Easy Lemon Zucchini Cookies Recipe
These Easy Lemon Zucchini Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the fresh flavors of lemon zest and shredded zucchini for moist, tender treats. Lightly glazed with a zesty lemon icing, these cookies are perfect for a refreshing snack or dessert that balances sweetness with a hint of citrus and vegetable goodness.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cookies:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp grated lemon zest
- 1 cup peeled, shredded zucchini
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Incorporate Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in 1 large egg and 1 tsp grated lemon zest until well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Stir in Zucchini: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Gently fold in 1 cup peeled, shredded zucchini until evenly distributed.
- Portion and Bake the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges and tops are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. For softer cookies, slightly underbake.
- Glaze and Finish the Cookies: While cookies are partially cooled, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/2 tsp lemon zest to make the glaze. Drizzle evenly over the cookies and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- Shredded zucchini should be peeled and lightly squeezed if very watery to prevent soggy cookies.
- The glaze adds a refreshing citrus flavor but can be omitted for a lighter cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Lemon zucchini cookies, zucchini dessert, lemon glazed cookies, easy cookie recipe, summer cookies, moist cookies