There’s something undeniably charming about heart-shaped treats, and these chocolate chip cookies take that charm to the next level. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, or simply want to show someone you care, these Easy Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect sweet gesture.
What makes these cookies special isn’t just their adorable shape, but also their perfect texture—crisp edges with soft, chewy centers loaded with melty chocolate chips. The best part? They’re just as easy to make as regular chocolate chip cookies, with just a simple shaping technique that transforms them into little edible love notes.
Why You’ll Love This
- No special cookie cutters needed—these hearts are shaped by hand!
- Classic chocolate chip cookie flavor that everyone adores
- Perfect activity to do with kids for holidays or special occasions
- Quick 45-minute process from mixing to enjoying
- Makes a thoughtful homemade gift that’s sure to impress
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop 2 tablespoon portions onto sheet. Bake 9-11 minutes.
- Cut into hearts immediately after baking. Cool completely on wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- For more defined hearts, chill the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
- Try using different chocolate chip varieties—dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a mix of all three.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
- For Valentine’s Day, use red and pink M&Ms instead of chocolate chips.
- If your hearts are losing shape while baking, make the dough a bit firmer by adding an extra 2-3 tablespoons of flour to the mix.
- Make the cookies ahead and freeze the shaped dough for up to 3 months—bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these heart-shaped cookies on a pretty platter alongside glasses of cold milk for a classic pairing that never disappoints. For a more festive presentation, arrange them in a circle on a cake stand and place a small bowl of fresh strawberries or raspberries in the center.
These cookies also make for a delightful ice cream sandwich—simply place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies and gently press together for a love-themed dessert that’s sure to impress!
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underbaked—they’ll continue cooking as they cool.
- For perfectly shaped hearts, make sure your dough isn’t too warm when shaping. If it feels sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes first.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Shape the hearts just before baking.
Why did my hearts lose their shape during baking?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or contains too much butter. Try chilling the shaped cookies for 15 minutes before baking or adding a bit more flour to the dough.
Can I use cookie cutters instead of shaping by hand?
Absolutely! If you have heart-shaped cookie cutters, you can roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut out shapes instead of hand-shaping them.
Are these cookies soft or crispy?
These cookies have the best of both worlds—crisp edges with soft, chewy centers. For crispier cookies, bake 1-2 minutes longer. For softer cookies, reduce baking time by 1-2 minutes.
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