Zucchini Chocolate Breakfast Cookies
Imagine a cookie that tastes like a decadent treat but secretly nourishes you for the day ahead. These Zucchini Chocolate Breakfast Cookies are a delightful fusion of wholesome ingredients and rich, satisfying flavor. Perfectly moist and tender, they're an ingenious way to incorporate extra vegetables into your morning routine or enjoy as a guilt-free snack any time.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12 to 15 minutes
Total Time
Around 45 minutes, including cooling time
Servings
Makes 24 cookies
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A remarkably delicious way to sneak vegetables into your diet, especially for picky eaters.
- Packed with hearty oats and whole-wheat flour for sustained energy, perfect for a breakfast on the go.
- Offers a wonderful balance of wholesome ingredients and satisfying dark chocolate sweetness.
- Quick and straightforward to prepare, making them ideal for busy mornings or meal prepping.
- Yields a batch of soft, moist cookies that are utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
- 120g (1 cup) white whole-wheat or all-purpose flour
- 65g (2/3 cup) old-fashioned rolled oats
- 30g (1/3 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) baking soda
- 2.5ml (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 240g (1 cup) freshly shredded zucchini, patted very dry (from about 1 medium zucchini)
- 120ml (1/2 cup) whole or 2% plain Greek yogurt
- 1 large egg
- 75g (1/3 cup packed) light brown sugar
- 65g (1/3 cup) granulated sugar
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 85g (1/2 cup) chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Arrange 2 racks to divide your oven into thirds and preheat it to 175°C (350°F). Line two standard baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set them aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, old-fashioned rolled oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until they are thoroughly combined. This ensures even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Take the shredded zucchini and firmly squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. This critical step prevents the cookies from becoming soggy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried zucchini, Greek yogurt, large egg, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix these wet ingredients well until they are smoothly integrated.
- Gradually add the previously prepared flour mixture to the large bowl containing the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Finally, fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips.
- Using a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie batter onto the prepared baking sheets. Ensure you leave approximately 5 cm (2 inches) of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Aim for about 12 cookies per baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheets into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes total, rotating the baking sheets between the racks and from front to back halfway through the baking process. This ensures even cooking. The cookies are ready when their edges are set, but the centers still appear slightly soft, indicating a moist and tender texture.
- Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool directly on the sheets for 5 minutes. This resting period helps them firm up slightly before transferring. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm cookies to wire cooling racks to cool completely. They will continue to set as they cool.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for zucchini)
- Paper towels or clean kitchen towel
- 2 baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Cooling racks
Essential Success Tips
- Thoroughly squeeze excess moisture from the shredded zucchini. This is crucial for the texture of the cookies, preventing them from becoming watery or cake-like.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Stir just until combined to ensure a tender and soft cookie texture.
- Do not overbake. These cookies are meant to be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats rather than instant oats for the best texture and chewiness.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to achieve their final set and optimal flavor.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Enhance the chocolate flavor and depth by adding a pinch of espresso powder (about 1/4 teaspoon) to the dry ingredients. It won't make them taste like coffee but will intensify the cocoa.
- For an extra layer of spice, a small dash of cinnamon or nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) complements the zucchini and chocolate wonderfully, adding warmth to each bite.
- If time allows, chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking can help reduce spreading and create a slightly chewier cookie.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are also excellent frozen.
- Freezing: Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.
- Variations: Feel free to swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate chips, or add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the white whole-wheat or all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free as well to maintain a completely gluten-free status.
How do I ensure my zucchini is dry enough?
After shredding, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Gather the edges and twist tightly to wring out as much liquid as possible. You'll be surprised how much water comes out, and this step is crucial for the cookie's texture.
Are these suitable for toddlers or young children?
Absolutely! These cookies are a fantastic way to introduce vegetables in a fun and appealing format. The zucchini is well-hidden, and the flavor is kid-friendly. Always ensure the cookies are cooled and soft enough for young children to chew safely.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 150-170 per cookie, Protein: 4g, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 20g (estimated based on ingredients for 24 cookies).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt), eggs, and gluten (flour, oats). For a gluten-free version, use a certified gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free oats. For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative (e.g., coconut or almond-based).
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