This study describes, the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanostructures using ascorbic acid as a growth directing agent by the hydrothermal method. Ascorbic acid is used for the first time for the synthesis of cobalt oxide nanostructures and a unique morphology is prepared in the present study. The cobalt oxide nanostructures were characterized by scanning electron microcopy, x-ray diffraction, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. These analytical techniques demonstrated well defined morphology, good crystalline quality, and high purity of as prepared cobalt oxide nanostructures. The glassy carbon electrode was modified with cobalt oxide nanostructures for the development of a sensitive and selective electrochemical hydrazine sensor. The developed hydrazine sensor exhibits a linear range of 2–24 μM. The sensitivity and limit of detection of presented hydrazine sensors are 12,734 μA/mM/cm² and 0.1 μM respectively. The developed hydrazine sensor is highly selective, stable, and reproducible. The proposed sensor is successfully applied for the detection of hydrazine from different water samples. The present study provides the development of an alternative tool for the reliable monitoring of hydrazine from environmental and biological samples.