Name: Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 30
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup butter; 1 cup raw sugar; 1 egg; 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp Baking Soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp ground cloves; 2 pinches ground nutmeg; 3 cups zucchini; 1 cup pecans; For Frosting:; 8 oz cream cheese; ¼ cup butter; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups confectioners' sugar; 60 raisins

These raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies provide a delightful balance of flavors. The sweetness of the raisins complements the moist, subtle flavor of zucchini, while the cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy finish. This recipe offers a unique twist on the typical cookie, making it a standout at any gathering.

raisin topped frozen zucchini cookies recipe

Photos of Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Recipe

Most ingredients in this recipe are standard baking staples such as all-purpose flour, baking soda, and confectioners' sugar. However, you might need to make a special trip to the store for zucchini, cream cheese, and raw sugar. Make sure to pick firm, fresh zucchini and high-quality cream cheese for the best results. Raw sugar, more granulated and less processed than regular white sugar, adds a distinctive flavor and texture to these cookies.

Ingredients for Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.

Raw sugar: Used for its coarse texture and natural, molasses-like flavor.

Egg: Helps to bind the ingredients together.

All purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.

Ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg: Spices that add warmth and depth of flavor.

Baking soda: Works as a leavening agent.

Salt: Enhances the other flavors.

Zucchini: Adds moisture and a subtle flavor.

Pecans: Provide a crunchy texture.

Cream cheese: The base of the frosting, providing a rich, tangy flavor.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

Confectioners' sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness to the frosting.

Raisins: Adds a pop of sweetness and a chewy texture.

One reader, Annemarie Chappell says:

These raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies are a delightful surprise! The combination of zucchini and raisins adds a unique twist to the classic cookie. The frosting is the perfect sweet touch, and the pecans provide a lovely crunch. A must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and creative treat!

Annemarie Chappell

Techniques Required for Making Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

How to prepare the cookie batter: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix them with the wet ingredients until just incorporated. Then fold in the zucchini and pecans.

How to frost the cookies: Beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth, then gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until incorporated. Frost the cooled cookies and top each with two raisins.

How To Make Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Fall in love with every soft bite of this refreshing zucchini cookies stuffed with raisins and pecans, with a cream cheese frosting atop for a sweet finish.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Cool Time: 30 minutes

Total: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

½cupbutter,softened
1cupraw sugar
1egg
2cupsall purpose flour
2tspground cinnamon
1tspbaking soda
½tspsalt
½tspground cloves
2pinchesground nutmeg,or to taste
3cupszucchini,finely shredded
1cuppecans,chopped

For Frosting:

8ozcream cheese,(1 package), softened
¼cupbutter,softened
2tspvanilla extract
2cupsconfectioners’ sugar
60raisins,or as needed

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Beat ½ cup of butter with raw sugar in a bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, then beat in the egg.
Mix the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, cloves, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Stir the flour mixture, alternating with zucchini and pecans, into creamed butter mixture until just incorporated.
Drop the batter by the heaping tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping the cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake in the oven for about 12 to 15 minutes until the cookies are lightly browned.
Cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
Beat the cream cheese, ¼ cup of butter, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer in a bowl until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until incorporated.
Frost the cooled cookies, then top each cookie with 2 raisins. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 177.82kcal
Fat: 9.84g
Saturated Fat: 4.65g
Trans Fat: 0.19g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.25g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.07g
Carbohydrates: 21.27g
Fiber: 0.81g
Sugar: 13.88g
Protein: 2.04g
Cholesterol: 25.85mg
Sodium: 113.89mg
Calcium: 21.76mg
Potassium: 84.52mg
Iron: 0.65mg
Vitamin A: 70.15µg
Vitamin C: 2.29mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

When preparing the zucchini for these cookies, consider grating it for a finer texture. This will allow the zucchini to blend seamlessly into the cookie dough, providing moisture and a subtle flavor without altering the cookie's overall texture. Additionally, after grating, squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent the cookie dough from becoming too wet and sticky, ensuring a perfect cookie texture every time.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Prep ahead: Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you're ready to bake. This will save you time on the day you want to make the cookies.

Use a food processor: Grate the zucchini and chop the pecans in a food processor to save time on prep work.

Double batch: Make a double batch of the cookie dough and freeze half for later use. This way, you'll have ready-to-bake cookie dough on hand for future use.

Organized workspace: Before you start baking, make sure your workspace is organized and all ingredients and tools are easily accessible. This will help streamline the baking process.

Bake in batches: If your oven can accommodate only one baking sheet at a time, bake the cookies in batches to save time and ensure even baking.

Substitute Ingredients For Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Recipe

butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the cookies, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
raw sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a 1:1 replacement for raw sugar and adds a slightly caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier twist, adding a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the cookies.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice can be used as a substitute for ground cinnamon, adding warmth and depth of flavor with a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, but you may need to adjust the quantity as it is less potent.
zucchini - Substitute with grated carrots: Grated carrots can be used as a substitute for zucchini, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and crunch to the cookies.
cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for cream cheese, providing a tangy flavor and creamy texture for the frosting.
confectioners' sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a liquid sweetener for the frosting, adding a rich, natural sweetness and flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Elevate the cookie presentation: Arrange the frosted zucchini cookies on a pristine white plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Drizzle a delicate pattern of cream cheese frosting over the cookies, creating an elegant and refined touch to the presentation.
Garnish with precision: Place the raisins on top of the frosted cookies with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each one is perfectly positioned for a visually stunning final touch.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate, allowing the cookies to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation.
Implement color contrast: Consider incorporating a subtle pop of color on the plate to complement the earthy tones of the cookies, perhaps with a garnish of fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.
Highlight texture: Showcase the texture of the cookies by strategically placing them on the plate, allowing their rustic charm to shine through.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the cookies in a symmetrical pattern, creating a sense of balance and harmony on the plate.
Consider plating geometry: Explore different plating geometries to add a modern and artistic flair to the presentation, such as arranging the cookies in a circular or linear formation.

Essential Tools for Making Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for various tasks such as chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It is ideal for quickly and efficiently processing the zucchini and pecans for the cookie dough.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is an essential kitchen tool used for combining ingredients and mixing the cookie dough. It comes in various sizes and materials, and it is important to use a sturdy mixing bowl for this recipe to ensure thorough mixing.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer is used to cream the butter and sugar, as well as to prepare the frosting. It helps to achieve a smooth and creamy texture for the cookie dough and frosting.
Baking sheets: Baking sheets, also known as cookie sheets, are flat, metal pans used for baking cookies. They provide a flat surface for the cookies to bake evenly and prevent sticking. Line the baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used for cooling the baked cookies. It allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy as they cool.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is crucial in baking. Measuring cups and spoons are used to measure the butter, sugar, flour, and other ingredients precisely for the cookie dough and frosting.
Spatula: A spatula is used for scooping the cookie dough onto the baking sheets and for spreading the frosting on the cooled cookies. It helps to handle the dough and frosting with precision.
Oven: An oven is used for baking the cookies. Preheat the oven to the specified temperature before baking the cookies to ensure even baking and proper texture.
Parchment paper: Parchment paper is used to line the baking sheets, preventing the cookies from sticking and making cleanup easier. It is a non-stick and heat-resistant paper that is essential for baking.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies recipe:

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
For short-term storage: Place the cookies in an airtight container, separating each layer with a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking. Store the container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a piece of bread to the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies fresh.
For long-term storage: Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour, or until they are firm. This process is called flash freezing and will prevent the cookies from sticking together when frozen.
- Once the cookies are firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen cookies: Remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. If you prefer a slightly warmer cookie, you can microwave them for a few seconds after thawing.
- Note that the frosting may become slightly soft or runny after thawing, but the overall taste and texture of the cookies should not be significantly affected.
If you want to store unfrosted cookies, follow the same storing and freezing guidelines as above. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw the cookies (if frozen) and frost them as desired.

How To Reheat Leftover Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

The best way to reheat leftover raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies is to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This method will help restore the cookies' texture and melt the cream cheese frosting slightly, making them taste almost as good as freshly baked.
Another option is to use a microwave, but be cautious as it can cause the cookies to become soggy if overheated. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals, checking after each interval to ensure they don't overheat. Typically, 20-30 seconds should suffice, depending on the microwave's power and the number of cookies being reheated.
For a quicker and more convenient method, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C) and place the cookies on the rack. Heat for 3-4 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. This method is ideal for reheating small batches of cookies.
If you prefer a softer, more moist texture, you can wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them. This will help prevent them from drying out during the reheating process. Microwave the wrapped cookies for 10-15 seconds at a time, checking their temperature and texture after each interval.
For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center, you can use a combination of the oven and microwave methods. First, microwave the cookies for 10-15 seconds to warm the center, then place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the exterior. This method works particularly well for cookies that have been stored in the refrigerator and may have become slightly hard.

Interesting Trivia About Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Zucchini cookies are a delicious way to sneak in some extra veggies into your diet. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. These cookies are a tasty and creative way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of zucchini in a sweet treat.

Is Making Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?

This raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as zucchini and pecans, are relatively affordable and commonly found in most kitchens. The use of cream cheese and confectioners' sugar for the frosting may slightly increase the cost. However, the yield of cookies is substantial, making it suitable for a family. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.

Are Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for raisin-topped frosted zucchini cookies, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main issues are:

High sugar content from the raw sugar and confectioners' sugar
Significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
Refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients
Cream cheese frosting adds additional fat and sugar

However, there are some redeeming qualities, such as the inclusion of zucchini (which provides moisture, fiber, and nutrients) and pecans (which offer healthy fats and protein).

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cookie batter and frosting, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use a combination of butter and a healthier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, to reduce saturated fat content
Incorporate more zucchini to increase the vegetable content and moisture, allowing for a reduction in fat
Opt for a lighter frosting, such as a Greek yogurt-based cream cheese frosting, or simply dust the cookies with confectioners' sugar instead of frosting them
Add more pecans or other nuts for a boost in healthy fats, protein, and texture

Editor's Opinion on Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

The combination of zucchini and raisins in a cookie is a unique and interesting twist. The use of cream cheese frosting adds a delightful richness to the cookies. However, the recipe could benefit from a touch of lemon zest to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness. Additionally, to enhance the texture, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter. Overall, this recipe offers a creative take on traditional cookies and has the potential to be a delightful treat with a few adjustments.

Enhance Your Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped garlic mashed potatoes with a hint of parmesan and chives

Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus spears drizzled with a balsamic glaze and sprinkled with toasted almonds

Fruit Salad: Refreshing fruit salad with a honey-lime dressing and a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves

Similar Recipes to Try If You Like Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal that can be customized with various fillings and toppings.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This flavorful and refreshing dish combines the sweetness of mango with the savory taste of chicken for a perfect summer meal.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up with a comforting bowl of butternut squash soup, seasoned with aromatic spices and served with a dollop of creamy yogurt.

Appetizer and Main Course Suggestions to Complement Raisin-Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory bites filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The earthy taste of the mushrooms combined with the rich filling creates a perfect balance of flavors.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and indulgent dip is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a blend of spinach, artichokes, and cheese. Serve it with crispy bread or crunchy vegetables for a satisfying appetizer.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over a bed of al dente fettuccine for a satisfying and comforting meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and flavorful stir fry using thinly sliced beef, colorful vegetables, and a savory sauce. The tender beef and crisp veggies come together for a delicious and nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Why trust this Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cookies, incorporating fresh zucchini for a unique and moist texture. The combination of warm cinnamon and aromatic cloves infuses the cookies with rich, comforting flavors. The creamy cream cheese frosting, enhanced with vanilla extract, adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the subtle earthiness of the zucchini. The addition of pecans provides a delightful crunch, while the raisins on top add a burst of natural sweetness. Trust in the harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients to create a truly irresistible treat.

Have you tried making these Raisin Topped Frosted Zucchini Cookies? Share your experience and any tips you may have in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I substitute the raw sugar with granulated sugar?

Yes, you can substitute raw sugar with granulated sugar in this recipe. The texture and sweetness level may vary slightly, but it will still work well.

Can I omit the pecans from the recipe?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use pecans, you can omit them from the recipe without compromising the overall structure of the cookies.

Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?

Yes, you can definitely use walnuts instead of pecans in this recipe. The flavor profile will be slightly different, but it will still add a delightful nuttiness to the cookies.

Can I freeze the frosted zucchini cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the frosted zucchini cookies. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

How long will the frosted zucchini cookies stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the frosted zucchini cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If refrigerated, they can last up to a week.