As a new breastfeeding mom, I remember feeling hungry all the time. I knew I should make nourishing choices, but most days, I grabbed whatever was quickest because making healthy meals or snacks felt like one more thing to do.
Then one day, I received lactation cookies in a care package, and they were exactly what I needed: easy to grab, filling, and delicious. Many breastfeeding moms like lactation cookies because they include ingredients such as oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast, which are commonly used in breastfeeding snacks.
These homemade lactation cookies are simple to make, freezer-friendly, and good enough for the rest of the family to enjoy, too.
Key Takeaways
- Lactation cookies are a quick, filling snack many breastfeeding moms like to keep on hand.
- This recipe includes oats, brewer’s yeast, flaxseed, coconut oil, and chocolate chips.
- The cookie dough freezes well, so you can make a batch ahead of time.
- These cookies can be a thoughtful gift for a new mom.
- If you are concerned about milk supply, reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider.
Related: How to Increase Milk Supply: 22 Ways to Boost Breast Milk Production
Homemade Lactation Cookies Recipe
These cookies make a sweet, hearty snack that’s easy to prepare ahead and keep nearby during those hungry breastfeeding days.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
- 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1 egg, plus 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, mix the first eight ingredients together.
3. Next, in a smaller bowl or the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the butter and coconut oil on medium speed until creamy.
4. Add the sugar to the bowl and beat until fluffy on a medium to high speed (approximately four to five minutes).
5. Next, add the egg and egg yolk to the mixture and beat until well combined.
6. Then add the two teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until well blended.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on a low speed until just combined.
8. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips with a spatula. Stir until the chocolate chips are evenly distributed.
9. Grease your baking sheet (this helps with sticking). Then scoop the dough onto the baking sheet. Using an ice cream scoop helps keep the cookies a uniform size.
10. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes. Cool completely before storing. The dough also freezes well (if you want to make a bunch at once to keep on hand).
Not only are these lactation cookies a wonderful quick snack to make for yourself, but they are also the perfect gift for new moms! Add them to a thoughtful gift basket with other new mom and baby goodies, and your friend will definitely appreciate the thoughtful gesture.
These lactation cookies are a great snack to keep on hand during the early breastfeeding days, especially on busy days when you need something quick and filling. They also make a thoughtful gift for a new mom when paired with other postpartum goodies.
If you are making them ahead, freeze the dough or baked cookies so you have a stash ready when hunger hits. And if you are worried about your milk supply, check in with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for personalized support.
