Description
Soft, cake-like cookies packed with shredded zucchini and warm spices, finished with a tangy homemade cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup packed light-brown sugar
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 cups shredded zucchini
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, cream the 1/2 cup softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat in the egg and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- With the mixer on low, add half of the dry flour mixture. Once incorporated, mix in the shredded zucchini. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix the batter.
- Drop 2-tablespoon mounds of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 11-13 minutes until the tops are set but still soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the pan for 2 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the 6 oz cream cheese and 6 oz softened butter together until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla until creamy. Spread onto completely cooled cookies.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cooling Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 18 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Zucchini Cookies, zucchini dessert, spiced cookies, cream cheese frosting, summer baking, vegetable dessert