Pioneer Woman Zucchini Cookies Recipe

If you’ve got a bumper crop of zucchini from your garden, Pioneer Woman’s zucchini cookies are a delightful way to use them up.

With a mix of zucchini, all-purpose flour, white sugar, margarine, and raisins, these cookies offer a unique twist that’s sure to be a hit at your next family gathering.

I love how the zucchini adds moisture and a hint of freshness to each bite, making the cookies soft and delicious.

A key trick to keep in mind is to make sure you squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini to avoid overly moist dough.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Zucchini Cookies Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Ground Cloves
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 cup White Sugar
• ½ cup Margarine (softened)
• 1 Egg
• 1 cup Zucchini (grated)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients until well mixed.

Set aside.

Step 3:

Using an electric mixer, cream together the white sugar and softened margarine until the mixture is light and fluffy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4:

Beat in the egg until well combined.

Then stir in the grated zucchini.

Step 5:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.

Do not overmix.

Step 6:

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 7:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.

Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Zucchini

Always opt for fresh zucchini for this recipe.

Fresh zucchini ensures the best texture and adds to the moisture of the cookies.

Properly Measure Flour

Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

This method helps to avoid packing the flour, which can make the cookies dense.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the desired soft texture.

Chill the Dough if Needed

If your dough seems too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 30 minutes.

Chilled dough is easier to handle and ensures the cookies bake evenly.

Add Extras for Fun!

Feel free to add a handful of raisins, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough.

These additions can add a delightful twist to your zucchini cookies!

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Zucchini Cookies

Classic Pairings

A warm cup of coffee or tea pairs beautifully with Pioneer Woman Zucchini Cookies.

The slightly bitter notes of coffee or the earthy flavors of tea complement the sweetness of the cookies wonderfully.

Fresh Fruit

A bowl of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, blueberries, or slices of apple, can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of zucchini cookies.

The natural acidity and sweetness of the fruit create a delightful balance.

Ice Cream or Sorbet

Serving a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruity sorbet can turn your cookies into an indulgent dessert!

The creamy texture of the ice cream or the refreshing burst of sorbet is a perfect match.

Yogurt Parfait

A yogurt parfait layered with granola and fresh berries can be a satisfying and lighter option to accompany your cookies.

The creamy yogurt and crunchy granola offer a nice textural contrast.

Cheese Plate

A small cheese plate with mild cheeses like brie or mozzarella can also be a novel pairing.

The subtle flavors of the cheese don’t overpower the cookies and provide a savory balance.

Spiced Nuts

Spiced nuts, such as cinnamon almonds or candied pecans, can add a crunchy and flavorful side that complements the warm spices in the cookies.

They add both texture and an additional layer of flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these cookies healthier and add a bit of nuttiness.

To make the cookies gluten-free, you could use a blend of almond flour and coconut flour.

Replace white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener option.

Try using ghee or coconut oil instead of margarine if you want a different fat source.

Adding Nuts and Seeds

Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Sunflower seeds or chia seeds can also be mixed in for added nutrition and crunch.

Chocolate Lovers

If you’re a chocolate lover, folding in some dark chocolate chips or chunks can make these cookies even more decadent!

A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds an extra touch of indulgence.

Spice it Up

Mix in some nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a spicier twist.

A pinch of ground cardamom adds a unique, aromatic flavor.

Egg Alternatives

For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as a substitute.

Mashed bananas can also replace eggs and add a delightful banana flavor.

Dairy-Free Options

Substitute the margarine with vegan butter or a plant-based spread.

Unsweetened applesauce can replace some of the butter or oil to keep the cookies moist without the dairy.

Using dairy-free chocolate chips ensures the entire recipe stays dairy-free.

How to Store Leftover Zucchini Cookies

Leftover zucchini cookies should be stored properly to keep them fresh and delicious.

Storage in Airtight Containers

Once your zucchini cookies have cooled, place them in an airtight container.

This helps keep the cookies from getting stale and preserves their moisture.

Make sure the container is completely sealed to avoid any air from getting in.

Refrigeration

If you want your cookies to last longer, you can refrigerate them.

Place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge.

This can extend their freshness for up to a week.

Freezing Leftover Cookies

For even longer storage, consider freezing your zucchini cookies.

Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.

This method helps prevent freezer burn and keeps them fresh for up to three months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Zucchini

Using too much zucchini can ruin the texture of your cookies.

Make sure to measure accurately and don’t pack the zucchini into your measuring cup.

Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture.

Overmixing Dough

Overmixing the dough can make the cookies tough instead of soft.

Mix your ingredients just until combined and no more.

This will help keep your cookies tender and delicious.

Skipping the Salt

Skipping the salt might seem harmless, but it can impact flavor significantly.

Salt enhances the other flavors in the cookies and balances sweetness.

Always add the salt called for in the recipe and consider using sea salt for an added touch.