How To Make Delicious Lactation Cookies!
BellyBelly’s lactation cookies recipe is suitable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. The whole family, in fact!
And oh boy, do these delicious cookies work for so many breastfeeding mothers!
Do lactation cookies really work?!
Yes! Lactation cookies really do work for many new mothers, according to our readers. In a poll, approximately 90% of our forum members told us BellyBelly’s recipe worked for them. And you can see for yourself, by scrolling through the countless testimonials from BellyBelly’s readers. You’ll find them not only throughout this article, but in the comments section below too.
For example:
“My boobs are spraying like a fire hose. I’m waking up wet in the night, in a way I haven’t since the early days. They are mental!” — Audax
Please be aware that of course, we can’t guarantee any specific results. Lactation cookies will have no impact for some mothers, who have underlying issues needing addressing.
If you’re having breastmilk supply issues, please be sure to also read about common milk supply issues.
Important Note Before Making Lactation Cookies
Most breastfeeding problems are preventable and fixable, and many are caused by incorrect latch or scheduled feeding.
Please contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association for support, or hire an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to help diagnose what’s really going on. If you’re in the US, contact La Leche League.
Most GPs are not trained in breastfeeding beyond a few hours of information. They cannot give you the same level of advice and support that well trained breastfeeding workers can.
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Lactation Cookies Recipe
Prep time: Approximately 15 minutes
Oven temp: Preheat to 170C or 338F
Makes: Approximately 14-16 cookies, using a dessert spoon per cookie (double the recipe for more)
When making BellyBelly’s lactation cookies (which we think is the best lactation cookies recipe in Australia… perhaps even the world!), please try to source organic, local ingredients wherever possible. I’ve tried to use healthy alternatives where I can. Bear in mind, lactation cookies need to be sweet enough to hide the very bitter taste of one of the most powerful ingredients.
If you’re already breastfeeding, try eating the dough as well as the cookies. It seems to be even more effective at increasing supply.
Do not eat uncooked dough if you are pregnant. There is a risk of bacterial infection from eating raw egg.
Lactation Cookies Ingredients
- 1 cup self raising wholemeal flour (if you have plain flour, add 1/2 teaspoon baking powder)
- 1/2 cup butter (you can use organic virgin coconut oil instead if you prefer)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (if you want to reduce sugar, you could try just 1/2 cup)
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons of water (depends on how moist you prefer the cookies to be)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavour)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for flavour)
- 1-2 tablespoons of brewers yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 & 1/2 cups oats – organic, steel cut oats are best for you, but rolled oats are fine
- OPTIONAL: 1/2 cup of your favourite biscuit ingredients (see suggested list below)
Here’s a popular brand of brewer’s yeast – it’s IMPORTANT to get the right sort. Click here to get some delivered straight from Amazon.
Brewer’s yeast is one of the most important ingredients in lactation cookies. It is not the same as bakers yeast or nutritional yeast, so don’t substitute it for anything else!
This miraculous powder is quite nutrient dense. It contains protein, fiber, selenium, riboflavin, thiamine, niacin, copper, vitamin B6, potassium and folate.
You can add brewer’s yeast to smoothies or other foods and drinks for the same effect!
Lactation Cookies Recipe – Method
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then add the egg and vanilla. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flaxseed and water, let them sit for a few minutes before adding to mix.
- Add the dry ingredients (apart from the oats and your additional ingredients) and mix well again.
- Stir in the oats and your additional ingredients.
- Using a dessert spoon, scoop the mixture into your hand and roll it into a ball.
- Place the biscuits onto a lightly greased or lined baking tray. Flatten them a little with your fingers or a spatula. If you like a soft centre, don’t squash them down too much.
- Bake the lactation cookies for around 10-12 minutes, depending on how well cooked or crunchy you like your biscuits.
“I know they worked for me, because I squirted after eating them for a bit. I hadn’t done that for months!” — PumpkinZulu
How do lactation cookies work?
Wondering what makes lactation cookies work?
There are specific ingredients in lactation cookies which are said to help you produce more milk.
Galactagogues (foods that promote breastmilk production or flow) includes brewer’s yeast, as well as flaxseed and oats.
This is why you must not leave out or substitute the brewers yeast when making lactation cookies.
Nutritional yeast and bakers yeast are different, and will not have the same effect.
How long do lactation cookies take to work?
Most new mothers who used BellyBelly’s lactation cookies found a noticeable increase in supply almost immediately. However for some mothers, it may take up to 24-48 hours.
BellyBelly’s lactation cookies are awesome, but, they can’t fix problems needing to be addressed by a professional. As mentioned earlier, if you have milk supply issues, sometimes the best thing you can do is get advice from a breastfeeding expert (IBCLC) first. Also, read our article about common milk supply issues.
“I’ve only used them for about 24 hours and the milk is flowing! So happy and excited that they’re working so well!” — Rika-Marie
Can children eat lactation cookies?
Yes! Lactation cookies are also perfectly safe for children, family and friends too.
Don’t worry, it won’t make them spontaneously lactate – lactation requires developed milk ducts!
“I made a particularly potent batch this week. So much so, my friends having been calling me ‘Wet Patches!’ I haven’t needed to use breast pads for a couple of months. I doubled the flaxseed meal, added cocoa and hazelnut meal – they taste like Nutella.” — Audax
Lactation cookies variation ideas
There are so many delicious ingredients you can add to your lactation cookies to flavour them up!
You might like to add coconut, banana, grated apple, chic chips, sultanas, almonds, chopped prunes or dates… the list is endless.
Our members have made variations of the lactation cookies recipe by using these delicious combinations:
- Coconut and banana
- Choc chip and cranberry
- White choc chips and macadamias
- Dried apricot and white chocolate
- Apple cinnamon: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon instead of vanilla, 1/2 cup chopped dried apple and 1/2 cup sultanas. BellyBelly member, Audax, also added 2 tablespoons of stewed apple and found the cookies turned out lovely and moist.
- For a healthier, lower carb and more fibre rich flour, use 50% or 100% coconut flour. You might need to add an extra egg. If you only have regular white flour to make lactation cookies, that’s fine, but remember it’s the most unhealthy flour.
“I was eating 1-2 each feed, and only just cooked them so they were still quite soft. I noticed a huge difference when I ate them, and I soaked through everything. When my son was feeding, I’d hold a cup under my other breast, and collect about 40mls just from leakage!” — Ryatha
Do Lactation Cookies Work? A Test!
“YES, they DO WORK! I’ve found them especially helpful for afternoons and evenings when my baby is cluster feeding. It feels like I’m all out of liquid gold. So, I munch a couple of bikkies and have a big drink of water. I can feel my boobies expanding with fresh milk!” — Glamourcide
As far as I’m aware, there’s no official research into lactation cookies.
So, a BellyBelly forum member, Pholi took it upon herself to run a little test.
Here are her results:
“Started eating cooked lactation cookies at a rate of approximately 2 per feed. Average 24 hour yield over 5 days was: Before: 372ml. After: 412ml.
Increase of 40ml, or 11%.
Stopped eating cookies for 2 days. Average 24 hour yield: 397ml.
Decrease of 4%.
Started eating raw lactation cookie dough. Which, according to collective BellyBelly community wisdom, is supposed to be even more effective than cooked dough. Ate the equivalent of 2 per feed. Average 24 hour yield over 4 days: 449ml.
Increase (from cooked dough average) of 37ml, or 8%.
Increase (from no dough in the previous 2 days) of 52ml, or 13%.
Increase (from before eating any cookies or dough) of 77ml, or 20%.
Conclusion: When I ate the cookies, raw or cooked, it made a positive, measurable difference to my supply. But the raw dough made a bigger difference. I was certainly not leaking or spraying, or even feeling any fuller. I think that the fact that the numbers dropped when I stopped for 2 days strengthens the results.”
How many lactation cookies should I eat?
Most mothers consume around 2-5 lactation cookies per day, usually before a feed. If you notice your baby is unsettled after consuming them, cut back the amount you’re eating.
“I love these things!! Made a heap yesterday, and ate some dough as well, oh yum! First time in a week I’ve been full, and bubs got boobie drunk!” — Sarah
Do lactation cookies make you gain weight?
The sugar and grain combination of lactation cookies can result in weight gain and inflammation. Both sugar and grains spike blood sugar levels, with the excess sugar going on to be stored as fat.
Lactation cookies are great to try if you really need a boost. However, if you have issues with blood sugar levels, gut issues or thrush, or if you have concerns about weight gain, lactation cookies can make these things worse.
As easy as it is to binge on delicious, yummy cookies when you’re tired, feeling flat or low in energy, try to restrict your intake, or opt for less sugar in the recipe.
If you’re worried about your weight, you can try:
Can Lactation Cookies Cause Gas?
Brewers yeast, the key ingredient in lactation cookies, can cause mild cases of gas and bloating. If you’re feeling any discomfort in your gut, cut back the amount of cookies you’re eating, or reduce the amount of brewers yeast in your cookies. If you have Crohn’s disease, you may want to give the cookies a miss if you’re worried about symptoms being triggered.
What Else Can Help With My Supply?
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast – here are 13 great ideas
- Keep up your water intake. Have a glass of water next to you every time you breastfeed. Throughout the day, try to sip water every 15 minutes. Drinking water helps boost energy and concentration levels, which dehydration robs from you. Adding in an electrolyte powder to your water is so beneficial (such as this lemonade electrolyte from Key Nutrients or Ultima Replenisher), because it will help you get better hydrated and give you some magnesium too. Avoid sugary sports drinks from the grocery store – it’s sugar water and won’t hydrate you properly.
- Drinking fennel tea can also help increase supply
- Avoid dummies (pacifiers), formula or nipple shields unless advised by a lactation consultant. They decrease direct nipple stimulation, which means less milk production
- Offer the breast more frequently. Demand equals supply as far as breastmilk goes. When your baby is sucking at the breast it sends your body signals to make more milk
- Fenugreek can also increase supply. If you have a colicky or windy baby, fenugreek can irritate your baby – try other methods first. It’s also very bitter, so try this as a last resort
- Baby doesn’t seem well? If your baby is losing weight or doesn’t have plenty of wet nappies, please seek help without delay.
“I made a batch yesterday morning. I’ve had to get up this early to express, as I woke up feeling very full and leaky and uncomfortable!! So they have definitely made a difference!” — eza
I love this recipe! Not sure it results in more milk because my milk supply is constantly having ups and downs seemingly regardless of what I eat, but they are yummy! I add coconut, chopped almonds and cranberries to mine and they taste amazing! I will surely make them long after I stop breastfeeding
Please help. Does anyone know if you can freeze the cookie mix? I am making them for my sister as with three kids and a new baby (she doesn’t have a lot of time) and was hoping I could make a larger batch and freeze the dough so all she has to do is put the in the oven?
These are easy to make and really worked for me. I was also trying to express after feeding to boost production so that helped. I didn’t like the bitter taste due to the yeast at first. However, when the cookies cooled down, the bitter taste wasn’t so obvious and actually the cookies were really tasty and even moreish. Definitely worth a try if you’re milk production is on the low side.
This is quite an old thtead but i feel compekked to say this recipe is still current and works a treat.
I seem to have been struck with virus after virus since christmas and it has taken a toll on BM supply periodically.
I make a batch of these (adding smashed banana to hide the taste of brewers yeast) and i am definitely fuller. I can measure it during the day since i pump when at work, while daughter is in nursery. This is my go to recipe when my supply takes a dip!
Was just curious how long can you keep the raw cookie dough in the fridge for?
I just made a batch and the dough taste great! cant wait to have some fresh out of the oven 🙂
Can I freeze the cookies and still have the same effect?
Thanks!
Is there a thermomix version of this recipe?
Any difference between regular brewers heart and debittered brewers yeast?
These were a great help with my first baby. I’m expecting twins this time so trying to be extra organised. Do you think you could freeze these so I can make some stock now?
I’ve recently started pumping to bring my milk back after 2 months of not breastfeeding. I’m trying hard to get my daughter to latch. She is 4 1/2 months old.
I’ve been eating the dough and the cookies everytime I pump and I can feel tingling and get a few drips.
I know it takes up to a month for my body to recognise and create milk. But thanks to this recipe I feel I will be able to do it.
By the way I’ve used this before when I was breastfeeding and omg I squirted everywhere and it made a big boost to my supply.
Mine come out dry and crumbly. What am I doing wrong? Please help!
I substituted the egg for 1 tablespoon of flaxmeal and 3 tablespoons of hot water. I used coconut oil instead of the butter, added in some dark choc chips and YUM!!!! I made them quite big so they are nice and moist! Will be making loads of these! I’ve had lactation bikkies before and thought they worked a treat so am keen to make my own and keep my milk supply strong! My son is almost 4 months and feeds every 2-3 hours around the clock! This is a great recipe!
So, the first time I made these, I’m not sure my sister saw an increase in her milk production. So, second time around (today), I made a few tweaks.
My sister doesn’t eat any sugar and is a vegan. So, the sugar and egg and butter had to be omitted for her. In the place of the egg, I used one fully ripe (lots of brown spots) banana. In place of the granulated sugar, I used maple syrup and I only used half of what was recommended. For today’s batch, I doubled the recipe. So, I used 2 bananas, 5 tbsp of flax seed (I added more just bc I wanted to), I added 6tbs of brewers yeast and threw in 2 teaspoons of fenugreek for extra milk production wishes. The key for me, to cutting bitterness, is salt. I used a few pinches more than a full tsp of salt to help cut the bitterness. With all the extra dry ingredients I added, I added 9tbs of water, and then added in splashes of almond milk until I got it to the texture that I needed them to be, moisture-wise. 🙂 My sister who doesn’t like things too sweet, loved them better with less sweetener in them and the bitterness of the fenugreek and brewers yeast weren’t palatable.
A few other people have also asked this question, how long do they last for in an air tight container?
Hello there. I’m from south Africa and we have a product made by a popular yeast manufacturer here. It’s called brewers yeast. It’s used in the making of homemade beers. Would it be fine to use that in the cookies? It comes in small packets like instant Yeast used in baking.
Thanks
Rashida
You can get brewers yeast from Clicks in the organic foods aisle
On my 3rd batch, they work!!! On the latest batch I used virgin coconut oil as recommended, but I also replaced the sugar with dates and blitzed them with the oil in the blender to “cream” them as a healthier option. I also added 2tsp instant coffee and 3tsp cacao and It masked the bitterness of the brewers yeast. Very delicious!
Iv not done the cookies yet but on the brewers yeast packet, it says ‘not an active yeast, not suitable for baking’. Im confused as to how it works if this is the case?
Hi, how Long can you store the cookies for?
Hi, I’d like ro make these for my sister who had her baby last week and says she has supply issues. She started to supplement with formula and I really want to help her get back on track with breastfeeding. The gluten free options posted are a great help since mine is a GF kitchen. I’d like to check on whether they are ok for diabetics as my sis has Type 2 diabetes. Anyone here with similar conditions that tried this? Thanks!
These would not be good for those with diabetes, they contain sugar and grains which will spike blood sugar levels. Unfortunately the active ingredient is very bitter and sugar is how it is disguised.
Do you have a version of this recipe in grams rather than cups?
Would it be ok to refrigerate the dough for a few days before cooking up a batch? Just getting ready for our baby who is due in a week. Thank you
anyone know the nutrition facts so I can track through my fitbit?
Hi there!
Can you change the order of the ingredients to match the order used in the recipe? Small change I know, just would be easier to read if not too much trouble!!
Love the recipe btw, I used even after I finished Breastfeeding – delicious!
Great recipe! These are super effective and delicious. My husband requests that I make lactation cookies.
One tip for anyone wanting to make these gluten free: try using 1 1/4 cup oat flour in place of the wheat flour. You can just put 1 1/2 cups of gluten free rolled oats in a food processor and process until they become flour. Still do add the 1 1/2 cups of oats that the recipe calls for. Delicious!
Just wondering if anyone has tried freezing these cookies? How did they go in the freezer? Did they taste just as good once thawed?
I just don’t want to waste any.
Thanks
I made the cookies today and wanted to check if anyone can confirm that I used the correct “steel cut oats.” The oats I got looked something similar to barley grain. In the cookies, the oats seem pretty hard. Is this normal or did I use the wrong oats?
Help!
These have been an absolute life line thank you so so much you have literally saved me! I am so determined to breastfeed but was having really bad supply issues and wasn’t filling up my baby. Now with the help of the 6 cookies I ate this afternoon, he has properly been satisfied and slept 3 hours after feeding plus for the next feed I felt engorgoed for actually the first time ever!
Kelly seriously thank you! I now feel I can provide for my babe which is such a great feeling I don’t even mind that I’m up at 530am writing this to you
Awwwww! Im so glad they helped and you feel so much better. Go mama! <3 xx
I’m going to be using coconut flour, do I still need the baking soda/powder?
I just tried making this cookie today and boy it was soooo delicious!!! It is a must try!!! I already ate 2 cookies.. I’ll comment again about the status of my milk production. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I made these for my sister in law and she raved about them, she sprung her first leak!! Great recipe and so easy to make. I bought my brewers yeast off Amazon on next day delivery. Much handier the hunting it down in health food shops. I added the chocolate chips and with the virgin coconut oil instead of butter which gave them a lovely coconut taste. I warmed it with the sugar in the microwave then mixed them once it was soft.
These cookies are amazing, they work so well my supply increased by 3oz after eating them for a day. I then stopped eating them for 2 days as I ran out of ingredience my supply reduced back down to only 2oz in each. Then ate 3 before going to bed and had full leaky boobs again this morning. I add raisins to half my batch and coco powder to the other half and they taste great.
Give them a ago they work a real treat
Great to hear, glad they helped 🙂
Can you eat the dough x
Only if not pregnant, due to the raw egg! x
Oh my goodness! I made these exactly to the recipe, adding chocolate chips and walnuts, and I am amazed that they truly work. Thank you for this wonderful recipe; I will be sharing this link with friends.
For my optional extras I added half coconut shavings half chopped dried cranberries and they’re so so good! The combination helps disguise the brewers yeast after taste.
Sounds yummy! Definitely one to try 🙂
I baked the cookies for 12 minutes at 330*F and they are not cooked at all. Did I do anything wrong?
Can I substitute honey for the sugar and I would like to add some peanut butter, do you think that would be okay? Thanks!!
Are the steel cut oats supposed.to taste so hard… was I suppose to soak them before adding them to the mix? I feel like I’m chewing on small pieces of bark 🙁
Yes might be best to soak them first. I’ll add that into the article, but if you prefer you can use normal oats – they just aren’t as healthy the more processed they are.
Hi, I have tried some branded boobie bikkies and they are working for me. I saw this recipe and thought I would give this a go as it is a lot cheaper (One bought cookie is $2.25 if you buy in bulk, and one of these cookies is $0.27!!).
I was just wondering, if I make a huge batch say 60 cookies worth, how long will they last in the cupboard before I should throw them out? I would eat 2 a day, so that is one months worth for me, but with the egg and butter, I wasn’t sure on lifetime?
Thanks in advance!
These are great! I want to eat them raw only, can I just turn the dough into bite size balls? Could I just leave out the egg?
I have a low milk supply and top up with formula after every second feed. I made the cookies last night and ate a little bit raw and ate a cooked cookie before each feed. I was feeling quite full before going to bed. In the middle of the night I was massaging a hard build up of milk to get it following, little did I know I was spraying right into my son’s face!! I haven’t sprayed in a while so I guess they’re working well 🙂
Awesome! Go mama x
I LOVE this recipe. One of my mom friends shared this recipe with me right before my son was born and I noticed a increase in my supply. Now that my second child will be here in less than 2 weeks, I’ve already maked a couple batches and got them in the freezer. The hard part is not eating them now cause they are delicious.
Love this recipe! My little darling loves the extra boost to my supply too!
For a really beautiful texture, I’ve been adding my oats, flour, Brewers yeast, and some almond meal into the food processor before mixing with the wet ingredients. Does processing the oats impact their effectiveness?
Can I substitute the flour with coconut flour?
Lots of fans do!
Hello, can i substituse the flour with almond powder??
Can I make these in advance ad freeze them for a later date?
These are delicious! Are these meant to be eaten more than once a day or is two cookies enough for the entire day?
Also, what is the difference between regular yeast and Brewers yeast in this recipe?
Only brewer’s yeast is known to help with milk supply, standard yeast does not have the same effect. Some women have several a day, it depends on how much you want to boost your supply. Start with one and build up until you get the desired impact 🙂
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much for sharing this lovely recipe! I am enjoying them & they are such a help with my milk supply.
Surprisingly delicious. My baby isn’t out yet so I can’t say if they help with b/feeding, but they taste great. Very savoury-tooth friendly, not too sweet, nice and crunchy if cooked enough. I did add a bit more water and a splash of maple syrup and used a mix of oat bran and quick cooking oats because that’s all I had. I also used some vegetable oil to coat my fingers when rolling them into balls and flattening them because the dough is quite stiff and sticky. Thanks for the recipe!
Am I able to feeze these cookies? Im not due till end of June but now Im on maternity leave Id like to make them in preparation for ‘just in case’.
I just made these and they are delicious!!! I did make a few changes –> substituted half the butter for coconut oil (plus an extra tablespoon of coconut oil) and added 1 additional tbsp water, 1/4 cup peanut butter (to mask the bitterness of the brewers yeast) and 1/4 cup chocolate chips. Also, I only cooked them for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. I highly recommend these changes!!! They came out moist and scrumptious 🙂
I don’t by any mean like oats, oatmeal, anything of the sort. So I was wondering if there’s anything I can use in place of the Oats?
What are the measurements for the optional flavours?
Hi,i was wondering how many cookies you should eat and how long they take to work.
Flaxseed is the same as linseed I believe… I use LSA mix in my lactation biscuits. They are very potent!
I am nursing my almost 9 month old daughter with no supply issues; however, I really slacked with pumping and the stockpile I had in the freezer is dwindling. I have attempted to start pumping again but have been unable to get more than an ounce. Do you think these would help me be able to pump extra milk?
Thanks for the awesome recipe! I will use a 1/2 cup of brown sugar for the next batch. I added chocolate chips and cranberry and the cookies came out perfect.
These work great making them for myself and lactating friends! Left out the egg and added more flax meal for raw bites yummy. Added apricot and cranberry,
Just wandering if the cookies can be stored in the freezer. I made a double batch and want to save for in a couple of days time
Didn’t work for me : ( I made them on Monday night.
Hi, I’m wondering is there a gluten free alternative for the flour and oats and brewers yeast?
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the recipe. I don’t have an oven can I use oven toaster instead? Pls advise. Thank you
Love these Im going back to school basically full time and trying to get a job part time but I don’t want to stop breast feeding. I tried these cookies and went from pumping 10 ounces in the morning to 12 and I just started eating them. I’m pumping extra to try and freeze so I don’t have to give up breastfeeding so quickly. And these really help to be able to pump and still feed my 8 week old daughter at the breast.
– I haven’t used steel cut oats and I see some of the contents say that they make it to hard to eat. I use rolled and they work great and I think it’s the same thing just cut different.
I also use just cocnut oil instead of butter cause it makes them so soft and I hate the idea of eating so much butter.
They really are amazing cookies I just wish I knew of how to make them more savory instead of sweet. I’m no a huge fan off sweet things.
Hope to hear ideas on how to make them unique
Hi i couldn’t see if this was answered already, but just wondered how long the biscuits can be kept? (Although rate I’m eating them, it won’t be long!!). This is just fab though – I spent a lot of money on buying lactation cookies online, but this is a much better way and they taste fab!!! Thankyou!!
So I just made a double batch of cookies.. just wondering how many u should eat a day or per feed?
This maybe a dumb question, but are the steel oats suppose to be cooked first?
Not a dumb question, and no they don’t 🙂
The cookies were hard to eat because the oats were so hard. Going to attempt to soak them first to soften them up. Threw out the first batch
Try rolled oats if you prefer, it’s no biggie, but just trying to make them as healthy as possible 🙂
I made these last night (with chocolate chips) and ate 6 of them (they were really good) when I woke up this morning I was able to pump 3oz of milk from one breast. It usually takes at least 3 pump sessions throughout the week to obtain that much. I’m going to try to eat only 2 today and see if I can keep my supply up. I am very impressed. Thank you!
Any suggestions on just adding brewers yeast to morning oatmeal?
I added 2 over ripe bananas, extra Brewers yeast and more flax seed. The banana added sweetness that off sets the extra tablespoon of Brewers yeast I added. Used dark chocolate chips too. Absolutely delicious! They are helping me keep a consistent supply, which I struggled to do with my two older daughters. Thanks!
I made a double batch a few weeks ago, and they tasted amazing! Oh yeah, and they worked really well! A few remarks for this recipe: if you choose to use steel cut oats, then increase the water to 1/2 cup and let the dough sit for at least 3 hours (I personally make the batch at night, put the batter in the fridge, and then bake the cookies in the morning), otherwise you are crunching hard oats, which really isn’t all that great for your teeth. Also, use two eggs if you are using gf flour so it sticks together, the cookies tend to be a bit crumbly otherwise. Finally, I added 2 tbsp of maple syrup and 1/2 cup (for the double batch) of dried cranberries, They tasted amazing! I can’t wait to make this newest batch!!!!
Hi, just made these with banana, they are delish! Just wondering if adding bakers yeast and flax into my morning smoothy would work the same? Is it something that needs to be consumed throughout the day or can I just put the spoons into the smoothy for a once a day hit? Thanks heaps!
Just made these tonight and stupidly left out the most basic ingredient: self-raising flour! Funny thing is, they’re still delicious! Thin and crispy on the edges. But I’m looking forward to making the true recipe when this batch is gone 🙂
My supply was so low towards the end of the day. Around the 7pm feed usually my baby is crying because he is hungry. We even went to buy formula for a top up feed. After having these biscuits, my supply has increased so much and leaks while bub is feeding! Thank you so much for sharing and tastes delicious!!
You’re very welcome 🙂
Hi im planning to bake this cookies for my wife. But im still confused if i can use the tablet type brewers yeast and just crush it or is it different from the required powdered brewers yeast that is written here. And if i use the tablet will there be a difference between the taste?
I hope to hear from you. Thanks
Hi. Thank you for this recipe. I have a lot of friends who just gave birth. As a breastfeeding advocate, I would like to give them lactation cookies to help them increase their milk supply.
I just made a batch of these yummy cookies, however, the steel-cut oats didn’t seem to be cooked at all. I tried one piece but I was like chewing rice grains. Is it normal with this recipe?
Thanks!
It didn’t really work for me. Didn’t stop me from eating it though coz these cookies are just yummy *lol*. I added chopped dark chocolate with hazelnuts in mine. Skipped the flax seeds and water with 3tbsp of milk. Maybe in my next batch i’ll increase the amount of brewer’s yeast.
My taste buds must be too used to regular cookies as I just made these and the Brewers yeast has a horrid taste. I did whack 2 tablespoons in to make it potent but would advise others to start with one and build up in necessary. Thankfully the chocolate chips and my devotion to biscuits is helping me persevere to see what results I get!
Hiya, waiting on my brewers yeast to arrive so I can bake some. What temperature (celcius) should they be baked at?
I baked them at 170℃
Can these be adapted for gluten free (no oats) and substitute flour with coconut flour?
Thanks!
Yes, they can. I used GF plain flour and baking powder and certified uncontaminated GF oats. Turned out great and have really helped my late afternoon supply. I also upped the flax and brewers yeast a little bit and got a yield of about 20 good size biscuits that I snack on front the freezer.
These cookies worked great for me! I have been struggling with low supply and although I’m not leaking, I am feeling much fuller and producing more milk when I pump at work. I eat 2 cookies and drink water about 15 minutes before I pump. I’m going to continue making them! I couldn’t find self-raising flour so I used whole wheat flour and baking soda. They are a little too moist/soft for me and I only used 2 tbsp of water with the flaxseed. I think with this next batch I will only used 1 tbsp and see how it goes.
Thank you so much for this recipe!
Glad they worked for you! Sometimes it’s a bit of trial and error to get them how you like them. Enjoy.
No you can’t, it’s different.
What brand is the brewers yeast? I found some ” brigalow home brew- brewing yeast” is that the same thing?
Wow…. Just wow…. I made these yesterday and out of boredom ate 5 throughout the day… I normally can pump 2 – 3 ounces in one sitting but this morning I pumped closer to 6 ounces. My right breast always produces more and it’s still a bit engorged (it hasn’t let down yet) so there’s a lot more to come.
These cookies tastes amazing! There’s far too much sugar for my liking but I’m sure that’s to cover the taste of the brewer’s yeast. Next time I will probably be substituting at least the granulated sugar with Stevia. They are also crazy high in fiber (I used whole wheat flour) and my girlfriend is definitely feeling the effects this morning from the three she has had but I eat so much fiber anyways that it’s just more awesome for me lol. This recipe yields close to 2 dozen cookies….omg, cookies for DAYS!
Hello, I might sound dumb.. But I was wondering if you want to substitute the flour with biscuit mix would it still make the same effect? Or do you have to use flour and add biscuit mix (For personal preference)? Hope it made sense..
I was sharing this recipe with a new grandma today and I thought, why not post it here for other new moms trying this out! These cookies are little saviors. Here is my ten cents to add to the mix 🙂
I did this recipe exactly to the T for my first born. They worked and were delicious. I think the second time I skipped the cinnamon and added white chocolate chips, almonds, almond extract and dried cherries too!
However, A couple weeks ago, I did a quicker and simpler batch. No frills, no extras. I’m now on baby #2 and just do not have time to pick up the fancy ingredients or barely even bake! So this is what I did differently and they worked JUST AS GREAT!
– plain flour with the added baking powder
– half butter/half coconut oil
– a mixture of white & brown sugar
– I skipped the flaxseed (I was out)
– regular salt
– plain old Quaker oats
*Also note, I double the recipe and get a good week supply out of it.
*I make about 1.5 inch balls and they bake into 2 inch diameter cookies.
*I’m in the US and my oven bakes them at 330 degrees Fahrenheit in 11-12 minutes.
*I would then eat about 3 cookies during the couple hours before each pump session.
I went from pumping 8-9 ounces to producing 14-15 ounces – just during my work day (3 pump sessions). I only ate the cookies while at work but I was also a lot fuller in the evenings and often had to pump before I went to bed. A great way to stock up the freezer! You should notice the increase by day two, if not the same day you start your cookie diet!
I hope this helps more mommies out there! I love being able to nourish my babies this way. Breastfeeding is so special and so rewarding so if I can help other mamas succeed with it, I am game! It can be trying, stressful, and so much work but, for me, it’s so worth it! Good luck to you all and enjoy them babies! XOXO
Thanks for this Adrianne, glad you enjoyed them xx
Yes, Chrissy, absolutely. I do believe that Brewers Yeast is the main ingredient and you should definitely NOT leave it out!
You added to the recipe or you made your own? If so, can you tell me how in Measurments you did it? I’m really trying to double my supply .. Thank you.
hi, i am just wondering if i am using coconut oil instead of butter, do i still add in half cup?
thanks
hi, i made the cookies and I was wondering if I can use olive oil instead of butter ??
Butter is so unhealthy
Thanks
Try coconut oil – it’s SO good for you — and your baby when he or she breastfeeds. Enjoy!
Coconut oil is really the better option for cooking in general. Both butter and olive oil tend to have low smoke points. The smoke point is the temperature where a cooking fat or oil begins to break down. When they start breaking down like this it causes carcinogens to be present in your food. Just be sure to check the container of coconut oil for what levels of heat it can take because there are varied types for low, medium, or high heat. I hope this helps. =)
Hi
Just wondering if you can freeze the biccies after you make them? Thanks.
I made a batch of these cookies even tho I don’t have low supply issues. I was enjoying one or two a day as a healthy sweet snack. Then the other day I was starving and binged on 5 cookies in an afternoon. Well that evening and all night, every time I fed my baby (7 weeks old) she would scream and vomit up milk like she had suddenly developed reflux. She was very unsettled, it was horrible. I haven’t had a cookie since then and she is back to normal. I think it was the cookies because that is the only thing in my diet that changed. I just wanted to let others know that eating too many cookies might make your baby upset, especially since it is suggested to eat 1 or 2 cookies before every feed, that could be a lot of cookies in one day (and lots of calories!!) otherwise the cookies were yum.
Hi I’m making these for my daughter but I’m only here for a few days. How long will they in tin or can these be frozen. Xxx
Our fans have successfully frozen them, but I haven’t tried myself (they go too quick!).
Hi
Can these cookies be frozen? Thinking of making in bulk if they can.
Thanks!
-Margs
Just in case this helps anyone in future, I’ve tried freezing the cookies and freezing the batter balls this week. A quick microwave (15 secs for 1 cookie) seems to do the trick, and the batter balls seem fine baking from frozen (maybe an extra +5 mins cook time).
Someone with more chef training might correct my time adjustment if they know better than me ! 🙂
-Margs
Hi, when is the right time to eat cookies and how many cookies do i need to eat per day? Btw, Im 7 mobths on thw go now 🙂
These are great thankyou! I friend recommended them. Just made my third & best batch to date. Substituted the butter with apple purée and some coconut oil, left out the sugar by using a few spoons of honey instead and using chopped organic dates as my added extra (& added cocoa this time). This lets you be very generous with the brewers yeast without the taste being too strong. Also this way I feel that I’m eating something very healthy. I also added amaranth flakes & sprinkled cookies with sesame seeds for fun. Reeeelly good and a noticible difference to my supply. I add the brewers yeast & flax to porridge or muslie at breakfast when time permits too. I’ll thinking I’ll experiment with a savory biscuit version next, not sure how that will go, wish me luck 😀
Thank you!! After feeding my five day old every half hour since 11pm last night, I called my Mum sobbing this afternoon upset with my very obvious lack of milk (and sleep!) I asked her to pick up Brewers yeast on her way over to cuddle bub and she whipped my up some cookies. By licking the beaters and having a spoon of batter with my feeding tea I was able to give bub enough milk for a two hour sleep and we both awoke happy and content… Plus I now have a massive batch of delicious cookies! I’m secretly glad the rest of my house are ceoliac as I now don’t have to share 🙂 we added choc chip, cocoa and substituted hazelnut meal for flaxseed- yum yum!
They taste soo good!!! Thank you so much for the recipe. I’m full term right now, so I’m just hoping it will help with my supply once I give birth. I’m tempted not to eat all of them in one sitting.
Great recipe, I used all coconut oil instead of butter, and I also added some chocolate chips to it.
I’m very happy with the results 🙂
Hi, how many chocolate chips did you add?
Hi are the oatmeal supposed to be cooked
No you add them in raw.
Hi, What if I’m allergic to egg and yeast? Anything I can substitute with? Thanks.
How many calories are in each cookie?
We got it from a health food store
I have ground flaxseed. If I use that, would it be the same amount as flaxseed meal?
Hi my baby is one month and two days today and my milk supply is very low and i cannot find brwered yearst anywhere what can i use instead? plz im ineed thnks
Whole foods
I made these for a friend tonight. How many should she eat a day? Maybe start with one a day? I made them medium size. She’s having supply issues, taking fenugreek, and going to a weekly breastfeeding group with a lactation nurse. But I don’t want it to irritate her tummy or make the baby gassy, and I’ve heard the flaxseed or brewers yeast can do that. Thanks!!
If you eat raw how long can a batch be left in the fridge safely? Just wondering whether to freeze some and unfreeze as I need.
Thankyou 🙂
I’m wondering if anyone knows how many calories are associated with a batch of cookies??
i worked out that if you make 16 cookies they are 200 cals each.
Hello.
I’d like to try this recipe, as I’m facing health issues and have been advised to build up my frozen milk stock. However, I have not been able to find brewers yeast locally, and don’t have the time to wait on an order. Will nutritional yeast (yellow flake) work?
Thank you.
I find them at health food stores such as sprouts as well as a pet feed supply store which ended up being the cheapest price 2lbs for 15.00. I never thought to look there but my pharmacist suggested it.
Iv started eating these cookies.
I started Wednesday Arvo, had tummy pains all night, next day baby had not normal poops.
And haven’t got back to normal yet.
Been having one cookie a day,
Now it’s Saturday and we are both pooping lots with tummy pain 🙁 ” and we are never sick)
So the only thing I can ring it down to is the cookies, it’s the only thing that’s changed.
But the milk supply has doubled, so I don’t want to stop but I to scared to have one today because I’m sick of feeling icky, and my bubs I don’t want to feel like that. What do I do?
How will I receive your reply? I’m new to this site.
Thanks ladies
Lulu, I would cut back the brewers yeast, but also I would seek the help of a lactation consultant to find out the root cause of your milk supply issues… and to indeed confirm if you have a low supply issue.
https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/low-milk-supply-incorrect-assumptions-mothers-make/
Hi Kelly,
I had low supply so used 3tbspn of Brewers yeast in my batch…..I also ate 3 cookies for my first sitting to maximise my chances of increased supply. On reading your reply I now wonder whether this is bad
Is this likely to cause illness or tummy ache for either myself or my LO?
Will brewers yeast supplements work just as well?
hello, i have a 3 months old baby and m unable to BF. I wanted to BF but i am having very low milk production and more whatever milk am having, my baby is nt able to latch properly. Please advice whether these lactation cookies will increase my milk supply and also is there any other substitute for brewer yeast. Please help!
I’d say that baby’s latching issues need addressing to increase ur supply. Check ABA website to find resources and speak to them on the phone.
Hi,
just wondering if you can freeze the cookies, either as dough or after cooking? It would be good to be able to batch prepare a lot of the dough to easily make more if running low.
Thanks!
The dough freezes great for me! Haven’t tried freezing the cookies yet though.
Freeze the dough in a log and sluce i to cookies and bake for an extra 3-4 mins. Great way of doing it!
Hi, really excited to try these but wondering are they safe to eat during pregnancy? I am bf 7 month old and 12 weeks pregnant with number 4. I don’t want bub to wean early because I’m pregnant (unexpected pregnancy, I like to bf till at least 12 months) I have read my milk supply could reduce because I’m pregnant.
Thanks
They are fine as long as you bake them, don’t eat the dough raw.
Thank you. Can’t wait to make them 🙂
This may be a silly question but i have two order children, 6 and 4, and was wondering if they can eat the cookies, too. (I can’t bake cookies and not give them one.) I do not see an issue but thought it was better to ask than to assume.
Thanks!
Anyone can eat them! Brewers yeast is quite nutritious 🙂
How many cookies can you eat a day? And does it matter when you eat them… like right before I pump or feed?
Tried these last night. I had to leave out Flaxseed because I couldn’t find it anywhere. I made 12 cookies (baked) and ate the left over cookie dough. I only pump while I am at work and usually pump 3 oz from each breast during my first pump of the day. Today I pumped 5oz from one and 4oz from the other (my last feeding was on the 4oz one). Definite increase in supply! Thank you so much!!
How many serving are you supposed to have in a day
I was just wondering, how would you properly store these cookies? In the refrigerator? In a tupperware container? FTM here!
Thanks for the recipe. This brewers yeast… Do I add it dry? I’m not sure how that works. I’m on my second batch and this time I moistened the yeast before adding it. It smells quite boozy this time!
Hi there! I’m definitely going to try this out!! I was wondering does Brewers yeast have any negative effects on your body? Such as weight gain bloating etc? Thanks!!
I may reduce the brown sugar slightly and add some honey in as well, do you think this would work?
I’m going to make these in the next few days using honey or agave instead of the sugar. I’ll let you know!
I used honey and maple syrup instead of the sugar and mine are delicious!!!
Hi was wondering how many cookies you should eat and how long they take to work. I am looking to boost my milk supply in the afternoon when Bub wants to cluster feed all the time.
Have you read our article on cluster feeding? https://www.bellybelly.com.au/breastfeeding/cluster-feeding-tips/
But, start with two and build up as you need. Some women add more brewers yeast if they don’t notice a difference right away. But add more slowly if you do. Brewers yeast is very bitter, and you don’t want to dose up on too much.
I just made and ate my first two cookies. When should I see results?
I would like to know the same thing I just made them had a few cookies now waiting wondering how long it takes to see results?
I personally saw results a few hours later, and by morning I was bursting, which hadn’t happened since my baby was 2 1/2 months..
My baby is going through a growth spurt and i just cant seem to fill her up, so i decided to try these cookies i only had a quarter of cookie and my breasts filled within 5 minutes and started leaking every where 🙂 Thank you!!!
Do I have to put in flaxseed meal?
I can’t find brewer’s yeast in powder form. I found it in tablet form. Can i crush the tablet then use it for the cookie?
Hi I had the same issue. I crushed the tablets into powder and used I think they are working for me..
Look at gnc
I found the brewers yeast powder form in the chemist. If that helps.
Hello! Your cookies are great!!! I am wondering if you have tried any gluten free flour substitutions?
the cookies are good, but what can i use to make the cookies moist?
Water? Another egg?
I used a ripe mashed banana and they were super moist!
Everything stayed the same as the recipe but I used 2 eggs and a lot more water (1/4 cup) and I also threw in some organic maple syrup just a teaspoon and raisins wow they came out phenomenal and very moist! I had like 5 already lol and I am not a cookie eater
what i can use instead of an egg bcoz i dnt eat eggs .thanx in advance
Mashed banana?
More flax seeds. Flax seeds and water is a great substitute for egg.
Chia seeds… soak in water. Binds just like egg and is also protein rich.
Applesauce is a good substitute for eggs
I’m allergic to eggs and I used 1/2 cup applesauce and they turned out great!
I forgot to add egg one day and the cookies turned up fine!
Hello I live in zimbabwe Bulawayo and I would like to know if I can substitute the flax seed for something else and what would that be. I can onto find the flax seed anywhere. My son is three months old and was born at 4kgs
You could probably leave it out. I don’t think it is as important as the Brewers yeast.
hallo…thanx for the article i am def going to try this recipe. with my first son i had to use nipple shields because my nipples didnt want to turn outwards (as they explained it to me) and so my milk supply dried up after 4minths and i got a cyst in my breast! thus the reason for me for looking for ways inwhich i can increase my milk supply or my second son (curretly 22weeks pregnant). is there ways how i can prepare my nipples for breastfeeding?? otherwise i will use the nipple shield but eat loads of cookies 😀
Does the brewers yeast show up as etoh in drug screens?