Oatmeal Scotchies (includes recipe for lactation cookie)

If you're a breastfeeding mom these days, you've probably heard of lactation cookies.  They are usually some type of oatmeal cookie with added ingredients thought to boost lactation:  oatmeal, flax, and brewer's yeast.  Honestly, I've read it from several sources,  but never looked too closely at the validity of these claims. I've been cooking with flax seeds and ground flax for awhile, so the only one unusual to me was the brewer's yeast.  From what I could tell, it seems to be safe (it's the same yeast used to make beer), so even if it doesn't magically increase your milk, it shouldn't hurt either. I decided to incorporate the ingredients into my favorite oatmeal scotchies recipe.  Note: these are not just for nursing mothers!  Even if you add those ingredients, the whole family can share them (if it's ok with mama of course!).  Here's how Mama makes it:

Oatmeal Scotchies Lactation Cookies 

Ingredients: 

makes about 4 dozen cookies

- 1 1/4 c. Flour

- 1 t. Baking soda

- 1/2 t. Salt

- 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon

- 1/4 c. Ground flax

*-3 T. Brewers yeast, optional (*for lactation)

- 1 c. Butter, softened

- 1 1/2 c. Brown sugar

- 2 eggs

- 1 t. Vanilla extract

- 3 c. Oats (not quick cooking)

- 1 pkg. butterscotch chips 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Whisk together first 5 ingredients (and the brewer's yeast, if using) in a medium bowl. Set aside.

The only way to make lactation cookies:  baby in a carrier, princess cowgirl helper, messy countertops

2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar.  Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.

Remember those carefully planned, perfectly lit, step-by-step photos? Well, today you get this! 

3. Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture.  Beat until all flour is incorporated, then stir in the oats and lastly, the butterscotch chips.

4. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto parchment lined baking sheet.  Bake at 375 F for 8-10 minutes. Allow to cool on sheet for a couple minutes, then remove to cooling racks. 

5. I recommend baking about a dozen, then freezing the rest.  Using a cookie scoop or rounded tablespoon, drop onto a plate or baking sheet that will fit into the freezer. Layer with parchment between layers.  Freeze for about an hour, until solid, then remove cookie dough to a gallon freezer bag.  Label with directions: Preheat oven to 375 F, arrange frozen dough on baking sheet and allow to thaw until you can press it down slightly.  Bake for 10-12 minutes.

printable recipe

If you love this recipe, check out Making Mama's Kitchen cookbook, now available!!