Dreamy Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Zucchini cookies with a soft, unexpected cream cheese frosting sparkle as a delightful summer treat.

Summer gardens often overflow with green squash waiting to become something magical.

Sweet baked goods rarely showcase vegetables so cleverly.

Each tender morsel packs hidden nutrition and incredible flavor into a single bite.

Mixing fresh zucchini into cookie dough creates surprising moisture and subtle earthiness.

Cream cheese frosting adds luxurious richness that makes these cookies irresistible.

You won’t believe how quickly people devour these delectable morsels at gatherings.

Bake a batch and watch them disappear in moments.

What Makes Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies So Special

• Sneak in Veggies Deliciously: Transform boring zucchini into an irresistible sweet treat that kids and adults will love, making vegetable consumption a joyful experience.
• Bake with Minimal Fuss: Require basic baking skills and simple ingredients, perfect for home bakers wanting a quick and satisfying dessert without complicated techniques.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert moments, these cookies appeal to diverse taste preferences with their unique texture and flavor.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Combine the warmth of cinnamon, softness of zucchini, and richness of cream cheese frosting, creating a comforting treat that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies

• Butter: A rich ingredient that provides a smooth texture and enhances the cookie's flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that contribute to the cookie's sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookies.

• Flour: The main structural ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates a soft, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the zucchini.

• Zucchini: A moist vegetable that adds moisture and subtle flavor to the cookies.
• Walnuts: Optional crunchy ingredient that adds texture and nutty flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base that creates a smooth, rich frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Bake Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Set your oven to warm up at 350F (175C) so it’s ready for cookie magic.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sugar Base

In a large mixing bowl, whip together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture looks fluffy and light. This creates the sweet foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Moisture Ingredients

Crack an egg into the sugar mixture and splash in vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until everything blends smoothly.

Step 4: Incorporate Zucchini Goodness

Fold in freshly shredded zucchini, which will make your cookies extra moist and secretly nutritious.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk these ingredients until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until everything is well combined and looks like a delicious cookie dough.

Step 7: Optional Nutty Crunch

If you enjoy some texture, gently fold in chopped walnuts for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 8: Shape Cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie to help them spread evenly.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool Down

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

Step 11: Whip Up Cream Cheese Frosting

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Frost and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your zucchini cookies and watch everyone marvel at your baking skills!

Baking Tips for Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies

• Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy cookies and maintain perfect texture.
• Replace walnuts with chocolate chips or dried cranberries for delightful flavor variations and added crunch.
• Store frosted cookies in the refrigerator to keep cream cheese frosting fresh and prevent spoilage.
• Grate zucchini using the fine side of a box grater for smoother cookie consistency and even distribution.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend without compromising taste.

Flavor Variations for Zucchini Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet chocolate burst that complements the zucchini's moisture.
• Lemon Zest Zucchini Cookies: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into the batter and frosting for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies: Mix in rolled oats for extra texture and a hearty, wholesome feel to the classic recipe.
• Nutmeg Spice Zucchini Cookies: Replace cinnamon with nutmeg and add a pinch of ground ginger for a warm, aromatic cookie experience.

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Cookies

• Pair Sweet Tea: Brew a refreshing Southern-style sweet tea that complements the warm cinnamon and nutty flavors of the zucchini cookies, creating a delightful afternoon treat.
• Match Vanilla Latte: Craft a smooth vanilla latte with rich espresso and creamy milk to balance the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting and enhance the cookie's warm spices.
• Select Caramel Apple Cider: Serve a warm caramel apple cider that echoes the zucchini cookie's subtle sweetness and brings out the cozy, autumnal notes of cinnamon and walnuts.
• Enjoy Almond Milk: Pour cold almond milk for a light, nutty beverage that harmonizes with the walnut pieces and provides a cool contrast to the soft, warm cookie texture.

Storing Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies

• Store frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Wrap unbaked cookie dough balls or baked unfrosted cookies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Keep frozen for 2-3 months.
• Remove frozen cookies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving or frosting.
• Warm refrigerated cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore softness.

FAQs on Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies

• Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer.

• How do I prevent my cookies from being too wet with zucchini?

Squeeze out excess moisture from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel before adding to the dough to ensure a perfect cookie texture.

• Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has a 1:1 ratio for baking.

• Can I freeze these zucchini cookies?

Absolutely! Store unfrosted cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, and add frosting after thawing.

Soft and Chewy Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Zucchini cookies bring unexpected magic to dessert lovers seeking summer’s sweetest treat. Moist Italian-inspired pastries combine garden-fresh zucchini with rich cream cheese frosting, promising delightful moments of pure comfort you’ll savor bite after delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Binding Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Additives:

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 350F (175C).
2. Create a creamy mixture by blending butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and airy.
3. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract into the sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly.
4. Gently fold in the freshly shredded zucchini, ensuring even distribution.
5. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, whisking to eliminate any lumps.
6. Gradually integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a consistent dough forms.
7. If desired, carefully mix in chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
8. Scoop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, gently pressing each to create a slight disc shape.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as a sign of doneness.
10. Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Prepare cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until silky smooth.
12. Once cookies are completely cool, generously spread the cream cheese frosting on top.
13. Serve and savor these delightful zucchini-infused treats with their creamy topping.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Squeeze excess water from shredded zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy cookies and maintain perfect texture.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Replace walnuts with pumpkin seeds or skip nuts entirely for those with allergies or preferences.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Prepare cookie dough in advance and freeze for up to 3 months, allowing spontaneous baking without full preparation time.
• Healthier Twist: Substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content while keeping cookies soft and moist.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg