If you’re looking for a wholesome, chewy, and naturally sweet cookie, these Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies are the perfect treat! Made with rolled oats, shredded zucchini, and natural sweeteners, they’re a great way to enjoy a guilt-free snack while sneaking in some extra veggies.
These cookies have a soft and slightly sticky texture, thanks to ingredients like honey or maple syrup. They’re packed with fiber, natural sweetness, and warm spices, making them perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a healthy dessert.
Whether you’re trying to use up excess zucchini or simply want a nutritious homemade treat, this recipe is easy, delicious, and kid-friendly! Let’s get baking.
What Are Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies?
Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened cookies made with rolled oats, shredded zucchini, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Unlike traditional cookies, these have a moist and slightly sticky texture, making them perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast treat.
Why Add Zucchini to Cookies?
- Adds Moisture – Zucchini keeps the cookies soft and tender without needing extra butter or oil.
- Sneaks in Extra Veggies – A delicious way to incorporate more nutrients and fiber into your diet.
- Naturally Sweet & Mild – Zucchini has a subtle flavor that blends well with cinnamon, vanilla, and oats.
These cookies are perfect for meal prep, school lunches, or a post-workout snack, giving you a nutritious boost of fiber, protein, and natural sweetness!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
These Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies are a nutritious, easy-to-make treat that everyone will love. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your baking routine:
- ✅ Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar! Made with honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
- ✅ Soft & Chewy Texture – The combination of oats, zucchini, and natural sweeteners creates a deliciously moist and sticky bite.
- ✅ Great for Using Up Zucchini – A perfect way to use extra zucchini from the garden while making something delicious.
- ✅ Wholesome & Kid-Friendly – A hidden veggie snack that’s perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or an afternoon treat.
- ✅ Customizable & Easy to Make – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for extra flavor!
Ingredients Needed For Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
These Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies are made with simple, wholesome ingredients that create a naturally sweet, soft, and chewy treat.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats (old-fashioned oats for the best texture)
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded zucchini (excess moisture squeezed out)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (keeps the cookies moist)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
🍫 Chocolate Chips – Add ½ cup for a touch of indulgence.
🌰 Chopped Nuts – Walnuts or pecans add great crunch.
🍇 Dried Fruit – Raisins or cranberries add a chewy sweetness.
🥥 Shredded Coconut – For a light tropical twist.
How to Make Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
These Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies come together in just a few easy steps!
1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Shred 1 cup of zucchini using a grater.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a clean towel or paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. Set aside.
2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together honey (or maple syrup), applesauce, egg, melted coconut oil (or butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded zucchini until well combined.
3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix rolled oats, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- If using, gently fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
Step 4: Scoop & Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
💡 Want another easy and nutritious dessert? Try this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake for a creamy, fruity treat!
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
Follow these expert tips to make your Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies perfectly soft, chewy, and delicious every time:
- Squeeze Out Excess Zucchini Moisture – Too much moisture can make the cookies too soft or soggy. Use a paper towel or cheesecloth to remove extra water before mixing.
- Use Natural Sweeteners for the Best Texture – Honey or maple syrup keeps the cookies soft and naturally sticky, while refined sugar can make them too crisp.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the cookies soft and prevent them from becoming dense.
- Watch the Bake Time – Bake until the edges turn golden brown but the centers are still slightly soft. They’ll firm up as they cool.
- Customize with Add-Ins – Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions For Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
These Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies are versatile and perfect for any time of day! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With Coffee or Tea – Pair with a warm cup of chai, coffee, or green tea for a cozy snack.
- With Milk or Almond Milk – Enjoy with a cold glass of milk for a classic cookie experience.
- Drizzled with Honey or Nut Butter – A drizzle of honey, almond butter, or peanut butter makes them even more satisfying.
- With Fresh Fruit – Serve alongside sliced bananas, berries, or apple slices for a wholesome snack.
- As a Dessert Treat – Sandwich two cookies with Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream for a fun twist!
💡 Want another delicious and nutritious snack? Try these Banana Cottage Cheese Muffins for a protein-packed baked treat!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies turn out perfectly soft, chewy, and flavorful:
❌ Not Squeezing Out Zucchini Moisture – Too much liquid makes the cookies too soft or mushy. Always squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel.
❌ Overbaking the Cookies – These cookies should be slightly soft in the center when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.
❌ Skipping the Oats – Rolled oats give the cookies chewiness and texture. Quick oats or instant oats won’t work as well.
❌ Overmixing the Dough – Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough instead of light and chewy.
❌ Not Storing Properly – Store in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh for days.
FAQs About Sticky Oaty Zucchini Cookies
1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
2. Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No! The zucchini skin is soft and blends seamlessly into the dough. Just wash it well before grating.
3. Why are my cookies too soft or soggy?
This usually happens if there’s too much moisture in the zucchini. Be sure to squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the batter.
4. How do I store these cookies?
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to a week for extra freshness.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before enjoying!
5. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes), and use maple syrup instead of honey.
💡 Want another healthy baked good? Try these Butter Biscuits (No Milk) for a simple, dairy-free treat!
