Lemon Glazed Zucchini Cookies with Oats and Citrus
Lemon Glazed Zucchini Cookies with Oats and Citrus offer a moist, tender, and wholesome treat combining fresh zucchini, hearty oats, and zesty lemon glaze. These cookies provide a perfect balance of natural sweetness and refreshing citrus flavor, making them an ideal anytime snack or light dessert that’s easy to make and customize for dietary needs.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly grated zucchini, excess moisture pressed out
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter or coconut oil, softened
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg (or 1 flax egg for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate fresh zucchini and gently press it using a clean towel or paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the cookies remain moist but not soggy.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until fully blended, creating an even base for the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer or sturdy spoon, cream the softened butter or coconut oil with brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, aerating the dough for tender cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the grated zucchini, egg (or flax egg), vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the creamed mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir carefully to avoid overmixing, which can cause toughness.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto lined baking sheets. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Prepare the Lemon Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cookies: Drizzle or brush the lemon glaze over warm cookies to add a glossy, tangy finish. Let glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Don’t skip draining the zucchini to prevent soggy cookies.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for best flavor impact.
- Optionally chill dough for 30 minutes to enhance flavors and texture.
- Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling for accuracy.
- Apply glaze sparingly to avoid overly sweet or soggy results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Lemon cookies, zucchini cookies, gluten-free cookies, oatmeal cookies, citrus glaze, healthy cookies, vegan option