Chocolate Chip Banana Zucchini Oatmeal Cookies

I love gardening season.  I love going outside and gathering my own fresh veggies.  It just makes my day.  This year tho my squash and zucchini plants didn't take off, so I've been going to a local store who sells their own home grown garden veggies.  Lately I have been obsessed with making recipes with zucchini.  I couldn't decide which to share because I've enjoyed so many!  Over the next few days I'll share several.

First up.  Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Oatmeal Cookies. 
Trust me.  I know it sounds weird but they are yummy!!

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Oatmeal Cookies

INSTRUCTIONS

• 3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour or white whole wheat flour
• 1 cup old-fashoned rolled oats
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (from about 2 medium bananas)
• 1 cup shredded zucchini, squeezed of excess moisture with a paper towel*
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (can also use honey if not vegan)
• 1/4 cup melted and cooled coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, vegan if desired
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of chia seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
3. Before you mix your wet ingredients, make sure you have squeezed your shredded zucchini of excess moisture with a paper towel or cheesecloth. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
4. In a separate large bowl, mix together mashed banana, shredded zucchini, maple syrup, coconut oil and vanilla extract until well combined. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips. The dough will seem wet and sticky, but that's okay -- don't worry!
5. Use 1/4 cup to measure out dough and drop on baking sheet, placing cookie dough 2 inches apart from one another. Slightly flatten with the palm of your hand. Bake for 13-16 minutes or until cookies are golden brown on the edges. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 14 cookies.

Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.