Name: Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Salted Butter ((113 grams, room temperature)); 1 cup Brown Sugar ((213 grams)); ¼ cup Granulated Sugar ((50 grams)); 2 large Eggs ((100 grams, room temperature)); 1½ cups Freshly Shredded Zucchini ((213 grams, unpeeled)); 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract ((4 grams)); 1¾ cups All-Purpose Flour ((210 grams)); 2 teaspoons Baking Soda ((12 grams)); 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt ((3 grams)); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon ((3 grams)); 1 cup Chocolate Chips ((170 grams)); 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats ((100 grams)); ½ cup Chopped Walnuts ((57 grams, optional))

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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet and savory, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in these Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies. I remember the first time I baked these cookies. A friend gifted me a handful of fresh zucchinis from her garden, and I was unsure how to use them. I thought, why not pair them with chocolate chips? As I worked through the recipe, I could already envision the deliciousness awaiting me. These cookies turned out to be a delightful surprise—soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. The zucchini adds moisture and a fun twist that leaves everyone guessing the secret ingredient. They quickly became a family favorite, enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Now, every time I have zucchinis on hand, I can’t help but whip up a batch of these delightful cookies, perfect for any occasion!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
5 g

Tools Used:
Kitchen Scale, Baking Sheet, Hand Mixer, Fine Mesh Sieve, Cookie Portion Scoop

Why This Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies Works

Unique Flavor Combination

What I love most about these Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies is the unique flavor profile. The sweetness of the chocolate chips complements the subtle earthiness of the shredded zucchini. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Healthier Treat

Unlike traditional cookies, adding zucchini not only moistens the dough but also sneaks in some nutrients. It’s a clever way to add a bit of health to your dessert without sacrificing taste.

Perfectly Soft Texture

These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy. The combination of flours, sugars, and the zucchini ensures that the final texture is just right—never dry!

Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal prep time. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find the steps simple to follow, resulting in delicious cookies without any stress.

Family-Friendly Recipe

Kids will love the sweetness, and you’ll love how easy it is to involve them in the kitchen. Making these cookies together can be a fun bonding experience!

Great for Any Occasion

No matter the time of year, these cookies are perfect for any gathering—whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or a festive celebration. They’re sure to be a hit every time!

Recipe Ingredients for Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is all about balance, bringing together sweet and nutritious ingredients. The star of the show, zucchini, provides moisture and a subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet elements. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect cookie!

½ cup salted butter (113 grams, room temperature): This adds richness and flavor, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup brown sugar (213 grams): The brown sugar contributes moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams): This enhances sweetness and helps in achieving a nice browning.
2 large eggs (100 grams, room temperature): Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cookies.
1½ cups freshly shredded zucchini (213 grams, unpeeled): A hidden gem that keeps the cookies moist and tender.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): Vanilla enhances all the flavors, making the cookies more aromatic.
1¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 grams): This is the base that gives structure to your cookies.
2 teaspoons baking soda (12 grams): This helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams): This adds warmth and a hint of spice to the cookies.
1 cup chocolate chips (170 grams): These are the sweet morsels that bring joy to every bite!
1 cup old-fashioned oats (100 grams): The oats add texture and a bit of wholesome goodness.
½ cup chopped walnuts (57 grams, optional): They add crunch and a nutty flavor, but feel free to skip if you prefer.

Cooking Instructions for Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? These instructions will guide you through the process of making perfect Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies. Let’s dive in!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
In a medium-sized bowl, take your ½ cup salted butter and add the 1 cup brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, smooth texture at this stage.
Next, crack in the 2 large eggs and add the 1½ cups shredded zucchini along with the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix these in until just combined. The batter should look creamy and slightly thick.
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Sift together the 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are fine!
Gently fold in the 1 cup chocolate chips, 1 cup old-fashioned oats, and if you like, the ½ cup chopped walnuts. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop 2-tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Ensure you leave at least a couple of inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies are done when they look golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center.
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up.
Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t overmix the dough: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure your cookies stay soft and tender.
Use room temperature ingredients: Let your eggs and butter sit out for a bit to ensure they mix smoothly, which helps create a better texture.
Watch the baking time: Every oven is different. It’s better to check a minute or two early to prevent overbaking.
Store properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

How to Switch It Up

Cooking is all about creativity! Here are some fun ways to switch up your Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by a little and maybe add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
Use Different Nuts: Instead of walnuts, try pecans or even almonds for a unique crunch.
Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a suitable alternative.
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or citrus zest for a different aromatic twist.

Best Served With

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with a variety of beverages and can fit into many occasions. Here are some ideas:

With Milk: Enjoy your cookies alongside a glass of cold milk—classic and comforting!
For Afternoon Snacking: They make an ideal snack with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
At Parties: Serve them at gatherings or celebrations; they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
For Lunchboxes: Perfect for school lunches! They’re a delightful surprise for kids.
During Holidays: These cookies can bring a festive touch to your holiday dessert spread.
As Gifts: Package them in a decorative tin for a sweet homemade gift to friends and family.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini for these cookies! Just make sure to thaw it properly and remove excess moisture by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. This will help maintain the right texture in your cookies.

To make these Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the texture. They will still be delicious!

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds. Chopped walnuts or pecans work wonderfully, as do sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Just remember to adjust the amount slightly so they don’t overwhelm the other flavors.

Store your Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for several months, just make sure to place parchment paper between layers in the container.

Conclusion

In summary, these Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. They’re not just a treat; they’re a fun way to sneak in some veggies! I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. You’ll soon find it becoming a favorite in your household, just as it did in mine!