If you’re a new mama, or if you know a new mama, take it from me: these cookies are LIFE SAVERS. Not only in that they can increase milk supply in those early days of breastfeeding, but also in that they are incredibly delicious and such a wonderful treat for getting through those tough postpartum days! Even my husband loved these (yes, my husband ate these and contrary to what he feared, no he did not suddenly start producing milk).
All you need is some oatmeal (old-fashioned oats), ground flaxseed, brewer’s yeast, and a few other cookie dough ingredients to whip these yummy lactation cookies up in about 20 minutes!
RELATED: Surviving the Fourth Trimester
What are Lactation Cookies?
Breastfeeding cookies, nursing cookies, and lactation cookies are all the same thing. But what exactly are they?
Lactation cookies are oatmeal cookies that can help increase milk supply for a nursing mother. The combination of rolled oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast helps with the production of milk and can help a new mom with her breastfeeding journey during those early, difficult postpartum days.
Do Lactation Cookies Really Work?
I swear by them. After two c-section babies that both arrived much earlier than expected, my milk supply was definitely not ready to go and we struggled for weeks. I finally made these cookies and ate them 3 times a day along with Mother’s Milk Tea, and within a couple of days my milk supply skyrocketed! So I truly believe that yes, lactation cookies really do work.
Where to Buy Lactation Cookies?
You can buy lactation cookies on Amazon, at Target, Walmart, and many grocery stores. However, I will say that they are pretty expensive, you only get a few, and many of them do not contain brewer’s yeast, which is a key ingredient for milk supply. Not to mention, homemade cookies taste WAY better! 😉
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats – The base of this recipe is old-fashioned rolled oats!
Whole Wheat Flour – I love using whole wheat flour in these cookies, but regular all-purpose flour works great, too.
Brewer’s Yeast – Brewer’s Yeast helps increase milk supply! So we’re adding it to these cookies. Oddly enough, it actually adds a unique and delicious flavor that makes these cookies super addicting!
Ground Flaxseed – Ground Flaxseed can also help increase milk supply and add healthy fats and protein, making these cookies nutritious and delicious!
Coconut Oil – These breastfeeding cookies use coconut oil instead of butter, which makes them dairy-free. However, good ‘ol regular butter works great, too!
Eggs – Easily make these cookies by using flax eggs instead of regular eggs if desired.
Dark Chocolate Chips – These are my favorite dairy-free dark chocolate chips for all cookie recipes!
Can I Make Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast?
Yes! Simply replace the amount of brewer’s yeast in the recipe with vanilla protein powder or more flour.
How to Make the BEST Lactation Cookies
Making lactation cookies is SO incredibly easy! Simply mix the dry ingredients, mix the liquid ingredients, combine, and roll the dough into medium-sized cookies. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes!
TIP: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie to make these extra delicious!
Questions
When should I start eating lactation cookies?
You can start eating lactation cookies as soon as baby arrives! Even weeks or a couple of months after having a baby, lactation cookies are still effective and helpful for increasing milk supply.
How many lactation cookies should I eat everyday?
I recommend eating 3 cookies a day for increased milk supply!
Can men eat lactation cookies?
Yes! The only “unconventional” ingredient in lactation cookies is brewer’s yeast. So NO, they will not cause a man to start producing milk, but YES they will help a nursing mama increase or bring in her milk supply!
Can I freeze lactation cookies?
Absolutely! I loved making a big batch of these cookies and freezing half of them for later. Simply thaw them out the night before or heat them for a few seconds in the microwave and enjoy!
These cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, and the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Postpartum Resources
- 6 Healthy Freezer Meals For New Moms (Or Anyone!)
- C-Section Awareness Month: Overcoming Guilt
- Tips for Surviving The Fourth Trimester
- Getting Back In Shape After Baby
- Baby Gut Health – What I Wish I Had Known
The BEST Lactation Cookies (Dairy Free)
Ingredients
- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/3 cup brewer's yeast
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (slightly melted)
- 1 cup raw cane sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mix the oats, flour, brewer's yeast, flaxseed, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the coconut oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and almond milk together.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix together.
- Fold the chocolate chips into the dough.
- Form the dough into cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes.
- Enjoy or store for later!
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of each cookie to make these extra delicious!
- Lactation cookies can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for 5-7 days, and the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tiffany says:
Can I omit the flax? If so do I need to add anything in its place?
Christine McMichael replied:
Absolutely! I would say you can just omit it or replace it with chia seeds, chopped walnuts, or 2 Tablespoons of oat flour. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
FILIpa says:
The cookies are incredibles and delicious!!! I hope they work and really help increase my milk suply✨ thanks ☺️
Miranda says:
How much butter can I sub for coconut oil? Thank you!
Christine McMichael replied:
You can use the same amount, 1/2 cup (1 stick of butter), softened or slightly melted. I hope that you enjoy the cookies!
Laura says:
Wondering if you can sub almond flour for whole wheat?
Christine McMichael replied:
Yes, you can! However, the texture may be quite a bit drier. It’s best to use a gluten free flour if possible, but if not then you may try adding a few extra tablespoons of milk. Oat flour is another great substitute!
Leigh replied:
Just made my second batch! These are amazing cookies, period! I did half coconut sugar and half organic cane sugar this time to cut down and they were still just as delicious and sweet, next time I will try all coconut sugar. I freeze the extras and it has been so convenient for a quick thaw. Thanks for this recipe!
Miranda says:
This recipe is amazing! I made these cookies exactly as stated, and they turned out so good! I searched for a dairy free recipe for lactation cookies, and this was the one I chose based on previous reviews. They did increase my milk supply as well. This recipe is now in my recipe box. I will make them often. Thank you for sharing!!
Moop Brown says:
I love how quick and easy this are to make and the fact that they can be frozen and restored also. Thanks!
Nicoletta says:
It’s always nice to learn about new things. I didn’t know about lactation cookies, and I didn’t know they could be that good!!
Jacqueline Debono says:
Up until recently I had never heard of lactation cookies. I wish I had known about these gems when I was breastfeeding my 4 babies! I’d still love to try them as they look easy to make and healthy. Plus, when one of my kids has a baby, I’ll know how to make some for them!
Elaine says:
I’ve been screaming for help – my cookie jar is empty. So glad that I’ve stumbled upon your post – it is time to get to cooking! 🙂
Eva says:
I am not a new mom but I sure love oatmeal cookies! I am also not familiar with brewer’s yeast, so thank you for suggesting alternative ingredients.
Jenny says:
Great recipe! Giving to a mama I know who just had her baby boy, and her milk is still coming in. I will make the cookies as well. They look yummy!
AISilva says:
Thank you for this great recipe. I love the idea of making cookies that are healthy as well. I won’t be guilty about my kids having multiple now! Will try these this weekend!
Tammy says:
Oh my gosh these cookies are loaded and so nutritious! They look wonderful..love that they’re dairy free too!
Aditi Bahl says:
Wow, never thought cookies could be an answer to mommy blues. I believe that these cookies will help the new mommies. Have shared this recipe with a friend. But I made them anyway. The ingredients were all healthy so tried and they tasted lovely.
Marta says:
I have to assume they’re great for lactation. I trust you so I believe they are. Since I can’t physically verify, though, I will say they are 100% great for satisfying a sweet tooth and they’re so tasty to boot.