Delicious Protein-Packed Lactation Cookies (best milk-boosting recipe!)

Hello Mama! If you're on the hunt for a tasty lactation cookie recipe that also packs in real protein, you’re in the right place. Today on the Milk Dust blog I’m sharing a gourmet lactation cookie recipe infused with our signature Milk Dust protein powder plus a smart alternative: our Milk Dust Lactation Bars for those moments when you just need something fast, easy, and delicious.

Because I know you’re busy juggling feeding rounds, toddler wrangling, blog posts, marketing deadlines, and of course being a mom of four boys (yes — I get it!). Let’s make this snack both nourishing and practical.

Why this recipe matters (and how it stacks up)

Many lactation cookie recipes rely on oats, brewer’s yeast, flax & chia — which all have great traditional reputations as “galactagogues.” For example, the recipe at The Breastfeeding Mama uses oats, coconut oil, flaxseed, chia seeds, brewer’s yeast and protein powder. (The Breastfeeding Mama)

But here’s the thing: cookies can still be high in sugar, low in true nutritional value, and may not include enough protein to support postpartum recovery + milk-production + your energy needs.

That’s where this recipe comes in:

• It uses Milk Dust protein powder (plant-based, lactation-support blend) which supports protein intake, nurturing your body while you feed. (MilkDust for Moms)

• It keeps sugar moderate (so you’re not fighting sugar crashes).

• It still includes classic lactation-support ingredients to help the milk-supply game.

• Bonus: you’ll get a cookie that genuinely tastes like a treat (because mama deserves it!)

Milk Dust Lactation Cookie Recipe

Yield: about 24 cookies
Time: ~15 minutes prep + ~10 minutes bake

Ingredients

• ¼ cup almond milk

• ¼ cup softened butter or Greek Yogurt for lightened up version (or use all-coconut-oil for dairy-free)

• ½ cup brown sugar (you can reduce to ¼ cup if you prefer less sweet or use Stevia brown sugar substitute)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  

• ½ cup Milk Dust Protein Powder (vanilla flavor works beautifully)
  

• 1½ cups rolled oats

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or swap with 1:1 gluten-free flour)

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp salt

• Optional mix-ins:

  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter + brown sugar until smooth.

3. Add almond milk, eggs and vanilla extract; mix until well incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: flour, oats, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.

5. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Then gently stir in your chosen optional mix-ins.

6. Scoop cookie dough (about 2 tablespoons per cookie) onto the baking sheets, leaving ~2″ of space between them.

7. Bake for ~10–12 minutes (or ~8 minutes if you like a softer cookie) until edges are lightly golden and centers are set.

8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

9. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.

Why the ingredients matter

• Rolled oats are a well-known galactagogue and add fiber + complex carbs.

• Milk Dust Protein Powder gives you a clean protein boost + lactation-support herbs in one scoop (see below). Milk Dust has Brewer's Yeast, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds and MORE nutrients, so you don't need to add all those ingredients separately. 

• Dark chocolate chips / walnuts add flavor, satisfying texture and some healthy fats (especially good when you need a treat).

Pro tips for success

• If you’re dairy-free, swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free buttery spread.

• Want gluten-free? Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and certified gluten-free oats.

• Skip or reduce the chocolate chips if you’re trying to limit sugar.

• Want to freeze? After baking and cooling, stack cookies with parchment between them and freeze in a zip bag—pull one out when you need a grab-and-go snack.

• Eat 1–2 cookies around feeding or pumping time — that way the nutrients are available when your body is supporting milk production.

Why I like these cookies and why I want to give you an easier alternative

These cookies are wonderful when you have time to bake and want something satisfying and homemade. But let’s face it: as a breastfeeding mom (especially of four!), you may not always have the 25 minutes to bake a batch and still get your to-do list done.

That’s where the alternative comes in:

Lactation Bars from Milk Dust

If you haven’t yet tried them, the Milk Dust Lactation Bars are designed as a smart snack alternative to standard lactation cookies. Here’s why they’re totally worth your attention:

• Lower sugar, higher protein, and added minerals (like chromium & magnesium) to help fight those sugar-craving cycles that many postpartum moms face. (MilkDust for Moms)

• A full lactation blend: fenugreek, fennel seed, milk thistle, red raspberry leaf, brewer’s yeast (nutritional yeast substitute) — all wrapped into a bar you can toss in your diaper bag. (MilkDust for Moms)

• They taste amazing — so satisfying that many moms prefer them over cookies. (Yes, I said it!)

• Plant-based, made by a mom (that’s me!) who built Milk Dust to solve exactly this postpartum / nursing nutrition gap. (faire.com)

So in short: bake the cookies when you can; grab a bar when you’re rushed. Either way you’re supporting your body, your milk supply, and your energy levels.

Final thoughts

• Eating for lactation isn’t just about “galactagogue” ingredients—it’s about real nutrition, real protein, real recovery (and yes, a treat you’ll enjoy).

• Make time for this cookie recipe when you can — your body (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

• But give yourself grace. Some days you won’t bake. That’s totally okay. That’s when the Milk Dust Lactation Bars step in and save the day.

• Remember: while these recipes and products can support milk supply and postpartum nutrition, they’re not a substitute for adequate rest, hydration, skin-to-skin time, frequent feedings/pumping, and care for you. Your body is doing incredible work.

So grab your apron or your snack bag, and enjoy! Here’s to nourishing you while you nourish your baby (and your family).

With love,
— The Milk Dust Team

P.S. If you try the recipe, snap a photo and tag us @milk dustmoms on Instagram. I’d love to see how your cookies turned out! 💛