Description
These chewy zucchini chocolate chip cookies with brown sugar are moist, dense, and packed with flavor. The shredded zucchini adds moisture without altering the taste, while brown sugar creates a deep, caramel-like chewiness.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) light brown sugar
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (packed) shredded zucchini, moisture squeezed out
- 2 cups (340g) chocolate chips (semi-sweet and milk mix)
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Wash and trim zucchini ends. Shred on large holes of a box grater. Wrap shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze tightly to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar with a hand mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down sides.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in squeezed zucchini and chocolate chips (and nuts if using).
- Scoop dough balls (about 2 tablespoons each) onto prepared sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden brown but centers look slightly soft.
- Let cookies cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Crucial Step: You must squeeze out the excess moisture from the shredded zucchini to prevent soggy cookies. Do not overbake; the centers should look slightly soft as they will firm up while cooling. For extra chewiness, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 26
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: zucchini cookies, chocolate chip cookies, brown sugar cookies, chewy cookies, vegetable cookies, baking, dessert, snack