Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There's something undeniably special about homemade Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies. The rich, buttery dough, the gooey chocolate chips, and the crisp edges make for an irresistible treat. But when you shape them into hearts, they become even more meaningful—a perfect way to show love, whether for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just because.

this Recipe

I first made these cookies for a surprise dessert night with my family. The look on their faces when they saw the adorable heart shapes was priceless. Now, these cookies have become a tradition, baked with love and shared with those closest to me.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade treat! These cookies are not just delicious but also incredibly fun to make.

First, they're easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a rolling pin, a heart-shaped cookie cutter, and basic baking ingredients.

They’re also perfect for special occasions. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a birthday, or a romantic date night, these cookies add a special touch to any celebration.

Plus, the soft, chewy texture combined with the melty chocolate chips makes them absolutely irresistible. If you love classic chocolate chip cookies, this heart-shaped version will be your new favorite.

Finally, this recipe is great for making memories. Whether you're baking with kids, a partner, or friends, shaping the dough into hearts adds a fun, creative element to your kitchen time.

Ingredients Notes

The secret to these delightful cookies lies in quality ingredients. Let’s break down the key components that make these cookies so delicious.

Butter is the foundation of a great cookie. I prefer using unsalted butter, so I can control the salt level in the recipe. Be sure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor, while the granulated sugar helps with crisp edges.

All-purpose flour provides structure. If you want a slightly denser cookie, you can substitute part of the flour with bread flour for an even chewier texture.

Chocolate chips are, of course, the star of the show! Use semi-sweet for a classic flavor, or experiment with milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips for variety.

Finally, a touch of vanilla extract and salt enhances the overall flavor, while baking soda ensures a nice rise and soft texture.

How To Make Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Creating these adorable cookies is simple and fun. Let’s go step by step to ensure perfect results.

Start by creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a soft and tender cookie. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results.

Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Now, fold in the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix—just enough so the chips are evenly distributed.

For heart shapes, roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Chill the cut-out dough in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. This helps them maintain their heart shape while baking.

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Options

If you manage to have leftovers, these cookies store beautifully!

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their chewiness, add a slice of bread to the container—it helps keep moisture in.

For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

You can also freeze the cookie dough. Shape it into hearts, place on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and bake fresh cookies whenever you like—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:

If you want a double chocolate version, replace ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey dough.

For a nutty twist, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a delicious crunch and pair beautifully with chocolate chips.

Prefer a sugar-free option? Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener and opt for sugar-free chocolate chips.

You can also make these cookies vegan by using plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and dairy-free chocolate chips.

No heart-shaped cutter? No problem! Roll the dough into balls and shape them by hand or use a knife to cut heart shapes after rolling out the dough.

Ready to Bake?

These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun, delicious way to spread love. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to bring smiles. So grab your ingredients and start baking—your heart (and taste buds) will thank you!

Print