Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, buttery cookies filled with melty chocolate chips and shaped into adorable hearts. They’re perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, baby showers, or anytime you want to bake something sweet and meaningful. These cookies keep the classic chocolate chip flavor everyone loves, with a fun and festive twist that makes them extra special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cookies are easy to make with simple ingredients and no complicated techniques. The dough is soft and forgiving, making it perfect for cutting into heart shapes without spreading too much. They bake up tender on the inside, lightly golden on the edges, and loaded with chocolate in every bite. They’re great for gifting, parties, or baking with kids.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks
Optional Toppings
- Extra chocolate chips pressed on top
- Pink or red sprinkles
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until a soft dough forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough and chill for 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their heart shape while baking.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Press a few extra chocolate chips into the tops and sprinkle with decorations if desired.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are just set.
Step 8: Cool
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Notes
- Chilling the dough is important for clean shapes
- Do not overbake to keep cookies soft
- Flour the cutter to prevent sticking
- Re-roll scraps gently to avoid tough cookies
- Use parchment for even baking
Variations
- Use mini chocolate chips for more even chocolate distribution
- Swap chocolate chips for chunks or heart-shaped chocolates
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth
- Dip half the cookie in melted chocolate
- Drizzle with white or pink chocolate
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on Valentine dessert platters
- Package in gift boxes or bags
- Pair with milk or hot cocoa
- Add to cookie exchange trays
- Serve with ice cream for dessert
Tips
- Measure flour correctly for soft cookies
- Use room temperature butter
- Press toppings in gently
- Store in airtight containers
- Cookies stay soft for several days
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
Approx. 180 calories
9g fat
23g carbohydrates
2g protein
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
Why did my cookies spread?
The dough may not have been chilled enough.
Can I make these without a cookie cutter?
Yes, you can shape hearts by hand.
Do these stay soft?
Yes, especially when stored properly.
Conclusion
Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a simple way to turn a classic favorite into something festive and heartfelt. They’re soft, chocolatey, easy to decorate, and perfect for sharing with people you love. This recipe is reliable, beginner-friendly, and guaranteed to be a hit for Valentine’s Day and beyond.