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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Published: May 13, 2023 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Zucchini chocolate chip muffins with cream cheese frosting are so good. They're a yummy way to use up all of your summer zucchini and make the perfect treat anytime of day.  

    That is the problem.  It is so hard to stop at eating only one zucchini muffin with cream cheese frosting! 

    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins topped with a white frosting and placed onto a marble table.

    Zucchini chocolate chip muffins are a delicious treat that you can easily whip up in your own kitchen. They're rich in flavor and incredibly moist, thanks to the inclusion of grated zucchini.

    The combination of fresh zucchini and sweet chocolate chips creates a perfect balance that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings.

    This zucchini muffins with cream cheese frosting recipe is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into treats.  

    Your kids (or husband) won't even know they are eating vegetables that are good for them. Hidden inside these amazing muffins.

    If you loved these chocolate chip zucchini muffins, you might enjoy my collection of summer squash and zucchini recipes, coffee cake muffins, and apple pie muffin recipe. They're great in the morning with a berry smoothie or green smoothie recipe.

    Why You Will Love These Zucchini Muffins with Chocolate Chips

    • Deliciously moist muffins with a rich, chocolaty flavor.
    • A great snack or dessert for any occasion.
    • A delicious treat that both adults and kids will enjoy.
    • Quick and easy to make - only 30 minutes from start to finish!
    • Great way to use up excess zucchini.

    Ingredients

    These zucchini cream cheese muffins are made with simple ingredients you most likely already have in the kitchen. Nothing fancy here!

    Ingredients needed to make Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins on the table before mixing.
    • Salted butter: The fat in the butter makes for a moister muffin.
    • Sugar: These zucchini muffins are made with a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar.
    • Whole milk: Moistens the dry ingredients and brings everything together while also add a bit of richness to these muffins.
    • Eggs: Use large eggs to add plenty of moisture to the muffin batter.
    • Zucchini: Use fresh zucchini for sure!
    • Leavening: This recipe uses a combination of baking powder and baking soda to give them plenty of lift.
    • Cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor to these chocolate chocolate chip zucchini muffins.
    • All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your chocolate zucchini muffins.
    • Chocolate chips: You can use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on how sweet you prefer your muffins.
    Ingredients needed to make the cream cheese frosting for zucchini muffins.
    • Cream cheese: Make sure it's at room temperature to make everything easier to mix up.
    • Powdered sugar: Perfect for the cream cheese frosting. It mixes and dissolves with the other ingredients much better than regular sugar.
    • Vanilla extract: For a hint of warming flavors for the frosting.
    • Whole milk: To thin out the frosting and make it more spreadable.

    See the recipe card below for exact quantities needed to make this zucchini muffins recipe.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this zucchini cream cheese muffins recipe.

    • Go Nuts. Add your favorite chopped nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, walnuts or shredded coconut to the muffin batter or sprinkle over the frosting.
    • Add Intense Chocolate Muffins: Add a half teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
    • More Warming Spices. Add ground cinnamon or ground ginger to the batter for subtle spice flavor and aroma.
    • Add Flavor to Frosting. Try adding a few tablespoons of melted white chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter, hazelnut spread or almond butter to the cream cheese frosting before spreading over muffins.
    • Need Gluten-Free Muffins? Use a gluten free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

    How to Make Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

    This recipe is so easy to make and goes together in just a handful of steps. Let's look at the highlights.

    1. Cream the butter and sugars together in a large mixing bowl for 2-3 minutes using an electric hand mixer.
    2. Add the milk, eggs, and shredded zucchini. Mix again until the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
    Overhead photo of butter, brown and white sugar inside a large glass bowl.
    Milk, eggs and zucchini added to the butter sugar mixture inside the large glass bowl.
    1. Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and flour on medium speed until the muffin batter is smooth and homogenous.
    2. Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
    Baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and flour added to the wet ingredients in a large glass bowl.
    Chocolate chips added to the muffin mixture in a large glass bowl.
    1. Divide the batter among well-sprayed muffin cups in your muffin pan.
    2. Bake for 20 minutes. Then allow the muffins to cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing and placing on wire rack to finish cooling.
    Chocolate zucchini muffin mixture inside a prepared muffin tin.
    Baked chocolate chip zucchini muffins inside a muffin tin.
    1. Combine all the frosting ingredients in a large bowl.
    2. Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
    All the frosting ingredients inside a mixing bowl.
    Cream cheese frosting in a large glass bowl.
    1. Frost the chocolate zucchini muffins, serve, and enjoy!

    ⭐️ Hint: If you are unsure if the muffins are cooked, poke with a toothpick. If toothpick comes out basically clean, with a crumb or two, remove the pan from the oven.

    Chocolate muffins covered with a white frosting.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy my blueberry cornbread muffins, Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread, Cream Cheese Brownies or these pumpkin spice muffins with cream cheese swirl.

    Zucchini muffins with cream cheese frosting piled up on a table.

    Storage and Make Ahead Options

    Leftovers: Store any remaining muffins on counter up for up to 4 days if they are unfrosted. With the frosting, store them in the fridge in a single layer for up to four days.

    Freezer: After the muffins are completely cooled, place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper ensuring they do not touch each other. Freeze them until they are solid (1-2 hours). Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Make Ahead: These muffins can be frozen after they are fully cooled and frosted. I prefer to freeze without frosting whenever possible. Follow the instructions above for freezing. When ready to eat, thaw out either at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

    What to Serve With Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Enjoy these muffins for breakfast, a snack, or an on-the-go option, there are several sides and beverages that complement these tasty muffins.

    Here are a few ideas for a quick breakfast!

    • A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.
    • A bowl of yogurt topped with granola and fruits.
    • A fruit salad, combining your favorite seasonal fruits.
    • A berry smoothie or your favorite flavor!
    • A portion of baked eggs or an omelette with veggies and cheese
    • A small serving of oatmeal, cooked to your preferred consistency with fruits and nuts

    They also work for special occasions and brunch! Serve them with your favorite breakfast casserole, quiche, or these easy egg bites.

    Tips

    Here are some tips to assist you in creating the best zucchini muffins with cream cheese frosting.

    • Unsure if the muffins are still cooked all the way? Poke one with a toothpick. As long as only a few crumbs stick to the toothpick, you can remove the pan from the oven. The muffins will finish baking as they cool.
    • Do not over mix your batter. It may cause the muffins to turn out tough or dense instead of light and fluffy.
    • Allow muffins to totally cool before frosting them.
    • Grate zucchini and use a clean dish towel to wring out as much moisture as possible from it before adding it to the batter mixture.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about zucchini muffins with cream cheese frosting? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about them.

    Is it necessary to wring out all of the liquid from my zucchini before adding it to the batter?

    Yes, it is important to remove as much moisture from the zucchini as possible before adding it to the batter so that the muffins don't turn out overly wet. This can be done easily by wrapping the grated zucchini in a dish towel or paper towels and squeezing out any excess liquid.

    Does the size of my grated zucchini matter?

    It does not matter whether your grated zucchini is coarsely grated or finely grated as long as you squeeze out all the excess liquid before adding it to the batter. If there is too much moisture in your batter, your muffins may not bake properly and will have a dense texture.

    How do I know when the muffins are done baking?

    When a toothpick inserted into one comes out clean with no dough sticking to it, they are done baking. If there is still dough sticking, bake them a few minutes longer and check again with a toothpick.

    Zucchini cream cheese muffins topped with white frosting and resting on a table.

    More Zucchini Recipes

    Do you like zucchini? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Meaty Zucchini Casserole
    • A crispy parmesan zucchini bite being held in the air dipped in sauce.
      Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Bites
    • Slice of chocolate chip zucchini bread.
      Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
    • Our Best Zucchini Recipes

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins topped with a white frosting and placed onto a marble table.

    Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting

    Karin and Ken
    Zucchini chocolate chip muffins with cream cheese frosting are so good. They're a yummy way to use up all of your summer zucchini and make the perfect treat anytime of day.  
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Decorating Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 395 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • muffin pan (12 holes)
    • mixing bowl
    • whisk
    • wooden spoon
    • Rubber spatula
    • microwave safe bowl
    • Hand mixer
    • ladle
    • large bowl
    • wire rack

    Ingredients
      

    Muffins

    • ¾ cup salted butter
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup light brown sugar
    • ⅔ cup whole milk
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 cup zucchini grated and wrung dry (about ½ medium zucchini)
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ cup cocoa powder
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup chocolate chips

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature.
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 teaspoons whole milk
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugars together for 2-3 minutes using an electric hand mixer.
    • Add the milk, eggs, and zucchini. Mix again until the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter.
    • Whisk in the baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and flour on medium speed until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
    • Fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
    • Spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Divide the batter among the tin and bake for 20 minutes.
    • Allow the muffins to cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing and placing on wire rack.
    • Prepare the frosting by whipping all of the frosting ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy.
    • Frost the muffins, serve, and enjoy!

    Notes

    Unsure if the muffins are still cooked all the way? Poke one with a toothpick. As long as only a few crumbs stick to the toothpick, you can remove the pan from the oven. The muffins will finish baking as they cool.
    Do not over mix your batter. It may cause the muffins to turn out tough or dense instead of light and fluffy.
    Allow muffins to totally cool before frosting them.
    Grate zucchini and use a clean dish towel to wring out as much moisture as possible from it before adding it to the batter mixture.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 6gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 272mgPotassium: 221mgFiber: 2gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 697IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 101mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword chocolate zucchini muffins, zucchini chocolate chip muffins, Zucchini muffins
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Three chocolate zucchini muffins stacked vertically.
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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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