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Cozy Zucchini Cookies with Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Frosting

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These cozy zucchini cookies are tender and spiced, topped with a rich brown sugar cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a comforting treat that feels homemade and hearty.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (can swap with almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (110g) grated zucchini, squeezed dry
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
  • For the Frosting:
  • 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Grate zucchini finely and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated.
  7. Fold in grated zucchini and optional chopped nuts gently.
  8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers spring back when lightly touched. Rotate halfway through baking.
  10. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For the frosting, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  12. Add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  13. Spread frosting generously on cooled cookies and optionally sprinkle with cinnamon or chopped nuts.

Notes

Dry zucchini thoroughly to avoid soggy cookies. Use room temperature ingredients for better texture. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender. Rotate baking sheet halfway for even baking. Cookies can be baked ahead and frosted just before serving. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives and replace egg with flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini cookies, brown sugar frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy cookies, cozy dessert, spiced cookies, homemade cookies

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/cozy-zucchini-cookies-recipe-easy-homemade-brown-sugar-frosting/