These matcha lactation cookies are delicious and can help you get through those long sleepless nights while breastfeeding. They may even help regulate your milk supply. If you’ve ever breastfed or talked to someone breastfeeding, you know how real the HUNGER can be. This is why it’s so crucial to have snacks available that can help fuel you during those long days and even longer nights. The key ingredients in these no-bake lactation cookies are also considered galactagogues– foods that may increase milk production.
We also recognize that new parents have about zero time, so these cookies are quick, easy, and require no baking.
What are galactagogues:
Galactagogues are foods, although they can also be supplements, herbs, and medication, that are thought to help increase milk production and supply. There’s limited research on whether these foods and herbs truly do increase milk supply though. And while galactagogues alone won’t boost milk supply, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that these foods are helpful. A few galactagogues are Brewer’s yeast, oats, ginger, fennel, and dark leafy greens. Whether or not they truly work, these can be delicious foods to add to your healthy diet!
What you’ll need:
Oats: Oats are considered a galactagogue and make up the main part of these cookies. Look for old-fashioned oats, which will soften up easily when combined with the peanut butter.
Peanut butter: You can easily swap this for a different nut butter if peanuts aren’t your thing! Peanut butter is high in fat, which can help keep you fueled for those midnight feeds!
Honey/maple syrup: Feel free to play around with the amount of sweetener you use. Some might like a bit more or less.
Chocolate chips: We recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mini chocolate chips or chocolate chunks would also work well!
Matcha powder: We used our chocolate matcha powder and it was to die for, but a traditional matcha tea powder would work just as well!
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are considered a galactagogue and also contain necessary omega-3s and fiber. You can easily find ground flaxseeds, which you won’t even notice in these cookies.
Chia seeds: Chia seeds are also considered a galactagogue and contain omega-3s and fiber similar to flaxseeds. Just another way to support your health and nutrition while breastfeeding!
Vanilla: Use real vanilla extract instead of vanilla imitations. The taste makes such a difference!
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another galactagogue and may also slightly sweeten breast milk.
Whether or not galactagogues truly work, these no-bake matcha lactation cookies are full of healthy ingredients that will keep you full and satisfied in between breastfeeding. They are quick and easy to make and also happen to taste delicious. And YES matcha is safe to consume while breastfeeding. It’s recommended to keep your caffeine consumption under 200 mg per day while breastfeeding (same as when you’re pregnant), but matcha is considered safe to consume and drink while both pregnant and breastfeeding.
Keep reading to learn how to make these delicious and easy cookies!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 heaping cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp chocolate matcha powder
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseeds
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
- In a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Mix on low speed until mixture is well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Roll mixture into 2-tablespoon-sized smooth balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or enjoy immediately. Once balls have set, transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
These no-bake lactation cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Making it a perfect food to prep before your little one arrives! Use these bites as a snack first thing in the morning or middle of the night. You can even keep a stash next to your bed!
