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Moist Zucchini Cookie Bars Recipe with Easy Cinnamon Brown Sugar Glaze

moist zucchini cookie bars - featured image

These zucchini cookie bars are moist and tender thanks to grated zucchini, topped with a warm cinnamon brown sugar glaze that adds a rich caramel flavor. Perfect for a cozy snack or dessert with a subtle veggie twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • About 2 medium zucchinis, finely grated and gently squeezed to remove excess moisture
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 23 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust for desired glaze consistency)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. It should be damp but not dripping.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly glossy.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
  6. Stir the grated zucchini into the wet mixture until evenly combined.
  7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet zucchini mixture using a rubber spatula. Stop mixing as soon as no streaks of flour remain.
  8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top gently with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
  11. To prepare the cinnamon brown sugar glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is pourable but thick. Stir in vanilla extract.
  12. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars with a spoon or fork. Let it set for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
  13. Use a sharp knife to slice into bars. Serve immediately or store for later.

Notes

For best results, use organic zucchinis and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid soggy bars. Do not overmix the batter to keep bars tender. Adjust glaze consistency by adding milk slowly. Start checking doneness at 30 minutes. Variations include gluten-free flour, nuts, chocolate chips, or dairy-free substitutions.

Nutrition

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