Not Your Typical Christmas Cookie: Zucchini Cookies

This is not your typical Christmas cookie.

That's why I love it!

Sure you can make the holiday sugar cookies, or spritz cookies.  I love them all.  My all time favorite was a spritz cookie that my neighbor's mom made in the shape of a tree, colored green, with little sprinkles on top.  We used to get them every year, and I would be looking forward to those soooo much.  More than the fudge, or the other cookies.  I would even try to sneak and take all the trees before the rest of the family got to them!  

But I decided to be a little unconventional this year.  I wanted to go with a nice cakey cookie.  One with a hint of spice, some chocolate, and something healthier....like zucchini.

Just look at those green flecks...how cool!

Do you like zucchini bread?  Love it!  And you know you can't really taste the zucchini.  Same thing with these cookies.  They are smart that way.  Add a little fiber, some vitamins, textures, and moisture and you have one heck of a cookie!  

These are perfect for the holidays or anytime of year.  Especially in summer with a nice bumper crop of zucchini.  So this is a good recipe to keep on hand.  Oh yea, you can also make these a lower carb cookie by using Splenda Blend.  You need to make sure it is the blend (half sugar half Splenda) in order for these to rise well.  Trust me they turn out perfect...you'll see.

So come along with me and be a little "unconventional" this year.  Make some zucchini cookies.  You can thank me later!

Zucchini Cookies

Adapted from Sunset

makes about 3 dozen medium sized cookies 

(freeze any leftovers, they freeze well)

1 cup butter, at room temperature 

1 1/2 cups sugar or Splenda Blend equivalent

2 large eggs 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups grated zucchini

2 3/4 cups flour 

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 

Preheat oven to 350°.  In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and vanilla.   Stir in zucchini.  In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.   Add to zucchini mixture. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips.  

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto cookie sheets sprayed with cooking spray. Bake until lightly browned, 15 to 20 minutes, and transfer to a rack to cool. Repeat with remaining dough.