Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There's something extra special about heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies—they’re the perfect blend of crispy edges, soft centers, and gooey chocolate in every bite. Whether you're making them for Valentine's Day, an anniversary, or just because, these cookies add a little extra love to every occasion.

this Recipe

I first made these when I wanted to surprise my family with something sweet but unique. Instead of traditional round cookies, I used a heart-shaped cutter, and the result was pure magic! Now, they’ve become a go-to for birthdays, holidays, and just-because treats.

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 just as delicious as they are adorable.

First, they’re soft and chewy on the inside with a slightly crisp edge. The perfect balance of textures makes them irresistible.

Second, they hold their shape beautifully! Some cookie doughs spread too much in the oven, but this recipe is designed to keep that cute heart shape intact.

You can also customize them easily. Want extra chocolate? Add more chips. Prefer a hint of caramel flavor? Swap some sugar for brown sugar.

And best of all, they’re fun to make! Whether you're baking with kids or preparing a romantic treat, shaping and decorating these cookies makes the experience even sweeter.

Ingredients Notes

The key to these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies is simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a role in achieving that perfect cookie texture.

All-purpose flour is the base of this recipe. Be sure to measure it correctly using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dry dough.

Unsalted butter gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor. If you only have salted butter, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.

Brown sugar and granulated sugar create the perfect balance of sweetness and chewiness. The brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel-like depth to the cookies.

Egg and vanilla extract bring everything together. The egg adds structure, while vanilla enhances the warm, comforting flavor.

Chocolate chips are the star of the show! Use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic taste, or try milk chocolate for extra sweetness.

You'll also need a heart-shaped cookie cutter to get the perfect shape. If you don’t have one, you can make a template out of parchment paper and cut the dough by hand.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these cookies is simple, but a few tricks will help them turn out perfect every time.

Start by creaming the butter and sugars together in a large bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat until light and fluffy—this step helps create that soft, chewy texture.

Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is incorporated evenly.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies tough.

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Now, it’s time to roll out the dough! Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use your heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Chill the cut-out cookies in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape in the oven.

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 to a wire rack.

Storage Options

These heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies store beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time.

For room temperature storage, keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container helps maintain their softness.

If you want to freeze them, place the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

For make-ahead dough, roll out the dough, cut out the hearts, and freeze the shapes on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag and bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about these cookies is how versatile they are! Here are some fun ways to switch things up.

Chocolate lovers can swap half the chocolate chips for mini chocolate chunks or chopped dark chocolate for even more gooey goodness.

For a festive touch, add red, pink, or white sprinkles on top before baking. This is especially fun for Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

Want a flavor twist? Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

For a healthier alternative, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds a nutty flavor and a bit of extra fiber.

If you're making these for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily swap in a gluten-free flour blend or use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips.

No matter how you make them, these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to be a hit. Bake a batch, share them with loved ones, and enjoy every delicious, chocolatey bite!

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