Tasty Lactation Cookie Recipe (Protein-Packed!)

Are you looking for the BEST lactation cookie recipe that actually tastes good? These cookies are packed with protein and other nutrients that are known to help increase breast milk production and support healthy lactation in new moms. They’re also delicious, so you’ll be happy to snack on them any time of day!

Oatmeal Cookies for Breastfeeding

Lactation cookies are a popular item among new moms – they are usually tasty and filled with lactation-supporting ingredients.

Most lactation cookie recipes are packed with sugar and other unhealthy ingredients. They might taste good, but they’re not doing your body any favors in the long run.

There are also a lot of lactation cookies that just don’t taste very good. If you are going to have a lactation cookie, it might as well be a good lactation cookie!

Our recipe for the best lactation cookies is protein-packed and full of healthy ingredients that are designed to support lactation and maybe even help with supply. These cookies are delicious, so you’ll be happy to snack on them any time of day!

Think of these as oatmeal chocolate chip cookies amped up a little bit. They are seriously delicious cookies that my whole family enjoys, which is one of the best parts! They are a great option to take to a new mom who just had a new baby! You might even get away with these as a breakfast cookie (especially if you cut back the sugar to 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup).

If you are worried about your milk supply, please get in touch with a lactation consultant to determine the root cause. Book a consult with Katie today!

Ingredients

Makes 24 Cookies

• 1/4 cup virgin coconut oil
• 1/4 cup softened butter 
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (less if desired)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal or ground flax seed
• 1/4 cup Chia seeds 
• 1/2 cup protein powder 
• 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Optional Mix-ins

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup walnuts*
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes

What makes this a lactation cookie?

You might ask yourself, “What makes something a lactation cookie?!”

Most of the time, it’s because the ingredients are filled with galactagogues. A galactagogue is a food, herb, or medicine that supports a healthy milk supply.

I’ve chosen various ingredients that are easy to find and make for a delicious cookie. I don’t make any claims that this will increase your supply – but if there’s ever a cookie to do so, this has all the parts. The ingredients also can be beneficial for incorporating other nutrients into your diet that can be beneficial for postpartum healing,

Here are the key ingredients in this cookie:

Rolled oats – Rolled oats are a good source of fiber and protein. They’re also a good source of carbohydrates. Very popular galactagogue that many mothers swear by.

Coconut oil – Many consider this a galactagogue. It’s also full of healthy fats essential for a nursing mom’s diet. There are some antimicrobial properties that some claim transfer through to the baby.

Flaxseed – Flaxseed is a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Both of these nutrients are important for a healthy diet. This is often listed as a galactagogue. However, some research suggests too much flaxseed can impact adrenal function, so be careful with intake.

Chia seeds – Chia seeds are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also a good source of protein and fiber. They contain, Calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, which may benefit your child.

Brewer’s yeast – Brewer’s yeast is a good source of B vitamins, which are important for a nursing mom’s diet. It’s also a good source of iron. Common galactagogue.

Cinnamon – Cinnamon is a spice that adds flavor to the cookies. It also has some health benefits, including reducing inflammation and possibly helping with fluid retention.

Walnuts – Walnuts are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. They’re also a good source of protein and fiber.

Dark Chocolate chips – Dark chocolate can help decrease stress, which may help encourage a healthy letdown.

Protein Powder – I added protein powder to these cookies for protein and nutrients. Make sure you choose a high-quality protein powder – here are some good protein powders for breastfeeding moms.

A Few Recommendations

Here are a few things I recommend for making these cookies:

• Mommy Know’s Best Brewer’s Yeast (it’s been de-bittered and has a very mild taste)
• Just Ingredients Vanilla Protein Powder
• Cookie Dough Scoop
• Silicone Baking Mat
• Souper Cube Cookie Freezer Tray (use code breastfeedingmama10 for 10% off)
• ZipTop Silicone bags for storage (good for the freezer if you’ve pre-cooked the cookies) CLARKSCONDENSED15 for 15% off
• OXO Airtight Cookie Jar

Can I substitute whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour is a good source of fiber and nutrients. It’s also a good source of carbohydrates.

Can I omit the optional mix-ins?

Yes, you can omit the optional mix-ins if you want. However, they do add some additional nutrients and flavor to the cookies.

You can also add some other mixins, such as:

• White chocolate chips
• Pecans
• Mixed grains
• Cranberries
• Raisins

Does the Brewer’s Yeast make these taste bitter?

It will depend on what kind of Brewer’s Yeast you use. I recommend using a de-bittered Brewer’s Yeast. Otherwise, it may taste bitter. You omit if you can’t find any and the taste bothers you.

I like to use Mommy Know’s Best Brewer’s Yeast.

Do I have to use protein powder?

No, you don’t have to use protein powder in this recipe. However, it is a great way to get an extra boost of protein. If you don’t want to use protein powder, omit it from the recipe, and it will taste delicious.

Can I use oat flour instead of all-purpose?

I have never done this, but you could experiment with it. Be sure to comment if you do!

What type of protein powder do you use?

I used Just Ingredient’s Vanilla Protein Powder. This is my FAVORITE protein for a few reasons:

• High-quality ingredients – the best I’ve ever seen in protein powder
• Protein is from five different sources
• It doesn’t make my stomach hurt
• It tastes good! I feel like it has a sort of horchata taste to it.

You can save 10% with the code TBM (and you can use that on anything from Just Ingredients!)

Can I make this dairy-free?

If you want to make these lactation cookies dairy-free, you can substitute all the butter for a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil. Additionally, you can use dairy-free chocolate chips, such as Enjoy Life brand.

Can I use less sugar?

I have tried to keep the sugar minimal in this recipe. However, I still found them to be pretty sweet! If you are trying to limit sugar and maximize health benefits, you could likely cut it down to 1/4 cup.

Can I make these gluten-free?

To make these lactation cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour, such as Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour. You can also use rolled oats that are labeled “gluten-free,”

How to Make Lactation Cookies with Oatmeal

1. Cream butter melted coconut oil, and brown sugar are in a stand mixer or large bowl with a hand mixer.
2. Add in vanilla and eggs and blend at medium speed.
3. Combine dry ingredients (except mixins) in a separate bowl
4. Fold into the wet ingredients until well combined, scraping the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.
5. Fold in mixins
6. Scoop cookies onto a baking sheet covered with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper
7. Bake for 8 minutes. Flatten them with a spatula if desired when they come out of the oven.
8. Let cool on pan for five minutes before transferring to a cooling rack

How many lactation cookies should I eat per day?

There is no recommended amount of cookies to eat per day. However, eating 1-2 cookies daily is a good place to start. If you’re not getting the desired results, you can increase your intake to 3-4 cookies per day.

More on this topic: How Many Lactation Cookies Should You Eat A Day

Do I have to refrigerate the dough?

You don’t have to refrigerate the dough before baking, but you definitely can. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before making it into cookies.

How long will the cookies last?

The cookies will last up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you totally can. You can freeze them cooked or uncooked, and I recommend doing this if you are using them primarily for lactation purposes.

I like the Souper Cubes freezer cookie dough tray. It’s a great way to store your cookie dough until you can use some of them.

Can my family members eat these cookies?

Yes, your family members can eat these cookies, and they will love them! Don’t worry – it’s not going to make people randomly start lactating 🙂

What are the benefits of eating lactation cookies?

Lactation cookies are a great way to increase your breast milk production. They’re also a good source of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Additionally, they can help to increase your energy levels and reduce fatigue.

When should I eat these cookies?

You can eat these cookies any time of day. However, it’s best to eat them 1-2 hours before breastfeeding or pumping. This will give the nutrients time to be absorbed into your system and help increase your milk production.

Are there any side effects of eating lactation cookies?

There are no known side effects of eating lactation cookies. However, as with any food, you may have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients. If you have any allergies, check the ingredients list before consuming.

Even though there are a lot of good ingredients in this recipe, you need to be careful not to eat too many. They are still treats!

Will these lactation cookies increase my supply?

These lactation cookies are not guaranteed to increase your breast milk supply. However, they are a good source of nutrients and have been known to help increase milk production in some women.

If you’re not getting the desired results, you can try increasing your intake to 3-4 cookies per day. Additionally, you can do a few other things to help increase your breast milk production, such as pumping or breastfeeding frequently, drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough rest, and taking a galactagogues supplement.

Remember that these ingredients aren’t just designed to increase supply but to support the many needs of lactating women.

These easy lactation cookies will surely be a favorite for you beyond your breastfeeding years. Every woman’s body is different, so what works for one may not work for another. However, these cookies are a good place to start if you’re looking for a tasty way to increase your breast milk production or have a nice snack

More Articles You May Enjoy:

• Power Pumping to Increase Milk Supply: Tips, Techniques and Schedules
• How to Build a Milk Stash: The Ultimate Guide
• 11 Low Milk Supply False Alarms
• Top Signs of Low Milk Supply to Worry About