Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Author: Heather Scholten | Published: Dec 18, 2024 | Updated:Jan 08, 2025
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When it comes to cookies, chocolate chip is the undisputed champion. But what if I told you thereโs a way to make this beloved treat even better? Enterย Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookiesโa Farmgirl Gourmet favorite that combines the cozy comfort of a classic cookie with the wholesome goodness of zucchini. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with just the right amount of chocolatey goodness. Plus, theyโre a sneaky way to get a little extra veggie into your day (or your kidsโ day). Trust me, once you try these, youโll be hooked.
Why Youโll Love These Cookies
At first glance, zucchini in cookies might sound a little unconventional, but hear me out. Zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the flavor. Itโs the secret ingredient that takes these cookies from good to great. Hereโs why this recipe is a winner:
- Wholesome and Delicious: Zucchini adds nutrients and moisture, making these cookies soft and tender.
- Perfect for Using Up Zucchini: If youโve got a garden (or a neighbor with one), this is a fantastic way to use up that summer zucchini bounty.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are a hit with kids, and theyโll never guess thereโs zucchini inside.
- Easy to Make: No fancy techniques or equipment requiredโjust simple, farmgirl-approved baking.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Hereโs what youโll need to make these delightful zucchini chocolate chip cookies:
- Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour + 1 cup of whole wheat flour for structure.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon to help the cookies rise.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
- Olive Oil: ยฝ cup extra virgin olive oil.
- Honey & Sugar: ยฝ cup of honey and ยฝ cup of brown sugar for sweetness and chewiness.
- Egg: 1 medium egg to bind everything together.
- Vanilla extract: 1 tablespoon for that classic cookie flavor.
- Spices: 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg, plus 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Zucchini: 1 cup of grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini). Be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel.
- Chocolate chips: 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more, because why not?).
How to Make Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- Cream Olive Oil and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold in Zucchini: Stir in the grated zucchini. (Donโt forget to squeeze out the excess moisture first!)
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Cookies
- Squeeze the Zucchini: Removing excess moisture ensures your cookies donโt end up soggy.
- Donโt Overbake: These cookies are best when theyโre soft and chewy, so keep an eye on them in the oven.
- Customize: Add a handful of chopped nuts, oats, or even white chocolate chips for a fun twist.
More Recipes We Think You’ll Love
Chocolate Olive Oil Zucchini Bread
Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies
Equipment
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium egg
- โ cup honey
- ยฝ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup unbleached whole wheat flour
- ยฝ tsp baking soda
- ยผ tsp kosher salt
- ยผ tsp ground cinnamon
- ยผ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup zucchini, finely shredded, squeezed slightly
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the olive oil, egg, honey, brown sugar and vanilla and mix well to combine.
- In a medium bowl add the flours, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg and whisk to combine. Add to the olive oil mixture until just combined. Add the zucchini and mix just until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Use a hinged scoop to make uniform cookies, or drop by spoonfuls. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until no longer doughy in the center. Remove and cool on wire racks.
A Farmgirl Gourmet Favorite
At Farmgirl Gourmet, weโre all about finding joy in the simple thingsโlike a warm cookie fresh from the oven. These zucchini chocolate chip cookies are a perfect example of how a little creativity can turn everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Theyโre a great way to celebrate summerโs bounty, and theyโre sure to become a staple in your cookie rotation.
So, the next time youโre looking for a sweet treat thatโs just a little bit wholesome, give these cookies a try. Theyโre proof that sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that surprise you. Happy baking, friends! And rememberโlife is better with a cookie in hand.
Recipe By:
Co-Founder at Spiceology | More About Heather…
Heather is a recipe developer and content creator living in Vancouver, Washington. She started Farmgirl Gourmet in 2006, almost 20 years ago, as a way to share recipes with friends and family. Heather is also the co-founder of Spiceology , a unique spice company, which she started in 2013. She shares family friendly recipes for easy everyday meals with a gourmet twist.
I really love this recipe and hope you will too!
I made these and my husband said they were his favorite cookies! We are both cookie addicts, so this says a lot!!! Of course at this time of year the garden is full of zucchini so I will be making more and freezing them. I made them exactly as the recipe said. Perfect!!! Thanks so much for a new favorite recipe!
Can I make these with white AP Flour?
Yes, you can definitely sub AP.
Can I just use AP Flour?
Just made these and they are great!! Would highly recommend them. I was a bit nervous they wouldn’t be good because the batter was VERY sticky and gooey. But they stayed together and taste delicious. Thanks for the great recipe – as always.
I have made these cookies over a dozen times. Easily one of my favorite ways to use up my frozen shredded zucchini! Just curious if you know or would know how to find out the calorie count per cookie?
There are several calorie counting websites. If you google it I’m sure you will be inundated with examples. Thanks for the note!! ~heather
Question: wonder if I can use glueten free flour in place of all purpose white & unbleached wheat??
Hi Sandy – you could give it a shot. If you have a mix that’s similar in texture to regular AP flour, then they should turn out similar. I have never made them GF but I am excited to hear how they turn out if you do them that way.
Sound so good, can’t wait to try these!