Recipe: Cookies + milk for mom

This recipe is great for the entire family and is especially helpful for mothers who are breastfeeding.  Nutritional yeast, oatmeal and flaxseeds are considered "galactagogues," which are thought to promote milk production. These cookies are a healthier alternative to a traditional oatmeal chocolate chip cookie with added benefits for nursing moms. Enjoy!

Serves 26

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups old fashioned oats*
• 4 tablespoons ground flax seeds
• ½ cup water
• 6 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 cup coconut sugar**
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast***
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup old fashioned oats
• 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

* If you are gluten-intolerant be sure to buy certified gluten-free oats.
** May substitute brown-sugar if coconut sugar is not available.
*** Nutritional yeast is gluten-free. If you’re not nursing, you can leave it out of the recipe.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour 2 cups of oats into a blender, and process to a fine flour (leave blender lid on until the flour settles).

In a large bowl combine the ground flax seeds with the water and stir well to mix. Add the coconut oil, coconut sugar, nutritional yeast, vanilla, baking soda and salt. Stir until well combined. Gradually stir in the oat flour until a dough is formed, then fold in the remaining ½ cup whole oats and dark chocolate chips.

Drop the dough by heaping tablespoons on the lined baking sheet, then use back of spoon to slightly flatten the cookies.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cookies will soften if stored in an airtight container at room temperature, so it's best to store in the fridge or freezer for best texture and shelf life.

Nutrition Facts (per serving of 1 cookie):
With dark chocolate chips: 123 calories, 6g fat, 17g carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 2g protein
Without chocolate chips: 98 calories, 4g fat, 14g carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 2g protein

Adapted from: Detoxinista

Reviewed by PeaceHealth dietitians and nutritionists.