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!
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 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 c. granulated sugar
- 1/4 c. light brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 c. skim milk
- 3/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 finely shredded zucchini on the small to medium size
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 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.
Deb says
These are moist and easy to make
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Deb! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe!
Donna says
I made these muffins in a Keto version-
2 cups King Arthur keto flour
1/2 cupunsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup swerve brown sugar
1/4 cup King Arthur sugar substitute
2 tsp. Baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2tsp salt
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
5T melted butter
1 cup almond milk
2 cups shredded Zucchini
3/4 cup sugar free chocolate chips
Mix in 1 bowl
Bake at 375* for 20 minutes. Makes 12
Brenda says
I made these with white whole wheat flour, applesauce instead of butter, maple syrup instead of white sugar, and a flax egg instead of chicken egg. They turned out fabulous! Thank you!
Julie Evink says
Awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing those options with us!
Sarah S says
These turned out fantastic! And thank you for the nutrition information! Super helpful!
I only made a few tiny adjustments just for fun. I subbed skim milk for 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/2 cup coffee because I love the combo of coffee and chocolate! Also used 1/2 white whole wheat flour and 1/2 all purpose. Then used coconut sugar instead of white be cuz that’s what I have. Turned out amazing! I’m sure it would be great exactly as is, too. Just adjusted to my baking habits 😄
Julie Evink says
Awesome to hear it worked out for you!
Raven says
These chocolate zucchini muffins turned out great! It’s a very forgiving recipe. I didn’t have milk or eggs so I used 2 tbsp egg white powder, an extra 4 tbsp of water, 1/2 cup oat milk & 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. Turned out wonderfully fluffy & delicious.
Julie Evink says
Awesome to hear Raven! Thanks for rating and commenting on the recipe!
Dawn Friesen says
It is more helpful to indicate amount of zucchini by cup. They come in many sizes and so I tis not too helpful to say size of zucchini.
Julie Evink says
Noted! I’ll work on that.
Kara says
Found the how-to video of these on Pinterest last week and was sold. Made them the next day! Halved the recipe and my husband ate one a day for breakfast all week (froze a few for later in the week so they’d be fresh). Today I ran out and he actually told me he was craving his morning muffin. I just made your blueberry ones! I’ll be coming here for more recipes for sure! Thank you!!!
Michelle Sperr says
I’m so glad to hear that you enjoy the muffin recipes! Thank you for sharing!
Shannon says
Just made these – they are awesome! I was too lazy to get butter out of the freezer, so I actually subbed in 5 tbsp of silken tofu, also used almond milk rather than regular milk… still turned out great, only different is that the tops don’t get that glossy shine – they have kind of a matte finish lol
Love that this is a one bowl recipe too – thanks for sharing!
Julie says
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Julie says
Yummy and so easy to make – my daughter and I enjoyed them
Julie Evink says
So glad you enjoyed them Julie! Thanks for commenting and rating the recipe! 🙂
Beth says
We love these muffins here at the house! They are so delicious and tasty! I can’t wait to make these again!
Julie says
I’m so glad you love them! Thanks for the review!
Lisalia says
Well, I have ALL the zucchini and then my neighbor brought some over to share. So what to make except zucchini treats. Thank you for these yummy muffins with plenty zucchini inside. Veggies for dessert = always a winner!
Julie says
I totally agree! I’m glad I can help you use up some zucchini. Glad you enjoyed this one!
Lyuba@willcookforsmiles says
I think the best way to each zucchini with chocolate! Especially in a muffin form 😀
Catherine says
Dear Kathi, your muffins look and sounds fantastic. I love baking with zucchini…it makes everything everything better and it’s a great way to get more veggies. xo, Catherine
Don says
Could you tell me how many cups of zucchini?
Julie Evink says
About 2 c.!
Amy @ Thoroughly Nourished Life says
Anytime you can eat chocolate with your vegetables you should! And these would make a great breakfast on the run too! Can’t wait to try this recipe 🙂
Danielle | Krafted Koch says
These look amazing! That zucchini negates all the sugar and chocolate right?! 😉