Description
These zucchini bread cookies are soft, spiced, and perfectly sweet, featuring warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. The brown butter glaze adds a nutty richness that elevates every bite. A delightful way to use up extra zucchini, these cookies are perfect with coffee or tea and make for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup whole wheat flour (optional, for added nuttiness)
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Brown Butter Glaze:
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1–2 tbsp milk or cream
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Prepare the Zucchini:
- Shred the zucchini using a box grater, then squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel or paper towels.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Stir in the shredded zucchini.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in nuts if using.
Scoop & Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops spring back when touched.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Brown Butter Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty (about 3–5 minutes).
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a drizzleable consistency.
Glaze the Cookies:
- Drizzle the brown butter glaze generously over the cooled cookies.
- For extra flair, sprinkle with toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon.
Notes
Prevent soggy cookies: Be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the zucchini.
For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 18–20 cookies
- Calories: 160 kcal