Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Directions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated zucchini and chopped walnuts (if using).
Bake the Cookies:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Frost the Cookies:
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on each cookie.
Serve:
- Enjoy your delicious Zucchini Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting!
Summary:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: 200 kcal per cookie
- Servings: 24 cookies