Breastfeeding Snacks: Healthy Lactation Cookies
If you’re up for those late-night feeds and craving something sweet, these healthy lactation cookies are about to become your new best friend. Packed with milk-boosting ingredients like oats, brewer’s yeast, and flaxseed, they’re designed to nourish your body and support your milk supply—without the sugar crash. A wholesome, satisfying treat you can actually feel good about eating (even at 2 a.m.).
I came up with this recipe when I was searching for ways to boost my milk supply, but everythign that claimed to be “healthy” was still loaded with sugar. So I decided to create my own.
These are sweetened with only fruit, so to be sure they are less sweet than the cookies we may be used to, but since you’ll be using very ripe bananas they are definitely sweet enough. Which makes it perfectly acceptable to scarf down your 4th cookie of the day (speaking from experience—sorry, not sorry).
I recommend trying them as is to start- they may not need any extra sugar. But if you feel they do, feel free to add in a few tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to sweeten them to your liking.
Keep reading below for an easy and healthy recipe to fuel your postpartum cravings!
Milk Supply-Boosting Ingredients
These cookies are packed with galactogogues, or ingredients that help boost your milk supply.
Oats
Oat’s are a whole grain energy source packed with magnesium and beta-glucan, which is thought to stimulate milk supply.
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast is packed with plant-based iron, protein and B vitamins, and is a rich nutrient source that moms swear by (myself included!) for boosting milk-supply. I love this brand because it doesn’t have any bitter aftertaste that some others can have.
Flax seed
Flax seed is rich in phytoestrogens called lignans and plant-based omega-3 ALA fatty acids, which may be why it anecdotally contributes to increasing milk supply.
Coconut
Coconut milk and coconut water are often touted as ways to boost milk supply. Coconut water is rich in potassium, which may be a reason due to increased hydration and cellular function. This recipe adds shredded coconut for healthy fat source and for it’s anecdotal effects on milk supply.
Almonds
Almonds are rich in healthy fats, vitamins B2 and E and minerals such as magnesium and calcium. But beside being a nutrient powerhouse, they are anecdotally thought to be the best nut option for increasing milk supply. The almond meal helps to add in healthy fats, protein and fiber to keep these healthy lactation cookies from spiking your blood sugar.
Goji Berries
Goji Berries are thought to be a postpartum superfood according to Traditional Chinese Medicine due to their high antioxidant, vitamin and mineral content. If you can source some I definitely recommend adding these superfood wonders into your batch of cookies.
No added sugar
This recipe is sweetened only with fruit, so you can feel good about gobbling down a few of these in the dark of the night while up feeding your baby… again.
Keep reading below for an easy and healthy recipe to boost supply and satisfy your middle of the night cravings!
Healthy Lactation Cookie Recipe
FAQ
I don’t have all the ingredients on hand. Can I modify the recipe?
Of course, This recipe is so customizable. I just recommend keeping the main galactogenic ingredients—oats, brewer’s yeast and flax seed—to get the most benefit.
Can you freeze these cookies?
You sure can! That is my go to. I will save a week’s worth of these cookies in the fridge, and then freeze the rest. That way you’re really only having to make this recipe once every few weeks which is totally doable for a healthy homemade snack.
So there you have it! This healthy lactation cookie recipe is a delightful and nutritious option that supports your milk supply for growing tiny humans while satisfying our taste buds. Its blend of healthy, nourishing ingredients provides essential vitamins, nutrients and energy in every bite. Give it a try and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with eating a snack that's both delicious and good for you.
