping that promises a cool, refreshing taste.
- Arrange the shaped treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for even baking— the visual of colorful carrot flecks and mint crystals will make them look as delightful as they smell.
Bake the Treats
Finally, we’ll bake the treats to achieve a firm, chewy texture that horses love, locking in the fresh peppermint aroma and natural sweetness for a sensory treat.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and place the baking sheet on the middle rack for uniform heat distribution.
- Bake the treats for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and emit a warm, inviting scent of toasted oats and mint— check for firmness by pressing lightly; they should hold their shape without being overly hard.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and the texture to set into a satisfying crunch that horses find irresistible.
- For larger batches, refer to the table below to adjust baking times based on quantity:
| Batch Size (Treats) | Additional Baking Time (Minutes) | Recommended Oven Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 (Standard) | 0 | 325 |
| 30-40 | +5 | 325 |
| 50+ | +10 | 325 |
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our horse treat recipes with peppermints even more convenient, we recommend preparing components in advance. This approach allows us to save time while ensuring the treats remain safe and flavorful for our horses, strengthening that special bond during feeding time.
Preparing the Dough Ahead
We can mix the dough for these peppermint-infused horse treats up to 24 hours before baking. Start by following the initial steps from our recipe—toasting the oats, grating the carrots, and crushing the peppermints. Once the dough is formed:
- Combine dry ingredients first: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and crushed peppermints to maintain their fresh, minty aroma.
- Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the grated carrots, honey, and liquid, then knead until the mixture forms a cohesive dough.
- Wrap and chill: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate it immediately.
This method keeps the dough fresh and prevents it from drying out, ensuring the treats retain their appealing texture and the invigorating scent of peppermints that horses adore.
Storing Baked Treats
If we bake a larger batch, storing the treats properly extends their shelf life without compromising quality. After baking and cooling the treats as outlined in our step-by-step instructions:
- Cool completely: Let the treats rest on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes to avoid condensation, preserving the crunchy exterior horses love.
- Portion and store: Divide the treats into servings—such as individual bags for daily feedings—and place them in airtight containers to lock in the fresh peppermint flavor.
For optimal storage, refer to the table below, which outlines guidelines based on storage method and duration. These recommendations help us maintain safety and nutritional value, as horse treats should always be free from mold or staleness.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve the peppermint essence. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Use an airtight container; this slows oxidation and keeps treats firm. |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Flash-freeze treats on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags for easy thawing. |
Thawing and Reheating Tips
When we’re ready to use make-ahead treats, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. For frozen dough, let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before shaping and baking. If reheating baked treats, warm them in a low oven at 250°F for 5-10 minutes to refresh the minty aroma, making them irresistible to our horses once more. Always check for freshness before serving to ensure a safe, enjoyable treat experience.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing these peppermint-infused horse treat recipes with you. They’re a simple way to delight your horse and deepen that special bond we all cherish.
By using safe ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create treats that bring joy to every ride or stable visit.
Give them a try, and let’s make treat time an unforgettable part of your equestrian adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of making homemade peppermint treats for horses?
Making homemade treats like these adds joy to your horse’s routine and strengthens your bond as an owner. They use safe, natural ingredients that cater to horses’ cravings, promoting a healthier alternative to store-bought options. Plus, it’s rewarding for beginners and experienced equestrians alike, enhancing trust and enjoyment during feeding time.
What ingredients are needed for a basic peppermint horse treat recipe?
You’ll need simple, horse-safe ingredients for about 20 treats: rolled oats, whole wheat flour, crushed peppermints, grated carrots, honey, and a liquid like water or unsweetened apple juice. Toast the oats for extra flavor. Adjust measurements using a provided table to scale batches, ensuring treats are nutritious and appealing.
What equipment is required to make these horse treats?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a grater for carrots, a baking sheet or tray, a spatula or wooden spoon for mixing, and an oven or dehydrator for baking. Each item helps create safe, delicious treats efficiently.
How do I make peppermint horse treats step by step?
Start by preparing ingredients: mix rolled oats, flour, crushed peppermints, grated carrots, honey, and liquid into a dough. Shape the treats, then bake at the recommended temperature until firm. Cool completely for the best texture. This process is straightforward and enhances your bond with your horse.
Can I prepare these treats in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Bake treats as needed for convenience. This allows for easy planning, especially for busy equestrians, while keeping the treats fresh and ready to strengthen your horse’s daily routine.
How should I store homemade horse treats?
After baking and cooling, store treats in airtight containers. Keep at room temperature for up to a week, refrigerate for two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw frozen treats in the fridge and reheat if desired, ensuring they stay fresh and safe for your horse.