Lactation Cookies.
No, never did I ever think I would be typing “lactation” and “cookies” in the same sentence and especially not on my blog.
But these
are
GOOD.
Here is my take on lactation cookies: I don’t know if the COOKIES really work, but I do believe that the key ingredients (oats, brewers yeast, coconut oil, flax) work. I sort of think that the cookies are an excuse to… eat cookies? But in a good way! Also, this is why I think they are so great – in those first few weeks, and heck, even now, I was so freaking hungry, like had never been so hungry in my life. Having something quick to grab, like something even quicker than a banana and almond butter, was imperative while in survival mode. Especially in the middle of the night.
Even since having Max, I’ve developed this hangry hunger every morning, to a point where if I don’t eat something very soon after waking, I feel physically sick. Most likely because he is taking calories from me at night? I’ve never dealt with that before. So having one of these as a snack in the middle of the night or even right when I wake up is a complete LIFESAVER.
Now, these are cookies. Like actual taste-good cookies. I tried a few recipes in the last couple weeks that tasted like cardboard and were drier than dirt. I wanted to make actual enjoyable cookies, ones I wanted to eat, ones I’d be happy to grab twice a day, maybe three times.
The texture: These are thick cookies, not cakey at all, slightly crunchy, but not in a bad or stale way – they are crunchy from the crazy amount of rolled oats inside. I wrote the recipe exactly as I’ve been making them – meaning mostly organic ingredients. Feel free to use non-organic ingredients and what you have on hand.
I know you’ll probably have questions on what you can substitute, what you can leave out or add, what you can change and so on, so I’ve added some notes below the recipe. These will taste best written EXACTLY as is. But I know that sometimes you gotta make some changes! I really, really suggest leaving the amount of fat/butter in the cookies – it adds to the calorie value and new moms need those calories! It will also help the cookie to be a more filling “snack.”
If you want to gift these to a new mom, I would make a batch and bake them, then make a batch and freeze them. Or bake half a batch and freeze the other half. Deliver both. Making a freshly baked double batch isn’t great because the cookies aren’t super soft and moist and that number of cookies will dry out before eaten. Unless of course their family will eat them too. If you’re a mom-to-be, you can totally make these ahead of time – scoop the dough into rounds, flash freeze it then place them in a ziplock bag. My friend Julie has a great tutorial on freezing cookie dough!
Do you have an awesome lactation cookie recipe? If so, share below!
What the video of how I make my Lactation Cookies!
Lactation Cookies
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 1/2 cups unbleached organic all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons brewers 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 organic unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons unrefined organic virgin coconut oil
- 1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
- 1 large egg + 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips/chunks, I like ghirardelli
- feel free to add: unsweetened flaked coconut chopped almonds, 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven the 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, yeast, flaxseed, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt.
- In the bowl of your electric mixer, beat the butter and coconut oil on medium speed until creamy. Add in the sugar and beat on medium to high speed until fluffy, about 4 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl if needed. Add in the egg and egg yolk, beating until combined, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract and beat until combined again. Gradually add in the dry ingredients, beating on low speed until just combined and mixed. Stir in the chocolate chips with a spatula until they are evenly dispersed.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch rounds (I use an ice cream scoop so they are fairly uniform in size) and place on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. Let cool completely before storing in a sealed container.
Notes
2. You can use all butter if you don’t have/can’t find coconut oil. If you swap any butter amount for more coconut oil, the cookies will spread a bit more. If you decrease the fat (butter/oil) amount in total, these cookies will be drier. It’s up to you!
3. You can use 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour with similar results – any more and the cookies with be drier and grittier.
4. You can probably decrease the sugar by 1/4 cup without issue.
5. I do not have experience in making these vegan, so I can’t say what it would be like without the eggs or with vegan butter. I also am not sure how the consistency would be with gluten free flour.
6. I personally think you can increase the brewers yeast amount by 1 to 2 tablespoons.
Did you make this recipe?
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I appreciate you so much!
1,883 Comments on “Lactation Cookies.”
I have not yet made the cookies but want to know does everything have to be organic? I have most ingredients in my cabinet but not organic except my coconut oil! Please help this new mama out!
No, I’ve made these a ton of times and the only thing I use organic is the sugar. I’m kinda low on my supply and need to increase milk flow. These cookies are kind of addicting which has me hestitant on making them as I’ve lost most all of my baby weight 6lbs to go.
You’ll certainly enjoy them and your prodction will increase significantly.
Hope this helps!
Hi , I can not find organic cane sugar . Any idea where a I can buy ?
I found organic can sugar at Whole Foods, Mariano’s and through Amazon!
What brand of flax seed did you guys use? There’s way too many to choose from so I just want you know what you guys used since you’ve already made it. I definitely want to give this recipe a go.
My baby is allergic to dairy (cows milk). Any suggestions for substituting the butter?
Also, what is a good brand for brewers yeast?
My baby also doesn’t tolerate dairy and for most calling recipes you can sub coconut oil for butter. However, that can sometimes made it a bit drier/crunchier. I made this recipe with all coconut oil (what was already listed plus substitute for butter) and they were too dry and crumbly. Next time I will try adding back in half of the egg white that is left out as that will affect more moisture and may do a tap of water.
My daughter is allergic to cow milk protein so I use vegetable oil instead of butter and it works great
I really want to thank you for this recipe, it is amazing. I was really skeptical, I’m no fan of oatmeal cookies and the brewers yeast smells weird but my midwives recommended I try them. My first batch was a huge success! The texture is great, the flavor is great. they’re healthy but not a chore to eat. this batch was almond joy flavored with coconut and almond. I’m going to try walnut and cranberry for the next batch. I’m freezing them ahead for later so I’ll see how they “work” but regardless, they are delicious!
Can I used coconut sugar instead of cane sugar?
I do-,and it’s great! I actually use a Brewers yeast that’s made from molasses & I use 1 c. Coconut Sugar & ½ cup molasses – it works great with the brewers yeast!
I want to use whole wheat flour. The suggestion says use 1/2 cup whole wheat flour is ok. Does that mean I only use 1/2cup flour for the whole recipe then? Or does that mean I use 1 cup regular flour and 1/2cup whole wheat?
Thanks!
only use 1/2 cup of the wheat flour in the whole flour measurement, so use 1 cup all purpose and 1/2 cup whole wheat! if you use all whole wheat flour, they will be super dry and gritty!
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These are really yummy! I added some coconut and found the dough to be dry: when I went to mix the chocolate chips in they really didn’t incorporate into the dough, basically all falling to the bottom of the bowl. I would suggest either mixing the chocolate chips into the dry ingredients before mixing wet and dry together, or to add them in before mixing the last of the dry ingredients into the wet. Such a yummy recipe and my toddlers approve!
Went to make these again and realized I used whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose 🤦🏻♀️ That’s probably why my dough was dry!
These are so yummy! I made them with olive oil spread instead of butter as thats all i had and they turned out great! Ive eaten 3 before they have even cooled so hopefully i dont wake up engorged tomorrow lol. I’ve told hubby that if he eats them hell start lactating so that should keep his hands off my stash 😂
I tell my SO this too hahah bc he eats everything! So he ought to keep his hands off my lactation cookies! Lol I doubt it though I bet he still eats it. Cant wait to try this recipe!
I recently made these cookies following the exact recipe but adding in about a cup of Nutella hazelnut chocolate. These cookies turned out great and made the house smell amazing! The only set back I had was that the cookies didn’t spread much and kept most of it’s ball shaped form. They also broke pretty easy while eating them. Other than that, delicious and not too dry.
Definately going to be giving this recipe a try. How long do they last after baking ?
Can these be made with gluten free flour?
I used to make these back in 2018, and will soon be needing to make them again. Before I go into the tweaks I did, quick question: how long can the dough be frozen for?
Ok so the first few times I made these, I followed the recipe EXACTLY, and they were great! So much better than the cardboard premade cookies I bought off Amazon.
Then I experimented by adding a cup of coconut flakes. Even better!
Then I read about steelcut oats being better for supply than rolled oats, and researched how to replace rolled with steelcut. You do NOT want to replace all the rolled oats, as steelcut will make them too gritty. But, if you soak 3/4 cup steelcut oats in water overnight and add with 2 and a quarter cups of the rolled oats it still tastes great and gives more of a supply boost.
The only other tweak I make to the recipe is adding a whole teaspoon of cinnamon for extra flavor. This started as an accident as I had grabbed the wrong measuring spoon by mistake.
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I have made this recipe countless times in the past 5 months after having my baby – it is so good, and effective! I have a celiac disease, and Bob’s Red Mill 1to1 GF Flour works perfectly with the same measurements as you have in the recipe. I have also tried cutting the sugar by 1/2 cup, and added 2 Tbs Hemp Hearts and 1/4 cup of almond butter….and they are still amazing 😊
Can you use oat flour?
How many of these should I eat a day to see a difference in my supply?
Hi, I’ve made this cookie many times and it taste so nice!!!
Can we make this gluten free? How much almond flour I have to substitute it?
TRy oat flour instead of almond flour! It subs out pretty well!
This recipe is awesome! I added chopped walnuts and they tasted great! I personally had to bake them a little bit longer, about 16 minutes but it probably just depends on your oven. I’m due in a couple of weeks so I made a batch of about 10, tried a couple and put the rest in the freezer to have ready to throw in my hospital bag when the time comes! And the rest of the dough is in the freezer as well.
If you freeze them, do you have to thaw prior to baking? Or do you bake frozen?
I’ve made these several times and had good results at baking them from frozen. Just have to keep a close eye on them until the edges are just brown. In my small oven it’s usually 12 min at 350. I just made a batch of dough to freeze and take to a friend with a 2 week old.
How many should you eat to see results?
I haven’t made these yet and would like to although cannot find a new Brewers yeast can I substitute this for another type of yeast?
Brewers yeast increases breast milk supply so I wouldn’t substitute it. I got mine on amazon
I was about to buy already made lactation cookies when I thought, why don’t I just make them myself? This recipe sounds amazing! Interested to know if anyone has used honey instead of sugar? I use honey when I make muffins, but I’m not a cookie maker so I’m unsure what the consistency would be like.
These cookies really work! I had to eat a few a day.. Who doesnt love cookies lol I was over producing for like 24 hour.. Lol my breast were full all the time I felt like! Making another batch and going to power pump! Thank you!
Has anyone put the dough in the fridge to firm up overnight before baking?
Ohhhhh my gooooooodness! These are SO DELICIOUS! To be honest, I was kind of hoping they wouldn’t be so I wouldn’t be addicted to them. I made a batch and I have to completely watch myself. These are better than the regular oatmeal chocolate chip cookies I make! The only difference on this recipe was I used coconut sugar instead. I’ll be baking up a batch for my friend when I visit her new baby next month. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us!
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what can i use if i dont have brewers yeast? i tried looking for recipes but no luck
Unfortunately brewers yeast is the key component, it’s the thing that brings on the milk, like a beer in the “good ol days” hahaha.
I got mine from a supermarket in the town nearby that usually sells the more obscure stuff.
But a lot of people buy it from Amazon.
Ladies, if you are going to all the trouble of using healthy and organic ingredients, go the extra mile and use Enjoy Life chocolate chips or chunks! They are allergen free, and my Wal-Mart carries them.
I am making a batch for my wonderful daughter-in-law who is nursing her second set of twins! Go, Momma!!
These are delicious. I did 8 tablespoons of butter and 8 tablespoons of coconut oil. 2 whole eggs, and 1 cup instead of 1 1/2 of Enjoy Life vegan chocolate chips. Instead of what the recipe suggested. I think they turned out amazing! I just didn’t have enough butter softened so I substituted with the extra coconut oil. Can’t get enough of these cookies!
Hi Bryce,
I’m wondering what the texture/dryness was of your cookies with the 8 tbsp of butter and 8 tbsp of coconut oil. I did what the recipe called for and they were a little dry, not overly. The two whole eggs might help them be less dry as well. I also did just one cup of choc chips and that e was plenty for me!
Thanks,
Emily
Hi Emily! I don’t find mine to be dry, but it could be because I did the 2 whole eggs! I only bake them for 10 minutes, and the I side is usually really soft. Hope this helps!
Bryce
How long are you able to freeze these? I would like to make these with another pregnant friend ahead of time but she is still 2 months away from her due date!
I made these and added crystallised ginger and they are delicious, especially warm out of the oven, choc chips oozing :) thank you!
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Hi! Can you use regular flax seeds instead of flaxseed meal? And would you recommend brown or golden flax seeds?
thank you!
Delicious.
What is the serving size for these cookies?
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I wasn’t sure what to expect as far as flavor, but tgese tasted like regular cookies! I will add flax to all my cookies to make them healthier! I’m not sure about the benefits yet, I mailed them to a friend.
These are excellent! I added an extra egg yolk and 2 oz of cream cheese and they came out so good!
Can I use nutritional yeast? I cannot find Brewer’s Yeast & no time to order from Amazon.
I used nutritional yeast and they came out great. Brewers yeast is supposed to be better for increasing supply but I found a few articles (and anecdotal evidence) that nutritional yeast also works for that.
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Ok, does anyone have tips of how to use a cookie cutter with these? Is that even possible? I am NOT great at baking and definitely intend to play around with the recipe a little bit, but I would love any suggestions you may have.
I haven’t given birth yet so I can’t comment on whether these help increase milk supply, but I did a test batch and can confirm this is something I would happily eat as a breastfeeding snack. I made a few substitutions based on what I had on hand:
Instead of reg oats, quick oats
Instead of brewers yeast, nutritional yeast. I did a lot of googling on whether nutritional yeast affects supply and it seems to. I have a bunch and was trying to use it up but once it’s gone I’ll go with the more reliable brewers yeast
Instead of the butter and coconut oil, Apple sauce. This resulted in cookies that did not spread at all. When they came out of the oven I mushed them down with the back of a spatula. They stayed together really well.
Only 1 egg, no additional yolk
1 cup choc chips and 1 cup cranberries
I made enough substitutions that I don’t think it would be fair to call this the same recipe, and next time I go shopping I’ll try making these as they were intended to be made. Either way the substitutions didn’t seem to change the deliciousness of these cookies!
Hi,
I was wondering if I could just replace the sugar entirely with honey?