Gluten-free lactation cookies provide a delicious and health-conscious way for new mothers to support their breastfeeding journey. These nourishing cookies are packed with ingredients known to help boost milk supply without the need for brewer’s yeast, which often has a strong taste that not everyone enjoys. Instead, a mix of gluten-free oat flour, flax meal, and rolled oats come together to create a cookie that’s both scrumptious and beneficial. Not only are they gluten-free, but they also manage to deliver a delightful and slightly chewy texture, rich with dark chocolate chunks. These cookies cater not only to nursing mothers but also to anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free treat, showing that gluten-free and nutritious snacks can be effortlessly delicious.
Ingredients About Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast)
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free oat flour
- 3/4 cup tapioca flour
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup flax meal (finely ground flax seeds)
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips or chunks
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
For those looking to make adjustments according to taste or dietary restrictions, here are some potential substitutions:
- Coconut Sugar: Substitute with light brown sugar or granulated sugar.
- Flax Meal: Can be replaced with chia seeds for an added omega-3 boost.
- Coconut Oil: Replace with melted unsalted butter or any neutral cooking oil.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Use milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast) Directions
Step 1: Preparing for Baking
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with nonstick pads or parchment paper. This ensures the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick to the sheets, making cleanup easier.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, tapioca flour, coconut sugar, flax meal, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and fine sea salt until well combined. Once the dry mix has a consistent texture, add the gluten-free rolled oats and mix evenly. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Combining the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk the two large eggs until they are well beaten. Gradually add the maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract to the eggs, whisking continuously to ensure the liquids are thoroughly incorporated.
Step 4: Mixing Everything Together
Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Stir the ingredients together until a uniform dough forms. This is the stage where you can see your ingredients coming together to form that perfect cookie dough texture. Once combined, fold in the dark chocolate chips or chunks, spreading them evenly throughout the dough.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to divide the dough into 24 portions, approximately 2 heaping tablespoons of dough per cookie. Roll each portion into a ball and place them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there are 12 cookies per sheet. If you prefer thinner cookies, gently flatten each dough ball with the palm of your hand.
Step 6: Baking
Place the cookie sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 11-14 minutes. The cookies should have spread slightly and have crisp edges by the time they’re done. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast)
Best Ways to Serve Gluten Free Lactation Cookies
These cookies are perfect for a quick snack any time of day. They pair well with a glass of almond milk or your favorite dairy-free milk alternative. They also make for an incredibly satisfying dessert when enjoyed with a scoop of lactose-free vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
- Pair the cookies with a hot cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or ginger, to complement the cookies’ sweetness and provide relaxation.
- Pack them as an on-the-go snack for those busy days or as a midafternoon pick-me-up.
- Serve them as part of a brunch spread with fruit and other gluten-free pastries.
How to Store Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast)
Proper Storage Methods
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This will maintain their freshness and chewy texture. If you prefer a longer storage time, consider using refrigerated storage for up to two weeks.
Tips for Reheating or Freezing
- Reheating: Warm individual cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their fresh-from-the-oven warmth and softness.
- Freezing: For longer preservation, freeze the cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat before serving.
Tips to Make Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over Mixing the Dough: Over mixing can cause the cookies to become dense. To avoid this, mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
- Incorrect Measurements: Due to the sensitivity of gluten-free baking, accurate measurements are vital. Use a kitchen scale for precise ingredient quantities.
- Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is correctly calibrated to avoid undercooked or burnt cookies.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
- Allow your melted coconut oil to cool slightly before mixing to prevent curdling the eggs.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the gluten-free rolled oats before using them in the recipe.
- Experiment with the size and shape of cookies to suit your preferences. Larger cookies might need a little extra baking time.
Variation of Gluten Free Lactation Cookies (No Brewer’s Yeast)
Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe
- Nut Addition: Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or blueberries for a fruitier delight.
- Spice It Up: For an extra spice boost, add a dash of nutmeg or ginger.
Adjustments for Dietary Preferences
- Vegan Variation: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flax meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg).
- Sugar-Free Option: Substitute the coconut sugar with monk fruit sweetener or another sugar substitute that measures like sugar.
FAQs
What Can I Do If the Cookies Aren’t Turning Out Right?
If the cookies are too dense, ensure you didn’t over mix the dough and check that your baking soda is fresh. If the cookies are spreading too much, try chilling the dough for half an hour before baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and kept in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adjusting the bake time as necessary.
What Can I Substitute for Ingredients?
Apart from the substitutions mentioned earlier:
- Eggs: Consider using a commercial egg replacer for an even texture in the final baked product.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar can be used for a similar sweetness and consistency.
These gluten-free lactation cookies offer a perfect balance of health benefits and taste, making them a beloved choice among nursing mothers and anyone else seeking a delectable gluten-free treat. Enjoy the process of baking these cookies, and don’t hesitate to tailor them to your personal tastes and dietary needs!
