Perfect Chewy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Cookie Bars

Hey there, my mom tribe! Vivien here, ready to share another sanity-saving recipe that’s become a staple in our beautiful, chaotic kitchen. We’re talking about chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars. Yes, you heard that right! Sneaking veggies into dessert? It’s a mom superpower, and this one is so good the kids won’t even suspect a thing.

I remember the first time I made these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars. It was a rainy Tuesday, school was canceled, and the kids were bouncing off the walls. I needed something to occupy them, something to bake, and something… anything… to use up the mountain of zucchini from our garden. That’s when I stumbled upon a recipe, tweaked it, and created what is now a family favorite. The smell of warm chocolate and cinnamon filled the house, the kids were surprisingly quiet (eating!), and I felt like I’d actually won at mom-ing that day. What makes these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars so special? They are the perfect blend of healthy-ish and delicious, plus they’re incredibly easy to make.

Are you ready to join me on this baking adventure? Grab your apron, wrangle the little helpers (or not!), and let’s whip up some chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars that will make everyone happy. Trust me, fellow kitchen warriors, this is one you’ll want to keep in your back pocket!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. Don’t worry, this list is short and sweet because, let’s be honest, who has time for a million ingredients? I use simple ingredients when I bake.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: I always use unsalted butter. This way I can control the salt content of the chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: This gives the chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars their sweetness.
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a depth of flavor and extra chewiness to our chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.
• 2 large eggs: These bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic cookie flavor.
• 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bars rise.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 2 cups shredded zucchini, excess moisture squeezed out: This is the star of the show! You can use a cheesecloth or paper towels to squeeze out the extra water.
• 2 cups chocolate chips: I usually use semi-sweet, but milk or dark chocolate work great too.

No worries if you’re missing an ingredient or two! For example, if you don’t have vanilla extract, a teaspoon of almond extract will work in these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars. You can grab most of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. These chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars don’t have to break the bank!

Here’s a mom hack that has saved my sanity more than once. I like to shred the zucchini ahead of time and store it in the fridge. My family loves when I add extra chocolate chips. I won’t tell if you don’t! These chocolate chip zucchini bars can be prepped with substitutions to fit anyone’s preferences.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Okay, kitchen warriors, let’s get baking these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars! Don’t be intimidated – I’ve broken it down into easy steps.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour in it for chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars. It prevents sticking like a charm.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. I use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed in the chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Stir in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter of the chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. I like to use a spatula to smooth it out.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary! This is where I used to mess up my chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars – don’t make my mistake! I would always overbake them.
9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This is the hardest part, I know!

In my chaotic kitchen, this chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars recipe usually takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! While your chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! If your chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars looks a little uneven, don’t panic! They’ll still taste amazing. These bars are such a great way to use the last of that summer zucchini!

How We Love to Eat This!

Now that you’ve got a pan of delicious chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars, let’s talk about how to enjoy them! This is where the fun really begins.

The kids devour these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars when I serve them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect after-school treat or weekend dessert. These chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars are perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a little something sweet to end the meal on a high note. I’ve even packed them in lunchboxes – they’re a huge hit!

For presentation, I like to cut the bars into squares and arrange them on a plate. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can make them look extra fancy, but honestly, they’re delicious just as they are. If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), I store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They usually disappear within a day or two! I also like to bring them to potlucks and gatherings; they’re always a crowd-pleaser. The chocolate chip zucchini bars are always gone first!

For a seasonal twist, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves during the fall months. Guest always ask for the recipe.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Alright, let’s tackle some common questions about these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars. I’m here to help, fellow kitchen warriors!

Can my picky eater handle these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars?

Absolutely! The zucchini is so well hidden, they won’t even know it’s there. Plus, the chocolate chips are a great distraction!

What if I don’t have zucchini?

While zucchini is the star of the show, you could try substituting it with grated carrots or applesauce. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely! These chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars are great for meal prep. Just bake them ahead of time, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container.

What if I burn my chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

Oh honey, we’ve all been there! If they’re just slightly burnt, you can try scraping off the top layer. But if they’re completely ruined, don’t beat yourself up. Just learn from it and try again.

Can I freeze these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars?

Yes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then store them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2-3 months.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can, but the texture might be a little different. I recommend using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for best results in these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars.

Can I add nuts to these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars?

Definitely! Walnuts or pecans would be a great addition.

Final Thoughts:

These chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars are special to my family because they’re a reminder that even in the midst of the beautiful chaos, we can create something delicious and comforting together. My family loves that they are soft and tasty!

Here are my chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars Mom Hacks:

• Prep Ahead: Shred the zucchini and measure out the dry ingredients ahead of time to save time.
• Double the Batch: These chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars disappear fast, so double the batch and freeze half for later.
• Get the Kids Involved: Let the kids help with measuring and stirring – it’s a great way to make memories in the kitchen.

Here are some family-tested variations for chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars:

• Nutella Swirl: Swirl a few tablespoons of Nutella into the batter before baking.
• Peanut Butter Chips: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with peanut butter chips.
• Lemon Zest: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.

My son loves the Nutella swirl version, while my daughter prefers the classic chocolate chip. I hope you try these chocolate chip zucchini bars!

Fellow kitchen warriors, I hope you feel inspired to give these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars a try. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make them your own. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. And if things don’t go perfectly, that’s okay too! These easy zucchini bars are a great way to start baking!

For another easy bar recipe, check out these Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! If you’d like to use zucchini for a snack on the healthier side, check out Frosted Zucchini Spice Bars! If you like using chocolate chips, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread. I know you’ll enjoy these recipes as much as you enjoy these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars! To compare the zucchini bars recipe with another, check out the information on the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars recipe by Crazy for Crust. If you are looking for another recipe to check out for the bars, check out the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars on Two Peas & Their Pod. Alternatively, check out Butter with a Side of Bread’s recipe for CHOCOLATE CHIP ZUCCHINI BARS.

You’ve got this! Happy baking, and remember, a little bit of love (and chocolate chips!) can go a long way. Give these chewy chocolate chip zucchini cookie bars a try – you’ll be so glad you did!

 

Print