Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There's something extra special about heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies—whether you're baking them for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just to show someone you care. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with gooey chocolate chips, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

I first made these for a close friend’s birthday, hoping to add a little extra love to the celebration. The moment she saw the heart shapes, her face lit up—and after one bite, she was hooked. Now, they’ve become my go-to recipe whenever I want to spread some sweetness.

Why You'll Love These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie recipe. These heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are not just delicious—they're fun to make and perfect for sharing.

First, they have the perfect soft and chewy texture. With slightly crisp edges and a gooey center, these cookies will melt in your mouth with every bite.

They're also incredibly easy to make. No need for complicated steps—just a simple cookie dough that comes together in minutes. Plus, using a heart-shaped cookie cutter makes shaping them effortless.

Want to make them extra special? They’re fully customizable! Add sprinkles, drizzle with chocolate, or even sandwich two together with a layer of frosting for a decadent treat.

Finally, these cookies are great for any occasion. Whether you’re baking with kids, making a homemade gift, or just treating yourself, these heart-shaped cookies are always a hit.

Ingredients Notes

This recipe uses simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the perfect cookie texture and flavor.

Butter is the secret to a rich, flavorful cookie. Using softened unsalted butter ensures the perfect balance, while a mix of white and brown sugar creates the ideal chewy texture.

Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like flavor and helps keep the cookies moist. If you prefer a deeper molasses taste, use dark brown sugar instead of light.

Eggs provide structure and moisture. For best results, use room-temperature eggs—they mix better into the dough and help create a uniform texture.

Chocolate chips bring all the deliciousness! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but you can swap them for dark, milk, or even white chocolate for a unique twist.

You’ll also need a heart-shaped cookie cutter to get that perfect shape. If you don’t have one, you can carefully shape the dough by hand or use a stencil as a guide.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps for perfect results.

Start by creaming together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a soft cookie texture, so mix for at least 2-3 minutes.

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined. The vanilla enhances the flavor, making these cookies even more irresistible.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tougher cookies.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring even distribution. Once the dough is ready, chill it for at least 30 minutes—this helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Roll out the chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness, then cut out heart shapes using your cookie cutter. Carefully transfer the cookies onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These heart-shaped cookies store beautifully, so you can enjoy them for days!

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days—but they’re so delicious, they probably won’t last that long!

If you want to save some for later, freeze the cookie dough before baking. Roll out the dough, cut out heart shapes, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Baked cookies can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

Variations and Substitutions

These cookies are incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative!

For a healthier version, swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Want to make them even more festive? Add colorful sprinkles to the dough or press a few extra chocolate chips on top before baking. A drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate after baking also makes them extra special.

For a fun flavor twist, try using peanut butter chips, caramel chips, or even chopped nuts in place of chocolate chips. A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder in the dough can also enhance the flavor.

If you love filled cookies, turn these into sandwich cookies! Spread a layer of chocolate ganache, Nutella, or peanut butter between two cookies for a decadent treat.

No matter how you make them, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite. Enjoy baking and sharing them with the people you love!

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