Lactation Cookies

You’re probably thinking, “What the heck are Lactation Cookies anyway?  And why would I want to eat them?”  So, we asked Yvette Saulnier, Fitness Chef and co-author of our new cookbook, to give us the scoop.

Lactation cookies have gained popularity over the last several years.  They’re what I refer to as a “Purposeful Snack.” While satisfying the need for healthy calories and the yearning for a treat between meals or on-the-go, these cookies do double duty providing an abundance of nutrients and aiding in milk production for busy nursing moms.

The three key ingredients, oats, flax, and Brewer’s yeast, create a powerful combination that has long been known as a galactagogues (a substance that improves lactation) providing plenty of whole grains, fiber, iron, B vitamins, minerals, Omegas and antioxidants. By substituting regular cookie ingredients for healthier fats and grain alternatives, lactation cookies are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a nutritious powerhouse.

The Coconut Oat Lactation Cookie recipe I developed for Beaba’s new cookbook is really easy to follow. Plus, they’re Gluten Free and Vegan.  The recipe is versatile, too – you can change up the flavors by adding dried fruits, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, chocolate or peanut butter chips.

Ingredient Health Facts:

• Coconut oil replaces butter adding healthy calories as well as immune boosting and cholesterol lowering benefits.
• Brewer’s yeast is highly nutritious and full of iron, protein (amino acids), B vitamins, selenium and chromium, which can help aid with blood sugar and cholesterol levels. When combined with oats and flax seed they create a nutrient dense superfood combo that boosts milk production in nursing moms.
• Flax seed is a rich source of alpha linolenic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans. These components collectively fight many diseases, including cardiovascular, inflammation, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and diabetes. Flax is high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Boosts immune system and helps regulate blood sugar. Flax is a great substitute for eggs as a binder in baked goods.  Add to cereals, smoothies, yogurt etc.  Ground flax seed is much easier to digest than whole seeds.
• Oats are a great source of energy and they’re easy to digest. They boost immune system with a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can also help with constipation and since they blend well so you can easily add them to other foods. They also make a great substitution for flour in some baking recipes.  Be sure to choose organic and gluten-free oats when possible.  If you buy whole oats, you can use your Babycook to grind them and make your own instant oatmeal.
• Cinnamon is so humble. It’s actually super-rich in antioxidants and highly anti-inflammatory. It helps regulate blood sugar so feel free to add a pinch to anything that needs a little extra flavor.
• Oats collectively fight many diseases, including cardiovascular, inflammation, arthritis, allergies, asthma, and diabetes. Flax is high in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Boosts immune system and helps regulate blood sugar. Flax is a great substitute for eggs as a binder in baked goods.  Add to cereals, smoothies, yogurt etc.  Ground flax seed is much easier to digest than whole seeds.
• Oats are a great source of energy and they’re easy to digest. They boost immune system with a variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They can also help with constipation and since they blend well so you can easily add them to other foods. They also make a great substitution for flour in some baking recipes.  Be sure to choose organic and gluten-free oats when possible.  If you buy whole oats, you can use your Babycook to grind them and make your own instant oatmeal.
• Cinnamon is so humble. It’s actually super-rich in antioxidants and highly anti-inflammatory. It helps regulate blood sugar so feel free to add a pinch to anything that needs a little extra flavor.

• LACTATION COOKIE RECIPE

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 cup oats
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons brewer’s yeast
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 1/4 cup hot water (flax “egg”)
• 1/4 cup raisins or chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Put the almond flour, oats, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and brewer’s yeast in the blending bowl and pulse to combine.

Add the coconut oil and flax “egg”. Pulse to combine. Dough will be dense.

Remove dough to a large bowl and fold in raisins or chocolate chips.

Scoop 1 1/2 tablespoon-size dollops of dough onto parchment-lined baking pan. Gently flatten cookies with palm of your hand.

Bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.

Cool on pan.

If you’re like us, you probably can’t even fathom the thought of turning on your oven in these temperatures.  Luckily, Yvette was kind enough to offer the following smoothie recipe with the same great nutrition and lactation benefits.

Try making a refreshing Lactation smoothie by blending all ingredients in your Babycook machine.

• BANANA CREAM LACTATION SMOOTHIE RECIPETip – pre mix ground flax and brewers yeast and store in a mason jar or airtight container and keep in the refrigerator to easily add to smoothies, baked goods or oatmeal. Add cinnamon, cacao powder or pumpkin spice to vary the flavor
  • 1/2 frozen or fresh banana
  • 1/3 cup oats
  • 1 T brewer’s yeast
  • 1 T ground flax seed
  • 3-4 pitted dates
  • 1 scoop organic protein powder (whey, hemp or other)
  • Dash of cinnamon and/or vanilla
  • 3/4 cup almond, oat, coconut or hemp milk

  Remove steamer basket and place all ingredients in the blending bowl. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!