This bit of baking nostalgia came from my heirloom recipe card collection. My Babci (Bob-Chee) Sophie – Farmer Sonny’s mother – was an incredible cook and she loved to bake.
Lucky for me, I inherited many of her original recipe cards. This zucchini cookie recipe was one of several old standbys that she would make for hungry farmers to enjoy on a summer afternoon.
Please make these with small zucchini. If you use a larger one, be sure to cut it in half and remove the seeds before grating on a box grater. The seeds will add a lot more liquid than you want.
Baked cookies should be stored in an airtight container or on a well-wrapped tray. They are meant to be soft and Casey.
Zucchini Cookies 🎥
Ingredients
1 c shredded zucchini, squeezed in a towel to remove excess liquid
2 c flour
1 t baking soda
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t salt
1/4 t ground cloves
1/2 c unsalted butter, room temperature
1 c sugar
1 egg
1 c chopped nuts (I used walnuts)
1 c dried fruit (raisins, cherries, apricots, etc)
Instructions
Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and cloves. Set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer (alternatively, use a large mixing bowl and hand mixer), whip butter for a minute or so. Gradually add sugar and cream together until light and fluffy, several minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times as needed.
Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until smooth and combined. Add grated zucchini and mix well. Gradually add flour in two or three additions, beating to combine after each addition. Stir in nuts and fruit.
Optimally, refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet at least 2 inches apart. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove cookies to a rack to cool completely.
Tonight, I chose a coffee dessert cocktail with a nutty twist.
Hazelnut Espresso Martini
In a shaker over ice, combine 1 1/2 oz vodka, 1 1/2 oz cold espresso or strong coffee, 1/2 oz frangelico, 1/2 oz Kahlua. Shake well, then strain into a martini glass or coupe.
