Name: Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-490150H37M24S
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips; Optional: mini chocolate chips or heart-shaped sprinkles for decorating

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Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a sweet and playful twist on the classic favorite. Soft, chewy, and loaded with melty chocolate chips, these cookies are cut into adorable heart shapes—perfect for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any time I want to show a little love through baking. They’re simple to make and bring a charming touch to a beloved treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. The dough is easy to roll out and cut with heart-shaped cookie cutters, and they hold their shape beautifully in the oven. I can decorate them or leave them rustic and simple. They make sweet gifts or festive desserts that are sure to impress, and I always enjoy how they combine the nostalgia of chocolate chip cookies with a special presentation.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter, softened
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Chocolate chips
Optional: mini chocolate chips or heart-shaped sprinkles for decorating

Directions

I cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
I add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
I gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
I fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
I chill the dough for at least 1 hour so it’s easier to roll and cut.
Once chilled, I roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, I cut out cookies and place them on a lined baking sheet.
I bake them in a preheated oven until the edges are just golden, then let them cool on the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a rack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes around 24 medium-sized heart-shaped cookies. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare the dough, 1 hour to chill, and 10–12 minutes per batch to bake. Total time is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, depending on how many trays I bake.

Variations

Sometimes I use mini chocolate chips for a more even texture, or mix in white chocolate chips for contrast. I also like to drizzle melted chocolate over the top once they’ve cooled, or press in a few sprinkles before baking for extra color. For a deeper flavor, I occasionally brown the butter before mixing it into the dough.

storage/reheating

I store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them soft, I sometimes place a slice of bread in the container. They freeze well too—I just stack them between sheets of parchment in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes or pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought dough for this recipe?

Yes, but homemade dough holds its shape better for cut-out cookies. I prefer to make the dough from scratch for the best texture and flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling helps the dough firm up, which makes it easier to roll and helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.

How do I keep the heart shapes from spreading?

I avoid overmixing the dough and make sure it’s well chilled before cutting and baking. A cold dough holds its shape much better.

Can I decorate these cookies?

Definitely. I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate, add sprinkles, or even ice them with royal icing for special occasions.

What size cookie cutter should I use?

I usually go for a medium-sized heart cutter, about 3 inches wide, but any size works depending on how many cookies I want.

Conclusion

Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fun and heartfelt way to enjoy a classic treat. I love how they blend the comfort of traditional chocolate chip cookies with a cute and festive shape. Whether I’m baking for someone special or just treating myself, these cookies always bring a little extra joy to the moment.