Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies – So Easy & Cute! 30 Minutes)

The Cookie That Says “I Love You” in Every Bite

Is there any dessert more universally beloved than a perfect chocolate chip cookie? Now, imagine that classic, buttery, chocolate-studded joy transformed into the sweetest symbol of affection. These Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a homemade hug, a fun baking project, and the most delicious way to show someone you care. This recipe delivers a bakery-style cookie that’s soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges, packed with pools of melted chocolate, and baked into the most adorable heart shapes. They’re surprisingly simple to make, requiring no special skills—just a heart-shaped cutter and a lot of love. Whether you’re baking for a classroom party, a romantic date night, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to win hearts.

Why This Recipe is Your New Go-To Valentine’s Treat

• Classic Flavor, Adorable Shape: Everyone loves chocolate chip cookies. Shaping them into hearts instantly makes them special for Valentine’s Day without changing the perfect, familiar taste.
• Fun for Bakers of All Ages: This is a fantastic recipe to make with kids or a partner. Rolling out the dough and cutting the shapes is a joyful, memorable activity.
• The Ultimate Thoughtful Gift: A cellophane bag of these homemade heart cookies, tied with a ribbon, is a personal and heartfelt gift that far surpasses anything store-bought.
• Soft & Chewy Perfection: The recipe is carefully crafted to ensure a soft, tender bite with just the right amount of chewiness—never cakey or crunchy.
• Foolproof & Reliable: With clear instructions and common ingredients, this recipe guarantees delicious, picture-perfect cookies every time.

Gathering Your Simple, Sweet Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (165g) packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of milk and dark)
• Optional for decoration: Coarse sugar, sprinkles, or melted chocolate for drizzling

Smart Swaps & Tips: Using light brown sugar is key for that soft, chewy texture and caramel-like flavor. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, for the right cookie structure. Room temperature eggs incorporate much more smoothly into the dough. For an extra flavor boost, use 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Cookie Happiness

1. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until light, fluffy, and well combined.

2. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Form the Dough: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

5. Chill the Dough (Crucial Step!): Divide the dough in half. Shape each half into a 1-inch thick disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 3 days). This step is essential for preventing the cookies from spreading too much and makes the dough easy to roll and cut.

6. Roll, Cut, and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use a 2-3 inch heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, dipping the cutter in flour as needed to prevent sticking. Place the cut cookies about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Re-roll the scraps and continue cutting.

7. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers will still look soft. Do not overbake. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips & Flavor Variations

• The Chill is Non-Negotiable: Skipping the chill time will result in cookies that spread into blobs instead of holding their heart shape.
• Even Thickness is Key: Rolling the dough to a consistent ¼-inch thickness ensures all your cookies bake evenly.
• Add Some Sparkle: Before baking, brush the cookie tops lightly with milk or a beaten egg white and sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar for a festive, sparkly finish.
• Make them Stuffed! For an over-the-top treat, sandwich two cookies together with a scoop of vanilla icing or peanut butter.
• Different Chips: Use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or M&Ms instead of (or in addition to) chocolate chips.

Serving Suggestions for a Sweet Celebration

Serve these cookies on a pretty plate for a simple dessert. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a mug of hot chocolate. For a Valentine’s dessert board, include them with other treats like our Ultimate Slutty Brownies and fresh fruit. They also make a wonderful gift when packed in a cute box or tin.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay soft!
Freezing: The baked cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. You can also freeze the uncooked, shaped dough on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
Reheating: To recapture that fresh-baked warmth and softness, microwave a cookie for 5-10 seconds.

Your Heart-Shaped Cookie Questions, Answered

My cookies spread and lost their shape. What happened?
The most common cause is dough that wasn’t chilled long enough, or butter that was too warm/soft. Ensure your dough is thoroughly chilled and your baking sheets are cool between batches.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough discs can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days. This actually improves the flavor! You can also freeze the dough discs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts with the cookie cutter?
Make sure your dough is cold and firm. Dip the heart-shaped cutter in flour before each cut to prevent sticking. Press down firmly and cleanly, then lift straight up.

How do I prevent the cookies from browning too much on the bottom?
Using light-colored aluminum baking sheets lined with parchment paper is the best defense. Dark sheets absorb more heat and can cause over-browning.

Can I make these without a heart-shaped cutter?
Yes! You can simply scoop and roll the dough into balls, then gently press down to flatten slightly before baking for classic round cookies. For a Valentine’s touch, press a chocolate chip or a red M&M into the center of each dough ball before baking.

More Incredible Homemade Treats You’ll Love

If you love baking special treats, you’ll adore our other recipes. For another fun, shaped cookie, try our Easy Homemade Pretzel Bites. For a decadent chocolate dessert, our Fudgy Brownie Cookies are a must. And for a festive breakfast, our Bagel Fruit Pizzas are always a hit.

Inspired by the Joy of Shaped Cookies

This recipe takes the timeless comfort of a chocolate chip cookie and adds a layer of playful charm by shaping it for a holiday. It’s inspired by the Baked and Bacon Blog, showing that with a little extra effort, you can turn an everyday favorite into a memorable celebration.

Pin This Adorable Valentine’s Idea!

Don’t let this foolproof, heart-winning recipe get lost! Click the Pinterest save button to keep these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies on your “Valentine’s Day Ideas” or “Baking with Kids” board. When you make them, share your beautiful creation with us by tagging @theseasonrecipe on Instagram. For more show-stopping dessert recipes, browse our full collection of cookies and holiday baking recipes!