When my friend Olivia heard about lactation cookies, she asked “is this some kind of a trick?”. My reply was “probably, but it’s a trick I’m very willing to fall for”.

Lactation cookies are based on the concept of “galactogogues” – substances that promote lactation by increasing milk supply. I have previously bought lactation cookies from Milkin’ Cookies.  Who knows if they work, but they can’t hurt, right? Milkin’ Cookies are definitely delicious, but also high in calories and sugar. And although they are individually packed, I found that they took on that freezer flavour when I stored them as recommended in the freezer. They’re also a little expensive.

Based on a little recipes research and the ingredients found in the lactation cookies you can buy, I baked my own lactation cookies yesterday to give to the moms in my moms group when Alec and I hosted our latest playdate today. They turned out really well! Here’s the recipe:

• 5 tablespoons water
• 3 tablespoons flaxseed meal (Also known as Linseed meal) – found it at Whole Foods
• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons of brewers yeast – Whole Foods
• 4 cups rolled oats
• 1-2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chunks

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
2. Mix flax seed and water and let stand for 5ish minutes
3. Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs, vanilla and flax/water mixture.
4. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, brewers yeast and add it to the rest.
5. Stir in chocolate and oats
6. Spoon onto a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 mins, just until golden brown. They’ll firm up once they are cool.

Makes about 6 dozen cookies!