Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated white sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (70g) finely shredded zucchini, squeezed very dry
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp (5g) baking soda
  • 1 tsp (2g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
  • 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Grate the zucchini using the fine holes of a box grater. Place the shreds into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and twist tightly, squeezing over the sink until no more liquid escapes.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating on medium speed until smooth and pale.
  4. Fold in the squeezed zucchini shreds until evenly distributed.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  6. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula; do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and optional walnuts.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set and a golden mahogany brown, while the centers still look slightly soft.
  9. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.