Heart-shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

There's nothing quite as sweet as a batch of heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven. The combination of rich, melty chocolate and buttery, golden-brown dough makes every bite irresistibly delicious. And when they're cut into charming heart shapes, they become the perfect homemade treat for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, or just a special way to say "I love you."

I remember baking these cookies with my grandmother, pressing the dough with heart-shaped cutters and sneaking extra chocolate chips into the mix. It became a family tradition, filling our kitchen with the comforting aroma of vanilla and warm chocolate. Now, I make them whenever I want to spread a little love.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite homemade cookie recipe. These heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies are everything you want in a sweet treat—delicious, festive, and easy to make!

First off, they’re incredibly soft and chewy. The perfect ratio of brown sugar to butter ensures a tender texture that stays fresh for days.

They're fun to make and decorate! Whether you're baking with kids or making a romantic treat, these cookies are perfect for getting creative with sprinkles, icing, or even dipping in chocolate.

Plus, they hold their shape beautifully. Unlike some cookie doughs that spread too much, this one is designed for cut-out shapes, meaning your hearts will stay crisp and defined after baking.

Finally, they’re a crowd-pleaser. Who doesn’t love a classic chocolate chip cookie? These are sure to be a hit at parties, school events, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies comes from using high-quality ingredients and a few key baking techniques. Here’s what you need to know:

Butter is the foundation of a great cookie. Use unsalted butter for better control over the salt content. Let it soften at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, even dough.

Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness. I prefer using more brown sugar than white sugar because it gives the cookies a rich caramel flavor and a perfectly soft texture.

All-purpose flour keeps the cookies sturdy. Since we're rolling and cutting out shapes, a little extra flour helps the dough maintain structure while still baking up tender.

Cornstarch is the secret to soft cookies. Just a small amount helps keep the texture light while preventing the dough from spreading too much.

Mini chocolate chips work best! Instead of regular-sized chips, I love using mini chocolate chips. They distribute evenly throughout the dough, making sure every bite is packed with chocolate.

For special occasions, consider using a heart-shaped cookie cutter to give these treats their signature look. A rolling pin and parchment paper will also come in handy to roll out the dough without sticking.

How To Make These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies

Making these adorable cookies is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of bakery-worthy treats in no time.

Start by creaming together the butter and sugars. Use an electric mixer to beat them until light and fluffy—this step incorporates air, giving the cookies a soft texture. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Now, fold in the mini chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly so every cookie gets a perfect amount of chocolate in each bite.

Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This helps firm up the butter, ensuring the cookies hold their heart shape when baking.

Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out your cookies, then place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, just until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage Options

If you somehow have leftovers, don’t worry—these cookies store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For extra softness, add a slice of bread to the container; it helps retain moisture.

You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.

Want to prepare the dough in advance? Freeze the unbaked cut-out hearts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of these cookies is how easily they can be customized! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

Love white chocolate? Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips and add a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist.

Make them extra decadent by dipping half of each heart in melted chocolate and sprinkling with sea salt or crushed nuts.

For a fun holiday variation, stir in some festive sprinkles or tint the dough pink with a few drops of food coloring.

Need a gluten-free option? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.

No eggs? Substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for a slightly softer, but still delicious, cookie.

Ready to Bake Some Love?

Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to whip up a batch of these heart-shaped chocolate chip cookies! Whether you're sharing them with loved ones or treating yourself, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. Let me know in the comments how yours turn out!

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