Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There's something extra special about baking cookies in the shape of a heart. Whether it's for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just a sweet surprise for someone you love, these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies bring joy in every bite. With crisp edges, a chewy center, and melty chocolate chips throughout, they’re as delicious as they are adorable.

I first made these cookies as a last-minute treat for a friend’s engagement party, and they were an instant hit. The classic chocolate chip flavor paired with their charming shape made them irresistible. Now, they’ve become a go-to recipe whenever I want to add a little extra love to my baking.

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

These cookies aren’t just cute—they’re incredibly tasty and easy to make, too!

First, they have the perfect texture. The balance of crisp edges and a soft, chewy center makes each bite an absolute delight.

They’re also simple to prepare. You don’t need any special baking skills—just a good cookie dough recipe and a heart-shaped cutter.

Another reason to love them? They’re perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a fun baking day, these cookies always bring smiles.

Finally, you can customize them easily. Add nuts, swap the chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate, or even decorate them with icing for an extra festive touch.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simple yet high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you need to know:

Butter is the key to a rich, flavorful cookie. I recommend using unsalted butter, so you have better control over the salt content. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the perfect texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight chewiness, while granulated sugar helps with crisp edges.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor and brings out the richness of the chocolate and butter. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

Chocolate chips are, of course, essential! I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips for a balanced sweetness, but you can mix in dark or milk chocolate for variety.

A good all-purpose flour ensures structure, while baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly for that soft, chewy bite.

If you have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, it will make shaping these cookies easy. If not, you can shape them by hand—just roll the dough into a ball, flatten it slightly, and pinch the bottom to form a heart.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is easier than you think! Here’s how:

Start by creaming together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend them until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time. Beat until well incorporated. This step ensures a smooth and cohesive dough.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.

Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. For an extra chocolatey touch, you can add a mix of mini and regular chocolate chips for variety in texture.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape better when baked.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look slightly soft. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These cookies store well, making them great for gifting or preparing in advance!

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you like softer cookies, place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

You can also freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Shape it into hearts, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these cookies is their versatility. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Want a nutty twist? Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for a delightful crunch.

Try different chocolate! White chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even peanut butter chips can add a whole new dimension of flavor.

For a festive touch, decorate them with royal icing or dip one side in melted chocolate and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or sprinkles.

Make them gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

If you love a little extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the dough for a warm, rich taste.

No matter how you customize them, these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet way to share love in every bite!

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