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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, flavorful treat combining fresh shredded zucchini and semi-sweet chocolate chips. These bars offer a tender texture with a balance of subtle vegetable flavor and rich sweetness, perfect for snacks, desserts, or lunchboxes. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, they’re a delicious way to use fresh garden zucchini.

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

  • 2 cups fresh zucchini, shredded

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and shred about two cups of fresh zucchini without peeling. Gently squeeze out a little excess moisture to avoid soggy bars while retaining enough moisture for softness.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using to distribute leavening and spices evenly.
  4. Bring It All Together: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Then fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips evenly without overmixing.
  5. Bake the Bars: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Smooth the top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares to let them set and enable easier clean cuts.

Notes

  • Drain zucchini carefully to avoid excess moisture which can make bars runny.
  • Do not overmix batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep bars tender.
  • Use fresh zucchini and real vanilla extract for best flavor.
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips work best, but feel free to experiment with other varieties.
  • Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer ends as ovens vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate chip, zucchini, cookie bars, dessert, snack, moist, chocolate, easy recipe

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