Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies.

If you’re looking for a delightful way to sneak some veggies into your dessert, then look no further than these Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies. These cookies are not only chewy and delicious, but they also bring a unique twist to your standard cookie recipe with the addition of fresh zucchini. You’ll find that the zucchini adds moisture and a subtle sweetness while the oats provide a hearty texture that keeps you coming back for more. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a sweet treat after dinner, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why This Recipe Works

The brilliance of these Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The combination of old-fashioned rolled oats and quick-cooking oats creates a perfect chewiness while the addition of freshly grated zucchini keeps the cookies moist without overpowering them. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhance the flavor and give these cookies a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake. Plus, the chocolate chips add a touch of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the wholesome ingredients.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking instant oats
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup loosely packed brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup freshly grated zucchini squash
• 3/4 cup chocolate chips

What’s in the Gear List

• Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: To mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: For placing the cookies while they bake.
• Parchment paper: To prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
• Grater: For grating the zucchini to incorporate into the dough.

Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies.: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.

Step 2: Prepare a Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent your cookies from sticking and make for an easier cleanup.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix well to ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add in the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.

Step 5: Grate the Zucchini

Using a grater, grate your zucchini into fine pieces. You can choose to squeeze out some excess moisture if desired, but the moisture from the zucchini will help keep your cookies soft.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix the dough.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your chewy oatmeal zucchini cookies warm or at room temperature!

Season-by-Season Upgrades

• Fall: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
• Winter: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.
• Spring: Incorporate lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
• Summer: Use shredded coconut for a tropical touch.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Cookies are too dry: Ensure you’re measuring the flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies.
• Cookies spread too much: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape.
• Overly sweet: Reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.
• Not chewy enough: Bake for less time to keep them softer in the center.

Save It for Later

If you want to make a batch of these Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies ahead of time, simply store the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture.

How do I store the cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them or freeze them for later enjoyment.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the dough for added texture and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantity of chocolate chips accordingly.

Is there a way to make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Use plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative to make the cookies vegan-friendly.

More from the Kitchen

• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Moist Banana Bread
• Peanut Butter Cookies
• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Serve & Enjoy

These Chewy Oatmeal Zucchini Cookies are not just a delicious dessert, but they also incorporate the goodness of zucchini, making them a unique and wholesome treat. Their chewy texture and delectable flavor make them an irresistible snack for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and start baking your way to cookie perfection!