Name: Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These zucchini cookies are incredibly soft and perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a delightful twist on traditional cookies. The zucchini keeps the cookies moist, making them a delightful snack or dessert. And let’s not forget the cloud-like cream cheese frosting that takes these cookies to the next level! They’re a great way to sneak in some vegetables while still satisfying your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them as a treat, these cookies are sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Zucchini Cookies:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup grated zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

Stir in the grated zucchini, making sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the batter.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cookies are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is light and airy.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once the cookies have cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top of each cookie.

Serve and enjoy these delicious, soft, and creamy zucchini cookies!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings (about 24 cookies, depending on size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

Add-ins: For extra texture, you can add chocolate chips, chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), or raisins to the dough.
Spices: If you prefer a spicier kick, add ground ginger or cloves to the dough along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Reheating: To refresh the cookies, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use zucchini without squeezing out the moisture?

It’s best to squeeze out the moisture from the zucchini to avoid making the dough too wet, which could affect the cookie texture.

2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and bake the cookies ahead of time, then store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to frost them.

3. Can I use a different frosting for these cookies?

Yes, if you prefer, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with buttercream or a glaze. However, the cream cheese frosting complements the spices perfectly!

4. Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both the cookie dough and the baked cookies. Freeze the dough in individual cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer. For the baked cookies, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer will work just as well as a stand mixer for both the dough and frosting.

6. Can I make these cookies without frosting?

Yes, you can enjoy these cookies plain, or dust them with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

7. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Zucchini is the ideal vegetable for this recipe due to its mild flavor and moisture content, but you could experiment with finely grated carrots for a similar result.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch of cookies.

9. What can I do with leftover frosting?

Leftover frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can use it on other baked goods, like cupcakes or brownies.

10. How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?

Make sure the dough is well-chilled before baking and avoid overmixing. The colder the dough, the less the cookies will spread.

Conclusion

Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a delightful and unexpected treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth while using up extra zucchini. The soft, spiced cookies pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy frosting, making for a delicious dessert or snack. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a fun baking project, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone!