I started making these lactation cookies prior to having my first baby. The local grocery store sold lactation cookies and they were incredibly expensive. So I created my own best lactation cookies recipe and it’s been a hit in my weeks postpartum with my kids, and to all my new mama friends that I’ve baked them for. Pssst! They make excellent gifts for a baby shower!
As I’m writing this blog article, I am almost 33 weeks pregnant and waiting the arrival of baby Larson #3, the final little addition to our family. I’m proud to say that I already have 5 gallon-sized bags filled with my best lactation cookies and stored in the freezer. They are ready for my boobs to start working round the clock in feeding this baby that is karate kicking my kidney as I type. The last thing I want to do after having a baby is bake, and this recipe freezes beautifully for months!
Do Lactation Cookies Work?
Are lactation cookies proven in research studies to increase milk production in lactating women? No.
But, what does work in supporting a hearty and healthy milk supply is… Drinking plenty of fluids and eating enough calories to support increased milk production. And the recipe I provide below is essentially a very tasty, high-calorie oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with extra bonus nutrition added in the ground flax and brewer’s yeast.
Keep in mind that 1 oz of breast milk = about 22 calories. So, for a lactating woman producing 25-40 fl oz of breastmilk per day, that’s 550-880 calories per day. Enjoy a cookie or two or three, your boobs will thank you!
Personally, my favorite time to enjoy these cookies is during the middle-of-the-night feedings. When I’m feeling hungry and needs a quick and filling snack so that I can return to sleep as soon as the baby ready to go back to bed. That is when I appreciate taking a few days while pregnant to bake multiple batches and have them at the ready in my freezer.
In fact, I took a bag of cookies with me to the hospital to eat between meals (cause you’ll be hungry after delivering that baby!). I have never had such a ravenous appetite than when my milk comes in after having a baby. It is epic and you want to be prepared. These lactation cookies are a lifesaver!
Enjoy!
Best Lactation Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar, granulated
- 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp brewer's yeast
- 1/3-1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups old-fashioned (rolled) oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, mix flaxseed and 1/4 cup water and let soak for 5 minutes.
- Blend butter, sugar and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Add eggs, vanilla and flaxseed/water mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, brewer's yeast and salt. Add to wet ingredients.
- Using a wooden spoon, mix in oats and chocolate chips. Add 1/3-1/2 cup milk to moisten cookie dough.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheet (line with parchment paper for easy clean up. Note: these cookies tend to spread so allow space between cookies. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are a light golden brown.
- Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet. Cool on wire rack.
Nutrition
Additional Postpartum and Pregnancy Resources
Once you’ve finished baking the best lactation cookies recipe ever, check out our additional resources to supporting your health and active lifestyle as a new mama.
Article – Postpartum Nutrition: Fueling the New Mom
Video – Endurance Eats Series where my dietitian team and I discuss prenatal and postpartum nutrition for the busy, active mom!
Alex
I provide nutrition coaching for endurance athletes to improve performance and body composition through a simple and flexible eating style.
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