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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookie Bars

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookie Bars
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Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookie Bars are a moist, chewy treat that cleverly incorporates fresh zucchini for natural moisture and subtle earthiness. Sweetened with brown sugar and studded with gooey chocolate chips, these bars balance wholesome nutrition with irresistible flavor. Perfect for snacks, dessert, or even breakfast, they are easy to make and customizable to fit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh zucchini, grated and drained
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk, dairy-free if needed)

Optional Variations

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (Nutty Twist)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger (Spiced Up)
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (Double Chocolate)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchini and lightly squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy bars while retaining natural softness.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution and a tender crumb.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Incorporate Zucchini and Dry Mixture: Fold the grated zucchini into the wet ingredients, then gently mix in the dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain tender bars.
  5. Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips evenly so that every bite has gooey pockets of melted chocolate.
  6. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Slice: Allow the cookie bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares, ensuring they set perfectly and hold together well.

Notes

  • Drain Zucchini Well: Removing excess water prevents soggy bars and keeps the texture just right.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh zucchini and quality chocolate chips make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to avoid dense bars.
  • Check Baking Time: Start checking at 25 minutes to avoid overbaking, as ovens vary.
  • Let Bars Cool Fully: This helps them set and makes cutting neat squares easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chocolate chip, zucchini, cookie bars, healthy dessert, snack, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://jamescookes.com/chocolate-chip-zucchini-cookie-bars/