Being a mom of a newborn baby is a lot of work. For breastfeeding moms, these tasty and nutritious Lactation Cookies work to boost milk supply. They're delicious oat cookies loaded with dried apricots and almond flour. All the ingredients that help a nursing mom produce enough milk for her baby.
Comment ~ my reader Anna
I'M A NEW GRANDMA! Our family welcomed our first grandchild last week. We're all over the moon with joy! I'm lucky enough to help out the new parents. And keeping my daughter and son-in-law's refrigerator well stocked with Spinach and Sausage Lasagna, Lemon Chicken, and Cheeseburger Sliders was my first job.
A call with baby well wishes from my brother lead to a new recipe for my breastfeeding daughter. He shared his recipe for a batch of homemade lactation cookies. He loves to bake and developed this delicious cookie recipe for his own daughters when they breastfed their babies.
Jump to:
- Comment ~ my reader Anna
- How do lactation cookies work?
- What does a lactation cookie taste like?
- Ingredients for oat lactation cookies
- Variations
- Equipment and utensils for my lactation cookie recipe
- How to make my lactation cookies recipe
- Expert tips
- How to store lactation cookies
- Frequently asked questions
- More healthy recipes for breastfeeding moms
- One more thing
- Recipe
How do lactation cookies work?
Just what are lactation cookies? They're delicious oatmeal cookies made with healthy ingredients. It's believed that they boost milk production for a nursing mother.
Whole oats, almond flour and apricots are natural ingredients that contain common galactagogues. They help stimulate the breast milk supply.
It's recommended to eat these mother's milk cookies each day as a tasty way to help moms have enough breast milk. Especially during the early days of breastfeeding. Every mom is different so the effectiveness of lactation cookies can vary from mom to mom.
Being a new mom is hard work. Having some of these delicious cookies is a tasty way to help increase breastmilk supply.
What does a lactation cookie taste like?
Different from regular cookies, these wholesome snacks are a cross between a cookie and a scone. They're tender, craggy, moist and dense all at the same time.
They're not too sweet with just a touch of brown sugar and dotted with dried apricots. The oatmeal and almond flour add heartiness. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, the cookies have a hint of citrus flavor from fresh orange juice.
These are the best breastfeeding cookies! New moms will love them.
Ingredients for oat lactation cookies
The nutritious ingredients in these yummy cookies are readily available at most grocery stores. Scroll down to the recipe for full quantities or the ingredients.
- Prepared oatmeal ~ Use rolled oats that are higher in fiber and protein than quick or instant oats.
- Salted butter
- Light brown sugar ~ Dark brown sugar is also an option.
- Egg ~ High in protein and nutrient dense, eggs are an ideal ingredient in these cookies for breastfeeding moms.
- Almond flour ~ Loaded with calcium and protein which is ideal for breastfeeding moms.
- Dried apricots ~ Can increase the production of prolactin which tells the body to produce milk.
- Orange juice
- Baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon and kosher salt
Variations
Make these lactation cookies with the following variations.
- Nuts ~ Stir in chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts. Toast them for even for flavor.
- Dried fruits ~ Add dried cranberries, cherries, figs, dates or raisins. Just chop the fruits if they're large.
- Spices ~ Try pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, cloves or almond extract.
Equipment and utensils for my lactation cookie recipe
Having the right equipment and utensils makes baking a breeze. I recommend the following tools for my recipe.
How to make my lactation cookies recipe
New mamas will love this easy oatmeal cookie recipe. They're a great way to get a nutritional boost while trying to get a good milk supply for newborn babies.
Step 1: Preheat the oven and line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: A standing mixer works best for the thick cookie batter. Cream butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg.
Step 4: Then add the cooled oatmeal, almond flour and chopped dried apricots. Mix until combined. The batter will be lumpy.
Step 5: Add the orange juice, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt and mix until combined.
Step 6: Drop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons on to the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7: Bake the cookies until firm to the touch and golden brown. Cool them on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
Expert tips
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to help the cookies bake evenly. Cleanup is also a breeze as the baking sheets won't be dirty after their use.
- The cookies don't spread much while baking. Place them about 1 inch or so apart on the baking sheet.
- Don't overbake the cookies. They'll become dry and more likely to fall apart.
How to store lactation cookies
After cooling the cookies, they are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Then they are the tastiest when 2 cookies are heated in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.
The cookies also freeze well. Flash freeze the cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet. Then store in a resealable bag in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Frequently asked questions
Anytime of the day is a good time to enjoy a lactation cookie. They're a delicious and nutritious snack between meals. Some nursing moms like to have a cookie break about an hour before breastfeeding or pumping. Also, some moms like a cookie before bed to help keep the milk supply up overnight. But consistency is the best practice so you can gauge how the cookies are working for you.
There's a few signs to help you know when the cookies are helping increase breast milk production. After eating a cookie or 2, you will notice you're producing more milk. Also your breasts may feel more full. You may find that you need to pump more frequently. And if your baby is gaining weight at a healthy rate, the cookies may be helping.
More healthy recipes for breastfeeding moms
Breastfeeding moms should eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods to support their health, the health of the baby and to boost milk supply. Lean meats, dairy, eggs, beans, lentils and seafood low in mercury such as salmon, cod and flounder.
Give some of these recipes a try to be healthy parents of healthy babies.
One more thing
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know by leaving a comment and a star rating below. Share it on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks ~ Amy
Recipe
Lactation Cookies with Oatmeal, Almond and Apricot
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups prepared oatmeal cooled *See Note
- ½ cup salted butter at room temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 ½ cups almond flour
- 1 cup chopped dried apricots
- juice of ½ orange about 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- A standing mixer, large food processor or heavy duty blender work best for this recipe. Cream the butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Beat in the egg.
- Add the cooled oatmeal, almond flour and chopped dried apricots. Mix until combined. The batter will be lumpy.
- Add the orange juice, baking powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and kosher salt and mix until combined.
- Drop the cookie dough by heaping tablespoons on to the prepared baking sheets. They don't spread much while baking. Place them about 1 inch or so apart on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 22 to 26 minutes. The cookies should be firm to the touch and golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before removing to a cooling rack.
Notes
Nutrition
Anna says
My best friend is a new mum, and I baked these for her just the other day. She said they were absolutely delicious, and asked for the recipe so she can pass it on to all of her new-mum friends, as she's sure they will love it too!
Amy Casey says
I love to hear that Anna. Thanks for passing my recipe along to new moms.
Nicole says
I had lactation cookies during both pregnancies and they do work. I do recommend them to maintain healthy supply.
Amy Casey says
That's so good to hear Nicole. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer says
Such a great read and article! So full of amazing information that is truly helpful! And yeah! Congratulations on being a grandma! Sharing with my expectant mothers and new Moms!
Amy Casey says
Thanks so much Lori! Being a grandma is fabulous! And my daughter truly appreciated the cookies.
Sharon says
I had no idea how these cookies worked, it's so great to know that these are easy to make. The perfect treat to bring a new mom.
Amy Casey says
Yes! I love this as a gift to new moms.
Dennis says
I had no idea that cookies like this even existed. They sound delicious and would be a great help to nursing moms.
Amy Casey says
I didn't either before doing a little research and becoming a new grandma. My daughter has a batch in her freezer and still enjoys them.
Erin says
I made these for a new mom and she loved them! I picked your recipe because it didn't have any unusual ingredients. I kept a few for myself and they're so tasty. Thanks!
Amy Casey says
That is the same reason I developed this recipe. I'm not a fan of buying an ingredient to use just in 1 recipe.
Sophie says
The combination of oats, almonds, and apricots was perfectly balanced plus the instructions were clear and easy to follow!
Amy Casey says
Thanks Sophie. The combo of ingredients is delish!
veenaazmanov says
Perfect gift for nursing mothers. This is such a healthy and awesome recipe to try. Made with all the healthy ingredients. Thanks for a unique and a must save recipe for sure.
Amy Casey says
You're so welcome! I love the idea of gifting these yummy cookies to new moms. They can always use some help.
Kylee says
These cookies are so good. I'm not lactating (and neither are my kids) but we loved the flavor of these with the apricots!
Amy Casey says
I agree! They're delicious cookies on their own.