Moist, chocolatey, and surprisingly nutritious, these chocolate zucchini muffins are a sweet treat with a hidden veggie twist. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and wholesome, making them ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a healthy-ish dessert.

The zucchini melts right into the rich chocolate batter, adding an incredible moistness that keeps the muffins tender for days. You don’t even taste the veggie, but you definitely feel the difference in texture. Plus, who doesn’t love sneaking something healthy into their chocolate fix?

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Zucchini Muffins Recipe

These muffins check every box: easy to make, freezer-friendly, and beloved by both kids and adults. They come together quickly in one bowl with pantry staples, and you get double the chocolate thanks to cocoa powder and chocolate chips. It’s also a great way to use up extra summer zucchini without anyone noticing.

What Kind of Zucchini Works Best for Muffins?

You can use any fresh zucchini for this recipe, but medium-sized ones are best because they’re not too seedy or watery. There’s no need to peel them—the skin is soft and nutritious. Just grate the zucchini finely and gently squeeze out excess moisture with a towel so it doesn’t water down your batter.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Chocolate zucchini muffins come together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one plays an important role in the muffin’s flavor, moisture, and structure.

Zucchini adds unbeatable moistness and sneaks in nutrients.

All-purpose flour forms the base structure of the muffin.

Cocoa powder gives the muffins their rich chocolate flavor.

Baking powder and baking soda help them rise light and fluffy.

Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.

Granulated sugar and brown sugar add sweetness and a hint of molasses depth.

Eggs bind the batter and give structure.

Vegetable oil keeps the muffins tender and moist.

Vanilla extract deepens the flavor.

Chocolate chips melt into little pockets of gooey chocolate.

How To Make the Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Grate your zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out any excess moisture so it doesn’t make your batter too wet.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In the same bowl, add the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Stir until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Fold in the Zucchini and Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the grated zucchini and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into a lined or greased muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

How to Store and Serve Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

These chocolate zucchini muffins are fantastic fresh out of the oven but also great for storing and meal prep. They make 12 standard-size muffins, perfect for a week of breakfasts or packed lunches.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight or microwave for 20 seconds to reheat.

What to Serve With Chocolate Zucchini Muffins?

A Cup of Coffee

The rich chocolate flavor pairs perfectly with the deep roasted notes of a good cup of coffee.

Greek Yogurt and Berries

For a balanced breakfast, serve a muffin alongside a bowl of tangy Greek yogurt and fresh berries.

Peanut Butter Spread

Slice the muffin in half and smear on peanut butter for an extra protein kick.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm a muffin slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert.

Fresh Fruit Salad

The sweetness of melons, grapes, or citrus complements the rich cocoa flavor.

A Glass of Cold Milk

Sometimes, the classic pairing is the best. Cold milk and warm chocolate muffins are a nostalgic win.

Smoothie

Blend up a banana smoothie or green smoothie and enjoy with your muffin for a morning on the go.

Want More Muffin Ideas with a Healthy Twist?

If these chocolate zucchini muffins made your day, you might love these other muffin recipes from Janet Dishes:

One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins when you want easy cleanup and big flavor.
Cottage Cheese Protein Brownies for a fudgy protein-packed snack.
Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops for a cool treat that still feels healthy.
Classic French Butter Cookies if you’re in the mood for crisp buttery bites.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can find it again whenever the craving hits.

Tell me how your muffins turned out in the comments. Did you add nuts or swap in a different flour? Let’s make this recipe even better together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting snacks and dessert ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite treat.

Conclusion

Chocolate zucchini muffins are proof that a treat can be both indulgent and nourishing. With a rich, moist crumb and just the right amount of sweetness, they’re a recipe you’ll want to keep in rotation all year long. Whether it’s your first time baking with zucchini or your hundredth, this muffin recipe is bound to win hearts.