Breastfeeding is hard work, and if we’re being honest, it can make you hungry. Like, “I just ate but I’m starving again” hungry. When I was in the thick of breastfeeding, I quickly learned that having easy, nourishing snacks on hand made such a difference—especially during those long days and late-night feeds. That’s where these lactation cookies came in.
Lactation cookies are one of those things you hear about all the time, but you may wonder if they’re actually worth making. In my experience, they’re not a magic fix, but they are a really helpful and tasty way to support your body while breastfeeding. They’re made with ingredients like oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast—foods commonly known as galactagogues, which are believed to help support milk supply.
What I love most about this lactation cookie recipe is how simple it is. There’s nothing fancy or complicated here, which is exactly what exhausted moms need. You can mix everything together in one bowl, pop them in the oven, and suddenly you have a nourishing snack ready to grab whenever hunger hits. They’re perfect to keep by your nursing chair, toss in your diaper bag, or stash in the freezer for later.
These cookies can easily be made with or without dairy. If you’re avoiding dairy due to baby sensitivities, personal preference, or allergies, you can swap the butter for coconut oil and still get soft, chewy, delicious cookies. I love recipes that are flexible like that, especially during postpartum, when everyone’s needs can look a little different.
I also appreciate that these cookies don’t feel like a “health food.” They taste like a real treat. The chocolate chips make them feel indulgent, which honestly matters when your body is doing so much. Breastfeeding takes energy, patience, and grace, and I’m a firm believer that moms deserve snacks they actually enjoy eating.
If you’re in the early days of breastfeeding, or even months in and feeling depleted, I want to gently remind you of this: you’re doing important work. Supporting your body with nourishing food is not selfish—it’s necessary. Whether these cookies help boost your milk supply, keep your energy up, or simply give you something comforting to enjoy during a quiet moment, they’re a small but meaningful way to care for yourself.
Breastfeeding looks different for every mom. Some exclusively nurse, some pump, some supplement, and some do a mix of everything. Wherever you’re at, I hope this recipe feels like encouragement—not pressure. You’re doing the best you can, and that is more than enough.
If you decide to make these lactation cookies, I hope they bless you in this season—one bite at a time 🤍
The Best Lactation Cookies for Increasing Milk Supply
Soft and chewy lactation cookies made with oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast to support milk supply. An easy, nourishing recipe for breastfeeding moms.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups old fashioned oats
5 Tbs Brewers Yeast
3 Tbs ground flaxseed
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
3/4 cup coconut oil, softened but solid state (or 2 sticks softened butter)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
12oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:all-purpose flour, old fashioned oats, brewer’s yeast, ground flaxseed, kosher salt, cinnamon, and baking soda.
In a separate bowl, cream the coconut oil or softened butter with the brown sugar and white sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract.
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Form small, round balls of dough or use a cookie scoop and gently press down on the tops of the cookies to ensure even baking.
Place cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Roshel Madden
Wife, mom, and the baker behind Merry Madden, sharing decorated sugar cookies, royal icing tips and cozy family bakes.
