Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
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Light, tender muffins loaded with chocolate! These Chocolate Zucchini Muffins are the best way to use up that garden zucchini this summer. The kids love these for breakfast or snack. Plus, with the addition of chocolate chips they are over the top delicious.

I’ve been all about the zucchini lately because we always end up with lots of it during the summer. It’s not unusual to find a bags of it on our front porch (thanks, neighbors!) and I can’t help buying some every time I see it at the farmer’s market.
I’ve shared zucchini banana bread and zucchini cookies and now I have another great recipe for you to try – chocolate zucchini muffins!
Why this Recipe Works!
- These muffins are so light and fluffy.
- Plus, they are loaded with chocolate chips and cocoa for the ultimate chocolate flavor.
- Can’t taste the zucchini, so no one knows you are sneaking vegetables in them.
- One bowl recipe, so they are quick and easy plus little clean up.
- Perfect for grab and go breakfasts or snacks.
- They freeze great s make a bunch to have on hand.
Unlike my chocolate zucchini cake, you can serve these any time of day. We love them – especially the kids! They always seem to disappear when I make a batch.

One Bowl Recipe!
If you can mix and stir you can make these muffins! This is a one-bowl muffin recipe and the batter comes together so quickly. Plus, these muffins always get rave reviews – I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love them.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg, melted butter, vanilla, and skim milk. Stir until the batter comes together.
- Fold in the shredded zucchini and chocolate chips. The batter will be thick!
- Divide the batter in a prepared muffin pan and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool them in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer them to a wire rack



Tips for Baking with Zucchini
- Do I have to peel the zucchini? No, you don’t have to peel it! The peel is very tender and you can grate it right into the batter.
- Do I have to squeeze the liquid from the zucchini? No, I don’t like to wring the water out of the shredded zucchini. You want all of that moisture in the muffins.
- What size zucchini is best for this recipe? Choose a small to medium-sized one. I would avoid large ones because they tend to be drier and more stringy than the smaller ones. So, choose a four to six-ounce zucchini!
How to Freeze Muffins
One of the many things I love about this muffin recipe is that you can freeze them for later. Sometimes I make a double batch!
- Be sure to fully cool the muffins first.
- You can wrap them individually in freezer wrap or store them in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container.
- They will keep in the freezer for up to three months!
- You can leave them at room temperature to thaw or warm them in the microwave.
I hope you love these easy zucchini muffins – it’s a recipe I love to make!

Want More Zucchini Recipes?
I’m always looking for ways to use up all the delicious summer zucchini! It’s such a versatile vegetable – you can use it in so many ways. Here are more recipes you should definitely try:
- For another sweet treat you have to try my Crumb Apple Zucchini Bread! It’s so moist and has the most amazing topping. Or try my classic zucchini bread!
- My Grilled Vegetable Couscous Salad is loaded with zucchini and other fresh veggies. It’s a perfect side dish for potlucks and BBQs!
- Use all of that zucchini to make my easy One Pan Hamburger Skillet. It’s a hearty dinner your family will love.
- Want even more ideas? Be sure to check out my Zucchini Recipe Collection with over 55 recipes!
- Got extra zucchini? Use it in these quick and easy Zucchini Muffins.
- Moist, tender and delicious Zucchini Bundt Cake with a cinnamon swirl in the middle that is topped with a cinnamon glaze.
I’d love it you would rate this recipe!! A five-star rating will make my day!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 5 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup skim milk
- ¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 finely shredded zucchini on the small to medium size, about 1 cup shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray or line with muffin liners. Set aside.
- In a large bowl whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add skim milk and stir until combined. Fold in shredded zucchini and chocolate chips (batter will be thick).
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared muffin cups and place in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let muffins cool in muffin pan until they’re safe to handle, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Do I have to peel the zucchini? No, you don’t have to peel it! The peel is very tender and you can grate it right into the batter.
- Do I have to squeeze the liquid from the zucchini? No, I don’t like to wring the water out of the shredded zucchini. You want all of that moisture in the muffins.
- What size zucchini is best for this recipe? Choose a small to medium-sized one. I would avoid large ones because they tend to be drier and more stringy than the smaller ones. So, choose a four to six-ounce zucchini!
- Be sure to fully cool the muffins first.
- You can wrap them individually in freezer wrap or store them in a freezer bag or other freezer-safe container.
- They will keep in the freezer for up to three months!
- You can leave them at room temperature to thaw or warm them in the microwave.
Addilyn mason says
The best breakfast food evey
Courtney says
Thank you!!
Charlotte says
I used bobs red mil gluten free 1 to 1 and it turned out perfectly forgot the chocolate but I didn’t miss them although I’m sure they’d be an amazing addition
Sharon says
I found the batter a little too thick so added and egg and turned out beautifully.
Courtney says
Yes, sometimes with zucchini recipes things will need to be adjusted!
izzy says
love this i make it all the time
Andre says
Didn’t have skim milk so used unsweetened vanilla almond milk. Cooked up beautifully. I like that this isn’t an overly sweet muffin and that no oils were needed
Susan says
Moist and yummy chocolate flavor!
Kristine Young says
I added 1/4 cup more sugar. They are delicious.
Courtney says
Interesting!! Thank you for letting us know!
Carol says
I cooked these for only twelve minutes and they were burning on top already. I know all ovens vary but not by this much. I used a normal sized muffin tin, I wonder if I was supposed to use a jumbo muffin tin? The recipe didn’t say. Also I agree with the comment that these aren’t overly sweet but they were sweet enough for me. So maybe a note about that should get added to recipe. Pretty good other than those issues.
Courtney says
Hmm.. I am sorry to hear this! I’ve made these many times and have not had those issues. I’ve used a regular size muffin pan!
dorothy says
I liked this recipe as you have it but I did a few tweeks to it, I used Erythritol instead of white sugar and added a pinch more than you called for, instead of the cocoa powder I used double chocolate protein powder and almond milk instead of skim milk, I added chopped walnuts and heavy on the chocolate chips (I love my chocolate!) and bout 2 cups of firmly packed shredded zucchini. I also made a batch with peanut butter and choco chips. They are not too sweet, I have tried many protein bar recipes and none were very good, these are actually very good and very healthy as well, Thank you for sharing your recipe, I will be making them again and again
Céline says
Oh my, these were incredibly delicious. Moist and flavourful. I used 1%buttermilk as I didn’t have 1%skim. They still were perfect. Thank you Julie for sharing this great recipe. I appreciate you adding how many oz for the zucchini, as I used zucchini from the garden.
Courtney says
YAY! So happy you loved this recipe. Such a great way to use the zucchini that seems to multiply by the dozen in the garden!
L says
Pretty decent. Also struggled with ‘medium sized zucchini’ so went with 1/2 cup. I used frozen so draining it was definitely necessary. Used half whole wheat/ half AP flour and a pinch more baking powder and milk. Added cinnamon and nutmeg. Kinda dry, but I may have baked a minute too long. Will freeze great, though.
Courtney says
Glad you enjoyed them. Great idea to freeze and to have on hand.
Sarah says
Having made baked goods with zucchini before, the texture is definitely better if you wring the water out after shredding the zucchini itself.
Julie Evink says
Great tip Sarah!
Lindsay says
These are very meh, not much flavour. Kinda gross.
Ann says
Love the muffins. The only thing I did different was. I used extra virgin oil and 2% milk.
They’re a keeper
Thanks for sharing!
Julie Evink says
Thanks for sharing what you changed! So glad you enjoyed these!
Diane says
These chocolate zucchini muffins are pretty and easy BUT not near sweet enough! Directions are terrible for the zucchini ingredient amount.
If you hit print it does not allow you to customize and you get about 20 pages!
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy the zucchini muffins. For the problem with the printing, did you use the print button in the recipe card? This will only print the recipe and tips so it would only be 1 or 2 pages unlike the print button on your browser window.
Ardeth Cooper says
Would like to now how many cups of zucchini to use. Would be easier to determine than on small to medium zucchini.