Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies: Irresistibly Soft and Chewy

Growing up, my grandmother had a knack for transforming humble ingredients into delightful treats. One of my fondest memories is the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through her kitchen. Among her many creations, her Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies stood out as a family favorite. These cookies were more than just a delicious treat; they were a comforting reminder of home, warmth, and love.

Every time I bake these cookies, I’m transported back to those cozy afternoons spent at her side, learning the art of blending flavors and textures. The combination of zucchini, oats, and chocolate chips created a cookie that was not only delicious but also felt like a healthier indulgence. It was magical to see how the zucchini added a subtle moistness, making each bite melt in your mouth.

As I grew older, I began to realize the beauty of these Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies. They were a testament to how simple ingredients could become something truly special. The oats provided a hearty base, while the chocolate chips added a touch of sweetness that balanced perfectly with the zucchini’s mild flavor. Now, I’m excited to share this cherished recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.

Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge guilt-free with our recipe for Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies. Learn how to bake these delicious treats packed with wholesome ingredients!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (130g) shredded zucchini
• 2 cups (170g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats*
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed dark or light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon (15 ml) pure maple syrup*
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons (3 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (180g) dairy-free chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Gently dab the shredded zucchini with a clean cloth or paper towel. It’s not necessary to remove all the moisture; a light blotting will suffice. You need 1 cup (130g) of lightly blotted zucchini. Put it aside until step 4. (Or you can cover and store it in the fridge for up to a day. It can be used cold in the dough.)
2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Put this mixture aside.
3. With either a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, blend the vegetable oil and both sugars on medium speed until they achieve a creamy texture, roughly 2 minutes. Incorporate the egg and mix on high for about 1 minute until it’s well blended. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add the maple syrup and vanilla, continuing to mix on high until fully mixed in.
4. Combine the dry mixture and the zucchini with the wet mixture, then blend on low speed until everything is incorporated. While keeping the mixer on low, add the chocolate chips. Cover and chill the dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours (and up to 4 days). If chilled for more than a few hours, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking, as the dough will be quite firm.
5. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set these aside.
6. Shape or scoop the cookie dough into portions of about 1.5 tablespoons each, spacing them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets. Bake for 13-14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will appear very soft. For firmer edges, bake for 15 minutes.
7. Take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re still warm, you can press a few more chocolate chips on top for presentation. The cookies will be extra soft when they come out of the oven but will become chewier as they cool.
8. Store cookies in a covered container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

• Gently squeeze excess moisture from shredded zucchini to prevent cookies from getting too wet.
• Enhance flavor by using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
• For a stronger maple taste, add a little more pure maple syrup to the dough mixture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 2g

Keywords: zucchini cookies, oatmeal chocolate, dairy-free baking, maple syrup dessert, chewy chocolate chips

Creating Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

Fundamentals

These cookies are an excellent example of how versatile and healthy baking can be. The use of shredded zucchini not only adds moisture but also sneaks in some veggies, which is great for those looking to add a bit more nutrition to their treats. The oats are another fantastic ingredient, offering a wholesome texture and a heartier bite. Together, they create a cookie that feels indulgent yet nourishing.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their balance of flavors. The zucchini’s subtlety allows the warm notes of cinnamon and the sweetness of chocolate chips to shine through. It’s a delightful dance of flavors that makes these cookies irresistible. For those who appreciate a good blend of health and indulgence, these cookies are a dream come true.

Preparation/setup

Start by gently dabbing the shredded zucchini with a clean cloth or paper towel. You don’t need to remove all the moisture; just a light blotting will suffice. Set the zucchini aside until you’re ready to mix it into the dough. If you’re prepping ahead, you can cover and store it in the fridge for up to a day.

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This mixture forms the dry base of your cookies. Once mixed, set it aside while you prepare the wet ingredients. The separation of wet and dry ingredients is crucial in ensuring the cookies achieve the right texture.

Mastering the Technique of Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

Technique

Using a mixer, blend the vegetable oil and sugars on medium speed until creamy. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, even texture in your cookies. Incorporate the egg and mix on high until well blended. The egg acts as a binding agent, ensuring all ingredients stick together beautifully.

Add the maple syrup and vanilla, mixing on high until fully combined. These ingredients add a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that complements the oats and zucchini perfectly. The combination of these ingredients creates a cookie dough that is rich in flavor and perfect in texture.

Tips/tricks

For the best results, ensure your egg is at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better integration and a smoother dough. When adding the zucchini and dry mixture, mix on low speed to prevent over-mixing, which can result in tough cookies.

Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours is crucial. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the cookies hold their shape during baking. If you chill the dough for more than a few hours, let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before shaping and baking.

Perfecting Your Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

Perfecting results

When shaping your cookie dough, aim for portions of about 1.5 tablespoons each. This size ensures even baking and creates a delightful bite-sized treat. Space them 3 inches apart on the baking sheets to allow for spreading during baking.

Bake the cookies at 350°F (177°C) for 13-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will appear soft but will firm up as they cool. For those who prefer a cookie with firmer edges, extend the baking time to 15 minutes.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find your cookies are spreading too much during baking, ensure your dough is adequately chilled. This helps the cookies maintain their shape. If you desire a bit more texture, consider adding nuts or seeds to the dough for an added crunch.

For those looking to explore variations, consider trying our Healthy Greek Yogurt Chocolate Chip Cookies or the Healthy Greek Yogurt Banana Bread Muffins with Melty Chocolate Chips. Both offer unique twists on classic flavors and are equally delightful.

Presenting and Storing Your Delicious Cookies

Serving/presentation

Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This ensures they firm up nicely. For an extra touch, press a few more chocolate chips on top of the warm cookies for a visually appealing finish.

Serve these Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies with a glass of your favorite milk or a cup of tea. They make a wonderful treat for any occasion, be it a cozy afternoon snack or a delightful dessert after dinner.

Pairings/storage

Store your cookies in a covered container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well, making them a convenient treat to have on hand for unexpected guests.

If you’re interested in exploring more delightful treats, check out our Healthy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Oat Blondies with Gooey Peanut Butter Swirl for another scrumptious option that’s sure to please.

Conclusion

These Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies offer a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. The combination of oats, zucchini, and chocolate chips creates a cookie that is both wholesome and indulgent. With their inviting aroma and satisfying texture, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Not only are they a joy to eat, but they also offer the added benefit of sneaking in some extra veggies into your diet. The recipe’s simplicity and flexibility allow for endless variations, ensuring there’s always something new to try. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire, bringing warmth and joy with every bite.

FAQs – Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies