Lactation cookies are specially crafted treats designed to help breastfeeding mothers increase their milk production. These cookies leverage the power of certain ingredients such as oats, LSA (linseed, sunflower, and almond meal), and brewer’s yeast, all of which are known to enhance lactation. Besides their functionality, these cookies offer a sweet and satisfying snack option that can be enjoyed at any time, whether you’re at home with your baby or on the go.
The best lactation cookies strike a perfect balance between taste and efficacy. They cater to the sweet tooth with ingredients like chocolate chips, all while ensuring that every bite carries the potential to support your breastfeeding journey. Whether you’re new to lactation cookies or a seasoned aficionado, learning how to bake them at home allows you to customize ingredients according to your dietary preferences and needs.
Ingredients for Best Lactation Cookies
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 125 g butter, softened
- 150 g brown sugar (¾ cup)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste/extract
- 110 g oats (1 cup)
- 100 g flour (¾ cup)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 30 g LSA (¼ cup)
- 1-2 Tbsp Brewers Yeast (10-20g optional)
- 150 g chocolate chips (1 cup)
Optional Ingredient Substitutions
For those who might require substitutions based on dietary restrictions or personal preferences, consider these options:
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Egg: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
- Flour: Swap with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to those who are gluten intolerant.
- Sugar: Opt for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower glycemic index.
How to Make Best Lactation Cookies Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This ensures that the oven reaches the optimal temperature by the time you’ve prepared the cookie dough. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and prepare a lined baking tray to place your cookies on once the dough is ready.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat or cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the butter, contributing to a lighter cookie texture. Add the egg and vanilla paste or extract, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Add the oats, flour, baking powder, LSA, and brewer’s yeast (if using) to the butter mixture. Stir these dry ingredients thoroughly into the wet mixture, ensuring an even blend. It’s essential to mix these ingredients well to prevent pockets of flour or baking powder from affecting the cookie’s texture.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips and Form Cookies
Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough until they are evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly sticky, so wet your hands slightly before rolling tablespoonfuls of the mixture into balls. Place each ball onto the lined baking tray, leaving enough space between them for spreading. Use a wet fork to gently flatten the cookies.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes for a soft, chewy texture or extend the baking time to 12-15 minutes for a crunchy result. Once done, let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before transferring them to a cooling rack.
How to Serve Best Lactation Cookies
Best Ways to Serve Best Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They make for an excellent snack between meals and can be particularly useful to keep beside your breastfeeding station, ensuring you always have an energy boost at hand.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Pair your lactation cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of your favorite herbal tea for a cozy snack. These cookies also complement a fruit salad or a yogurt parfait, providing a delightful contrasting texture and sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the cooled cookies before serving.
How to Store Best Lactation Cookies
Proper Storage Methods
To maintain the freshness and chewy texture of lactation cookies, store them in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature if you plan to consume the cookies within a week. For extended freshness, store them in the refrigerator.
Tips for Reheating or Freezing
If you prefer your cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying them. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Defrost them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before reheating.
Tips to Make Best Lactation Cookies
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake when making lactation cookies is overbaking them. Keep a close eye on the baking time, as the cookies can become too hard if left in the oven for too long. Additionally, ensure that all your ingredients are fresh, especially the baking powder, as stale ingredients can affect the cookies’ texture.
Helpful Tips for Better Results
For consistent results, use a cookie scoop to measure evenly sized balls of dough. This ensures uniform baking and prevents some cookies from becoming overdone while others remain undercooked. Additionally, consider experimenting with different flavor profiles by adding nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit to your dough.
Variation of Best Lactation Cookies
Suggested Variations or Twists on the Recipe
If you’re looking to mix things up, try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dough for chocolate-flavored lactation cookies. You can also opt for white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a decadent twist or incorporate dried cranberries and orange zest for a refreshing contrast.
Adjustments for Dietary Preferences
For those adhering to a specific diet, these cookies can be easily adapted. Use almond or coconut flour to make the recipe paleo-friendly, or swap the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol for a lower sugar option. Lastly, explore protein-packed additions, like hemp seeds, to make the cookies more satiating.
FAQs
What Can I Do If the Dish Isn’t Turning Out Right?
If your cookies are too hard or not spreading properly, double-check your measurements, especially for flour and baking powder. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and consider reducing the baking time on your next batch.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, lactation cookies can be made in advance. Prepare and store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking. Alternatively, bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container or freeze them for future use.
What Can I Substitute for Ingredients?
If you don’t have certain ingredients on hand, there are feasible substitutions available. Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar, while almond flour can serve as a substitute for regular flour. If brewer’s yeast is unavailable, focus on using oats and LSA to maintain the lactation benefits.
