These no bake lactation cookies are so easy to make. This recipe is loaded with nutrients that may encourage breast milk production.
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Who has time to cook with a baby? I know that I didn’t! These no bake lactation cookies are so easy to make, all you need is a bowl, a measuring cup, and a big spoon. These no bake cookies are loaded with nutrients that may encourage more breast milk production.
I’m a mom of two and a good portion of my breastfeeding experience was with pumping since my first baby was in the NICU when he was born. Breastfeeding was such a roller coaster for me and since I had to start out pumping, supply was always an issue for me.
I’ve tried a lot of different lactation recipes out there and I personally found that they really helped, especially when I was pumping. Some other things that helped me were drinking a ton of water and eating well. Breastfeeding can make you so hungry and thirsty.
Hey there, fam! If you’re a new mama lookin’ to up your milk supply or just someone cravin’ a healthy, chewy cookie that don’t skimp on flavor, you’ve stumbled on the right spot. We’re diving deep into the world of lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast today at our lil’ baking corner. I’ve been messin’ around in the kitchen for years, and lemme tell ya, these cookies are a game-changer—whether you’re nursin’ or not. They’re thick, they’re tasty, and they’re packed with good stuff. So, grab a cup of tea (or a glass of milk, heh), and let’s chat about whipin’ up these bad boys.
What Are Lactation Cookies, Anyway?
Lactation cookies ain’t just your average sweet treat. They’re specially made goodies designed to help breastfeeding mamas boost their milk production. How? Well, they’re loaded with ingredients called “galactagogues”—fancy word for stuff that helps ya make more milk. Think oats and flaxseed which are the stars of the show in most recipes includin’ the one I’m sharin’ today.
Now, a lotta traditional lactation cookie recipes call for brewer’s yeast, which is another milk-boostin’ ingredient But here’s the thing—it’s got a weird, bitter taste that not everyone vibes with, and it ain’t always easy to find at your local store. Plus, some folks just don’t wanna deal with it. That’s where lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast come in. They still pack a nutritional punch and can help with milk supply, but they’re way more accessible and, honestly, tastier for a lotta peeps.
Even if you ain’t breastfeeding these cookies are still a solid choice. They’re healthier than your typical chocolate chip cookie thanks to hearty oats and nutrient-rich add-ins. So, whether you’re a mama, a dad, or just a cookie monster, there’s somethin’ here for ya.
Why Skip Brewer’s Yeast?
Let’s break this down real quick. Brewer’s yeast is often touted as a superfood for lactation ‘cause it’s full of B vitamins and protein. But, like I said, it’s got a funky flavor that can throw off the whole cookie vibe. Some folks even say it messes with their tummy. And if you’re runnin’ to the store with a newborn in tow, the last thing ya need is to hunt down some obscure ingredient.
The good news? You don’t need it! Ingredients like rolled oats and ground flaxseed are just as powerful for supportin’ milk supply, and they’re already sittin’ in most pantries. Plus, they add a chewy, nutty texture that makes these cookies straight-up addictive. So, we’re keepin’ it simple and delicious with lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast. Trust me, you won’t miss that weird yeast stuff one bit.
The Magic Ingredients for Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast
Before we get to the fun part (aka bakin’), let’s talk about what goes into these cookies. I’m all about keepin’ things real and easy, so most of this stuff you prob’ly already got at home. Here’s the lowdown on the key players:
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These ain’t just for breakfast, y’all. Oats are a powerhouse galactagogue, meanin’ they help with milk production. They’re also full of fiber and iron, which is great for keepin’ your energy up—especially when you’re runnin’ on no sleep with a baby. They give the cookies that hearty, chewy bite we all love.
- Ground Flaxseed: Another milk-boostin’ champ! Flaxseed is packed with omega-3s and lignans, which are awesome for hormonal balance. It also adds a lil’ nutty flavor and helps bind the dough. Don’t worry if ya ain’t got it—it’s not crucial for the cookie structure, but it’s a nice bonus.
- Whole Wheat Flour: I like usin’ this for extra fiber and nutrients, but regular all-purpose or even gluten-free flour works just fine if that’s what ya got. It’s all about makin’ it work for you.
- Butter: Real, unsalted butter brings the richness. You can swap it for coconut oil if you’re goin’ dairy-free. Either way, it’s gonna be delish.
- Sugars: A mix of white and brown sugar keeps these sweet and gives ‘em that perfect caramel-y edge. Wanna go healthier? Try coconut sugar or your fave sweetener.
- Eggs: One whole egg plus a yolk for extra chewiness. It’s a lil’ trick I picked up to make ‘em soft and dense.
- Chocolate Chips: ‘Cause life’s too short for cookies without chocolate, right? I go for semi-sweet, but milk or dark chocolate chips are cool too. Heck, toss in some white chocolate if you’re feelin’ wild.
- Baking Basics: Baking soda, baking powder, a pinch of salt, a dash of cinnamon, and some vanilla extract to tie it all together. Nothin’ fancy here.
The beauty of lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast is that they’re super customizable. Got nuts? Throw ‘em in. Wanna add dried fruit? Go for it. I’ll toss out some variation ideas later, so stick around.
My Go-To Recipe for Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. This recipe is my pride and joy—tested in my own kitchen with a baby on my hip (okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea). It makes about 22 cookies, takes less than half an hour from start to finish, and don’t require no chill time. Let’s bake!
Ingredients
Here’s what ya need (with exact measurements, ‘cause I know some of y’all are sticklers for that):
Category | Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Dry | Old-Fashioned Oats | 2 cups (200g) | Quick oats work too |
Dry | White Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup (120g) | Or all-purpose/GF if needed |
Dry | Ground Flaxseed | 1/4 cup (26g) | Optional, for lactation boost |
Dry | Baking Soda | 1/2 tsp | |
Dry | Cinnamon | 1/2 tsp | For warm flavor |
Dry | Baking Powder | 1/4 tsp | |
Dry | Salt | 1/4 tsp | |
Dry | Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 3/4 cup (120g) | Or milk/dark chocolate |
Wet | Unsalted Butter | 1/2 cup | Room temp; sub coconut oil if desired |
Wet | White Sugar | 1/2 cup (92g) | |
Wet | Brown Sugar | 1/2 cup (92g) | |
Wet | Large Egg + 1 Egg Yolk | 1 + 1 yolk | For extra chewiness |
Wet | Pure Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
Instructions
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that’ll make ya wanna hide ‘em from the fam (not that I’ve done that… okay, maybe once).
- Preheat That Oven: Crank your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat so nothin’ sticks. Ain’t nobody got time for scrubbin’ pans.
- Mix the Dry Stuff: In a medium bowl, toss together the oats, flour, flaxseed, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Give it a quick stir so everything’s buddies.
- Cream the Wet Stuff: In a big ol’ bowl (or your stand mixer if you’re fancy), beat the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar for about 3-4 minutes ‘til it’s all creamy and fluffy. Then, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla. Beat it some more ‘til it’s smooth as heck.
- Combine ‘Em: Slowly dump the dry mix into the wet mix. Stir or beat just ‘til it’s combined—don’t go overboard, or you’ll toughen up the dough. Ain’t no one wants a brick cookie.
- Add the Goodies: Fold in them chocolate chips with a spatula. If you’re feelin’ extra, save a few to press on top later.
- Scoop and Shape: Grab a spoon or a cookie scoop and make 1-inch balls of dough. Plop ‘em on the baking sheet about 2-3 inches apart. They don’t spread much, so flatten ‘em to how thick ya want ‘em. Press a couple extra chocolate chips on top if ya saved some.
- Bake Time: Pop ‘em in the oven for 10 minutes. They’ll look a lil’ soft, but that’s perfect. Let ‘em cool on the tray for 5 minutes before movin’ ‘em to a wire rack to cool completely (or eat ‘em warm, I won’t judge).
- Enjoy: Grab one (or three), and pat yourself on the back. You just made some kickass cookies!
Quick Nutrition Info
Just so ya know, each cookie’s got roughly:
- Calories: 162 kcal
- Carbs: 20.6g
- Protein: 2.6g
- Fat: 7.7g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 11.8g
These ain’t no diet food, but they’re a darn sight healthier than most store-bought cookies, especially with all that oat and flax goodness.
Why These Cookies Work for Milk Supply (And More!)
Now, you might be wonderin’, “How the heck do these cookies help with milk supply if there’s no brewer’s yeast?” Lemme break it down for ya. The magic’s in the oats and flaxseed. Oats are loaded with iron and nutrients that support energy and lactation. Flaxseed’s got healthy fats and compounds that can help balance hormones, which is key for milk production. Plus, these cookies are calorie-dense in a good way—nursin’ mamas need extra fuel to keep up with baby’s demands.
But even if you ain’t makin’ milk, there’s plenty to love. The oats and flax give ya sustained energy, makin’ these a great snack for busy days. And let’s be real—havin’ a cookie that’s both tasty and kinda good for ya feels like a win. I’ve had friends who ain’t nowhere near a baby munchin’ on these just ‘cause they’re that darn good.
Storage Tips for Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast
I’m all about makin’ life easier, so here’s how to keep these cookies fresh (or save some for later when you’re too tired to bake).
- Room Temp: Pop ‘em in an airtight container, and they’ll stay good for 3-4 days on the counter. They might get a lil’ softer, but that’s just more chewy goodness in my book.
- Freezin’ Baked Cookies: Wanna keep ‘em longer? Freeze ‘em for up to 2 months. Just toss ‘em in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, let ‘em thaw on the counter or zap ‘em in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
- Freezin’ Dough: This is my fave trick. Scoop the dough into balls, lay ‘em on a baking sheet, and freeze for a couple hours ‘til they’re solid. Then, transfer to a zip-top bag. When a craving hits, bake straight from frozen at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Fresh cookies on demand? Heck yes!
I’ve even popped frozen dough balls into an air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes when I’m in a rush. Works like a charm for a quick snack.
Variations to Spice Up Your Cookies
One thing I love about lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast is how dang versatile they are. Here are some ideas to switch things up based on what ya got in your kitchen or what ya fancy:
- Gluten-Free Vibes: Swap the whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend or oat flour. Works just as good, and everyone can dig in.
- Nutty Twist: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Extra crunch, extra healthy fats—win-win.
- Fruity Fun: Mix in some dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for a lil’ sweetness. It’s like a lil’ surprise in every bite.
- Coconut Craze: Sprinkle in some shredded coconut or use coconut oil instead of butter for a tropical kick. Smells amazin’ while bakin’, too.
- Chocolate Overload: Not feelin’ semi-sweet chips? Go for dark chocolate chunks or even white chocolate chips. Live a lil’!
Play around and make ‘em your own. I’ve done batches with nuts and fruit together, and lemme tell ya, it’s like a party in your mouth.
Gifting These Cookies to New Mamas
If you’ve got a friend who just had a baby, these cookies make the bestest gift ever. I’ve done this a buncha times, and it’s always a hit. Here’s my pro tip: Bake half the batch so they’ve got ready-to-eat goodies, and freeze the other half as dough balls. That way, they can bake a fresh cookie or two whenever they need a pick-me-up without worryin’ about ‘em goin’ stale.
Wrap the baked ones in a cute lil’ box or tin, and toss the frozen dough in a labeled bag with bakin’ instructions scribbled on a note. It’s thoughtful, practical, and shows ya care. Plus, new mamas deserve all the love (and cookies) they can get.
And if you’re the mama-to-be readin’ this, do yourself a solid—make a big batch of dough now and freeze it. Once baby’s here, you’ll thank past-you for havin’ fresh cookies ready in minutes. Trust me on this one.
FAQs About Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast
I’ve gotten a ton of questions over the years about these cookies, so let’s tackle some of the biggies.
- Can I eat these if I’m not breastfeeding? Heck yeah, you can! These are just dang good oatmeal cookies with a health boost. They’re perfect for kids, partners, or anyone wantin’ a better-for-ya snack. My hubs steals ‘em all the time, and he ain’t nursin’ nobody.
- Do I gotta use flaxseed? Nah, it’s optional. It’s great for lactation and nutrition, but the cookies will still hold together and taste awesome without it.
- What if I wanna add brewer’s yeast anyway? Go for it! If ya got it and don’t mind the taste, add 3-4 tablespoons to the dry mix. It’ll give an extra milk-makin’ boost, but like I said, it ain’t necessary.
- How many should I eat to help with milk supply? There ain’t no magic number, but most mamas I know have 2-3 a day with plenty of water. It’s more about consistent nutrition and hydration than stuffin’ your face with cookies (though that’s temptin’).
Got more questions? Hit me up in the comments, and I’ll do my best to help ya out.
Why I’m Obsessed with These Cookies
Lemme get personal for a sec. When I first started playin’ around with lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast, I was skeptical. I thought, “No way can a cookie help with somethin’ like milk supply.” But after bakin’ batch after batch (and eatin’ way too many), I’m a believer. They’re not just a treat—they’re a lil’ moment of self-care in a crazy day. Whether I’m sneakin’ one while baby naps or sharin’ ‘em with friends, they’ve got a special place in my heart (and my tummy).
Plus, there’s somethin’ so satisfyin’ about makin’ somethin’ from scratch that’s good for ya. It’s like a lil’ pat on the back every time I pull a tray outta the oven. And knowin’ I don’t gotta track down weird ingredients like brewer’s yeast? That’s just the cherry on top.
Final Thoughts on Lactation Cookies Without Brewer’s Yeast
So, there ya have it—everything ya need to know about makin’ lactation cookies without brewer’s yeast. They’re easy, they’re yummy, and they’re packed with stuff that’s good for ya, whether you’re a nursin’ mama or just lookin’ for a healthier cookie fix. I’ve shared my fave recipe, some storage hacks, variation ideas, and even a lil’ gifting inspo ‘cause I’m all about spreadin’ the cookie love.
If you try these out, lemme know how it goes. Did ya add your own twist? Did they help with your milk supply? Or did ya just eat the whole batch in one sittin’ (no shame here)? Drop a comment below, and let’s chat. And hey, if ya got any other recipes or tips for new mamas, I’m all ears.
Now, go preheat that oven and get bakin’. You’ve got some seriously tasty cookies waitin’ for ya!
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For this recipe, you will need:
- Quick oats: Oats are one of the most recommended foods for encouraging milk production.
- Creamy peanut butter: Peanut butter is loaded with nutrients and protein. You can also substitute your favorite nut butter for peanut butter.
- Honey: I feel like this is common knowledge but just a reminder that honey is only for the mamas and not for infants under one.
- Mini M&Ms candies: If you’re not a fan of M&Ms or watching your chocolate intake you can substitute butterscotch chips or raisins.
- Vanilla extract: I recommend using pure vanilla extract for this no bake recipe.
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds are loaded with extra nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. I love Navitas chia seeds from Amazon.
- Brewer’s yeast: Brewer’s yeast is considered a galactagogue which means it is a good that encourage breast milk production. Need to grab some brewer’s yeast? I always use Solgar Brewer’s yeast from Amazon.
How to make this recipe
Combine all of your ingredients into a large bowl and mix well with a large spoon until everything is well combined.
Use a large spoon or cookie scoop to form the dough into 1 ½ to 2 inch balls then flatten slightly.
Chill for 20 to 30 minutes and then enjoy.